Profile of a Terrorist Group - Essay Example

In the past, specifically during World War II, Chechens were forcibly removed from the region by the then Soviet leader Stalin. He accused them of cooperating with Germany’s Nazi regime, and this led to the death of tens of thousands, as many more fled for their lives. They only came back after Stalin’s death (Crenshaw, 2010). Terrorist category It is the belief of many that this group of extremists is a separatist movement, forged on ethnic lines. The minority Muslim community, that has been a part of the mountainous region in Russia, believes it is their right to lead themselves, and be free from Russia’s rule.

After the Soviet collapse, there was the creation of Russian Federation Republic of Chechnya. It advocated for the independence of Chechnya through a movement famously known as Chechen All-National Congress, which made it impossible for the Russian government to take control of the region (Schaefer, 2010). In a war that lasted two years (1994-1996), this group fought the Russian government. Failure by the government to take control of the terrain led to the region being accorded de facto independence.

In 1996, Russia called for a ceasefire, which prompted leaders of the separatist movement to sign a peace treaty that took effect the following year. Chechen militants had led the fight for emancipation, which allowed local movements to also plea their causes for separation from the Russian law. Militants engaged Russian authorities as they helped these local movements make a stand against the government, which led to the Second Chechen War (Tiersky & Jones, 2007). Goals of the group The goals/aims of the group were to create an independent state from Russian government/law, which would make them autonomous in their decision making and livelihood.

Their means of achieving this autonomy came at a price as many Chechens died in the first and second wars, leaving tons more displaced. Emancipation being the central reason for their movement, they have led attacks into Russia and other areas, which they feel that need to be emancipated from Russia’s laws. This group’s goals and aims have seen this group receive de facto independence for a short period, but this may not be the lasting solution the group is demanding (Schaefer, 2010). Support the group receives The media portrays the groups’ efforts without any bias.

However, as with any war, there are some sympathizers. This is what propels the group to become relentless in their quest. Once the media relays different messages from the group to the public about its demands, wishes, and desires, it is next to impossible to predict the response that they may receive. Opponents and the government think that this is a means to attain the attention of the public to seek support in the group’s fruitless quest, which is to alienate their region from the rest of Russia.

To most, this is a treacherous attempt that should be erased from the group’s minds. Sympathizers, mostly from the Muslim ethnic minority group think that calls for separation are long overdue, and that their actions are justified (Tiersky & Jones, 2010). The leadership, funding and capabilities of the group It is crucial for such a movement to have a stable and constant leadership figure. Since the group’s inception, four known leaders have led the separatist movement. The first was Khasan Israilov, followed by Samil Basayev, and the latest victim who died under mysterious circumstances was Abu Hafs as-Urdani. July