
Putin's Focus on the West May Have Distracted from Growing Islamist Threat
Putin's focus on the West overlooks the true threat: Islamist terrorism, as demonstrated by an attack in Moscow. He should prioritize combating it.

In recent years, the threat of Islamist terrorism has become increasingly apparent in Russia. The deadly attack on a Moscow concert hall by an offshoot of Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (Isil) serves as a stark reminder that Islamist terrorists pose a significant danger to the country’s security and well-being.
A History of Confrontation
The Kremlin has a long and bloody history of combating Islamist extremism, from Russia’s military campaigns in Chechnya to its more recent intervention in Syria. President Vladimir Putin's deployment of Russian forces to Syria in 2015 aimed to target Islamist militants and eliminate Isil’s self-declared caliphate in Raqqa.
Shifting Priorities
Despite previous efforts to combat Islamist extremism, Putin has now focused on confronting the West, particularly with the ongoing conflict in Ukraine. However, the recent attack on Moscow’s Crocus City concert hall highlights the need to reassess priorities.
The Post-Isil Reality
Following the destruction of Isil’s caliphate in Syria in 2017, there has been a concerning belief that the threat from Islamist militants has diminished. Yet, events such as the withdrawal of US-led coalition forces from Afghanistan in 2021 and subsequent reports linking the concert hall attackers to Afghanistan demonstrate the persistent danger posed by Islamist terror networks.
The Taliban’s Resurgence
While many view the Taliban regime in Kabul as relatively benign, Western intelligence contradicts this perception, deeming Afghanistan a renewed safe haven for Islamist terror networks. Furthermore, the 2021 withdrawal led to the destruction of the West’s intelligence-gathering network in Afghanistan, hindering the ability to counter the Islamist threat.
A Call for International Action
Given the escalating capacity of terrorist organizations and the persistent threat of Islamist-inspired terrorism, there is a pressing need for international collaboration to address this modern menace. Instead of intensifying confrontation with the West, Putin should redirect efforts towards a united global initiative to combat Islamist terrorism, particularly through engagement at the UN.
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