| ID | 134592 |
| Title Proper | Globalizing Jihad |
| Other Title Information | North Caucasians in the Syrian civil war |
| Language | ENG |
| Author | Souleimanov, Emil A |
| Summary / Abstract (Note) | From its onset in 2011, the civil war in Syria has attracted foreign fighters from all over the world. Since around 2012, volunteers of North Caucasian origin, including Chechens, Dagestanis, Ingush and others have been at the forefront of international mujahedeen — a force of true believers of distinct backgrounds who have joined the war to advance what they consider to be the cause of Islam. When word spread of North Caucasians’ participation in the civil war, some praised their performance in combat, while others pointed to their excessive use of violence against civilians, a practice that has alienated thousands of ordinary Syrians. Like other mujahedeen groups engaged in the war, North Caucasian jihadists have experienced internal splits that have led to bloody infighting. According to some estimates, the North Caucasus has contributed the second-largest group of foreign fighters, following non-Syrian Arabs — a disproportionately high number relative to their demographics. As a result, what these fighters do and where they go after Syria represents a major security concern. If allowed to return to their homeland, North Caucasian jihadists — a committed and experienced force of hundreds of fighters with extensive contacts with jihadists worldwide — may pose an enormous threat to Russia's internal security. |
| `In' analytical Note | Middle East Policy Vol.21, No.3; Fal.2014: p.154-162 |
| Journal Source | Middle East Policy Vol: 21 No 3 |
| Standard Number | Foreign Policy |