Russia: Thoughts on the Moscow Airport Bombing

Some notes on Monday's bombing at Moscow's largest airport, Domodedovo, which killed 35 people....

First, the lack of security measures is significant. Despite the efforts of airport security and the national intelligence agency, terrorists were able to strike relatively easily and with low cost to themselves. President Dmitry Medvedev has tried to portray the issue as the negligence of some airport officials, but the problem should be considered in the larger frame of tensions with nationalist and religious radicals. "Security reform" in 2009 led to the firing of 12 Generals; it may occur again, but it is unlikely to prevent further deadly incidents.

Terrorism Weekly: The Lessons of the Moscow Airport Attack

Second, the identities and aims of the attackers have to be appreciated. Although the authorities could not find who carried out the attack, the Chechnya and North Caucasus issues, little-noticed in recent months outside Russia, come back to the fore. Alexander Nekrassov, a former Kremlin advisor, added another element by noting that the style of the suicide bombing can be asssociated with religious radicals. Academic specialist Martin McCauley agreed, but he also noted the social and economic inequality between Russia and the North Caucasus area, particularly North Ossetia and Chechnya, with educational problems, unemployment, and the lack of significant investment.

So, how can Russia react? President Medvedev said the “terrorists” will be punished as soon as possible, but to prevent further attacks Moscow may have to elevate military options. Considering the past experience with this approach, such a strategy may lead to further conflicts between Russia, Chechnya, and other North Caucasian regions.

And beyond Russia, how will other countries --- such as a US Government which has ruled out open use of the term "War on Terror" --- react?