In a recent incident that has sent shockwaves through the international community, an airport in the predominantly Muslim Dagestan region of Russia witnessed chaos and violence as a group of rioters stormed the premises, purportedly to confront Jewish passengers arriving from Tel Aviv. The events have raised concerns about rising tensions and accusations between Russia, the West, and Ukraine.
International Condemnation:
The United States swiftly condemned the events, with a State Department spokesperson describing them as resembling a “pogrom.” Such language underscores the gravity of the situation, as a pogrom historically refers to organized violence against a particular ethnic or religious group.
Blame Game:
Russian President Vladimir Putin did not hold back in accusing the West and Ukraine of instigating the unrest within Russia. He alleged that these rioters were incited through social media channels, claiming that Washington’s agenda is to create global chaos to maintain its dominance and prevent Russia from rising in a new multipolar world.
Divergent Narratives:
In response to Putin’s accusations, Ukraine’s presidential adviser, Mykhailo Podolyak, vehemently denied any involvement in the violence, asserting that Kyiv had no connection to the events. The situation has become even more complex as a senior Russian Rabbi called for a stern response against those who participated in the violence, emphasizing the need for a unified approach to address the issue.
Shocking Scenes:
Videos from the airport in Makhachkala, Dagestan, show a group of mainly young men waving Palestinian flags, breaking glass doors, and running through the airport while shouting “Allahu Akbar” (God is Greatest). Some rioters even attempted to overturn a police patrol truck, and another group surrounded an aircraft that had arrived from Tel Aviv.
Alarming Messages:
What’s even more concerning are the anti-Semitic slogans displayed by the rioters. Some placards carried messages like “There is no place for child killers in Dagestan” and “We are against Jewish refugees.” These messages add a troubling layer to the already chaotic scene.
Putin’s Predicament:
The unrest in Dagestan poses a challenge for President Putin, who is simultaneously involved in the ongoing conflict in Ukraine and is striving to maintain stability within Russia. This unrest comes ahead of an expected presidential election, making it a headache for the Russian leader.
Social Media as a Catalyst:
President Putin’s accusations against the West and Ukraine also bring to the forefront the role of social media in inciting such events. He suggests that shadowy U.S.-backed forces are using sophisticated technologies of psychological and information aggression to destabilize and divide Russia’s multi-ethnic and multi-confessional society.
International Repercussions:
The accusations and unrest have also impacted international relations. Russia’s Federation of Jewish Communities President, Rabbi Alexander Boroda, called for a robust response, emphasizing that such incidents undermine the foundations of the multi-cultural and multi-national state in Russia. Israel, in response, raised its travel warning for Russia’s North Caucasus region to the highest level.
Ongoing Developments:
The situation remains fluid, with various parties presenting differing narratives on the causes and repercussions of the events. While some passengers were questioned about their religion, the circumstances surrounding these incidents remain unclear.
International Concerns:
In addition to the Dagestan incident, several other anti-Semitic incidents have occurred in response to Israel’s war against Hamas militants in Gaza. Russia, which supports a ceasefire in Gaza and a two-state solution, has tried to maintain contact with all sides in the Israel-Hamas conflict, further complicating the situation.
As investigations continue and the world watches closely, the need for a peaceful resolution and international cooperation to prevent further escalations remains paramount.
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Source: Hindustan Times
