First Egypt, then Libya, then … the Caucasus?

Russian leaders continue their bizarre reactions to events in North Africa.

First, we had Putin confidante Igor Sechin blaming the Egyptian uprising on manipulation from Google. Then, in uncharacteristic remarks, Medvedev also blamed the unrest on outside forces, who he said had also attempted to upend the Russian state.

Now, we have Russia’s head honcho Vladimir Putin weighing in on events. Speaking during a visit to Brussels yesterday, he said: “We are concerned that radical groups will come to power or be strengthened, despite soothing reports that this is unlikely.” Fair enough. But then he went one step further: The strengthening of these radical movements, he said, “will affect other parts of the world, including the North Caucasus.”

The radical Islamist groups operating in Russia’s volatile south do not have widespread support among Russians, or even the wider, mainly Muslim, population of the North Caucasus, despite the rampant human rights abuses they continually experience. So it’s strange that Russia’s leaders are focusing their comments on that part of the world. It sounds awfully like a game Russia has long been playing: we are battling al-Qaeda-linked groups down there, just like you, O Western world, so keep your comments to yourself. Blaming the unrest in Egypt and Libya on outside forces allows it to keep doing that.

Speaking of the Caucasus, anyone interested in the region should be following this wonderful series in Foreign Policy. Tom Parfitt is spending a month making his way around the region’s republics, exploring the roots of terror and Russia’s reaction to it. Today’s installment is particularly powerful.