Ukraine Turns Violent amidst Terrorist Threats to Olympics

Linkages exist between the ongoing, peaceful-turned violent demonstrations in the Ukraine and the Chechen threats to the Olympics. Although nominally independent, the Ukraine is really living under a Soviet style leader and government. Yearning for closer ties to Europe rather than Russia, the Ukrainians elected President Viktor Yanukovich on his promise to let the Ukraine join the EU. However, Yanukovich broke that promise and allied with Putin. The new, illegally imposed bans on free assembly is the match that lit the final straw.

Unlike the Ukraine, the Muslim republics of the Northern Caucasus still belong to Russia. The Chechen-Dagestan struggle for independence has assumed the mantel of Islamic terrorism with the objective of creating an Islamic state. This would be a training ground for terrorists as has happened to parts of Syria, Iraq, Libya and Afghanistan. Another problem for Russia is the spread of Islamist and separatist aspirations from the Northern Caucasus mountains to other Muslim republics in the Russian heartland.

When the first terrorist attack occurred in Volgograd a few months ago, we called it a “game-changer.” We warned there would be more terrorism with particular aim at the Olympics. We were right. Two more attacks have since occurred in Volgograd with its crucial train station that goes to Sochi. There have been new attacks in Dagestan. Despite their initial reluctance, it appears that the Russians have finally begun to realize they must, for their own sake, cooperate more closely with the U.S. on security issues. Thus, thus they are admitting FBI agents and another small force to the Olympics. If they have not done so already, the Russians should also ask cooperation from Israel. There is already an understanding between Russia and Israel over Islamist, terrorist threats.

The dual crises, however, presents both challenges as well as opportunities to America. The Russians normally don´t like to deal with two crises at the same time. This opens the way for Secretary of State John Kerry to offer some creative diplomacy aimed at assisting the Ukrainian people. There are other forms of multi-lateral, economic partnerships besides Russia´s Customs Union. With a little “new thinking”, one can even visualize a greater, economic concept of Europe including Russia. Besides joining Senators John McCain ® and Chris Murphy (D) in declaring U.S. support for the Ukrainian people, he should get Putin´s help in making Yanukovich rescind the ban on free assembly.

Meanwhile, the U.S. should make it clear to Putin that thousands of Americans will be attending the Olympics and their lives are also endangered. A Chechen, terrorist video warns of a “present” for the Olympics and attendees. Significantly, there is rumor of a bomb which does not contain detectable metallic devices.

The terrorist threat in Sochi can be an opportunity for a more intense and cooperative cooperation between Russia and the U.S. in fighting terrorism worldwide.