Train bombed in Russia

[cegorach]

Cheers !

Sad this. A major terrorist attack, leaving dozens dead.

Yes, this form of terrorism is close to the worst.

Russian authorities now suspect North Caucasian groups.

It is a problem because at least three groups of people could be participating in this attack (the Chechens/muslim militants, the neonazis or even which is most puzzling some local separatists - there was one, most likely fake announcement from the 'freedom fighters' demanding the independence of St.Petersburg...).

The train is an attractive target - ruling elit travells using it from St. Petersburg to Moscow - so called 'pieterscy' - so people brought t the capital with Putin and some of his closest allies and friends.

It means it was an attack against the elite of the Kremlin itself - not only against the rich and prosperous, but also against the Putin system itself and since it succeeded it is a powerful blow.

Or perhaps even a humilation because Putin and company promised security above else and the train should be under special protection.


In reality it wasn't - it could be observed during the rescue operation - shortages of equipment and people, lack of most basic help for a long time. Rather close the the avarage in Russian Federation, but the PUBLIC and the terrorists believed differently.

One thing strikes me: a similar attack on this same train narrowly failed two years ago. It was re-tried and succeeded this time. It reminds of the two efforts to bring down the Twin Towers. (Not two planes, but the failed van with explosives in 1994)

Yes, at that time the terrorists thought much smaller bomb will be enough - this time they were better prepared.




A hallmark of a specific kind terrorism?

Rather the fact the terrorists are learning and the Russian security agencies didn't.




Personally I am worried that once again it means some radical countermove in the Caucasus region.

The authorities will have to react somehow and I'd prefer they 've finally dealt with the worsening condition of the Russian police - the whistle-blowers'' accounts on YourTube and the numerous news about corruption and criminal activities of uniformed services sworn to protect the citizens are pretty horrific.

Perhaps something good will come from this, but during the last several months I became much more pessimistic about it or about any short-term positive changes in Russia in general.



I think it is more probable that the Kremlin will organise some spectacular action against the neo-nazi or something in the Caucasus (Daghestan, Ingushetia... damn the whole region became a warzone...) and another nonsense campaign about western imperialism plus a PR session with Mr.Putin sent to the Moon, diving in the Mariana Trench or saving an orphan from a bloodthirsty mutant bear while Mr. Medvedev will talk about another plan of modernisation and overtaking the USA...

One Russian newspaper already managed to report that the terrorists were funded by... Poland.



P.S. I wonder how much the ORG changed since the last time I've been here.