Canada lost so many men in WWI and WWII because of the German war and greed... USA did not parttake in WWII until Japan...... My Uncles and many Canadians despised the Germans 4 so long... 60,000,000 men, women and children died...... 4 PURE WHITES ONLY...... and it was difficult... because many of us were German/Dutch in Canada..... Uncle Harold always praised Russia's loyalty..... and frankly as a WWII kid growing up dirt poor... as hard as it was.... still remember and appreciate and admire ..... Russia
Germany and USA (2 world wars- now best huggy buddies) just made a huggy deal with Iran- u know Neda- no homosexuals, no union, no other religions BUT THE ONE.... no women.... and Iran loves torture... so on this day... USA.... u put down Russia.... and hug Iran close?????= WE REMEMBER BOSTON- and Sochi is 4 the young men and women who are our finest athletes....
... wash ur own dirty hands b4 u tell Russia 2 wash theirs.... a Bob Marley quote....
-... AND IN CLOSING- the sleezoid media played the same mean games 2 our Canada during our 2010 Winter Olympics.... trashing everything..... and anything... STAY STRONG RUSSIA... 4 OUR YOUTH AND YOURS.... - it's about global Athletes..... and that's what we'll tune in to.... 4get the rest of the sheeeet...
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SOCHI OLYMPICS/PARALYMPICS- Dec31-Jan 2014 -WE REMEMBER BOSTON- All Nation countries band 2gether 2 BRING THE BEST OF THEIR BOMB DOGS AND HUNTERS- who are the world's best at catching the coward Heretic Muslim Monsters- - The Winter Olympics/Paralympics of Sochi, Mother Russia are 4 the global children of this world 2 honour the best of the best of all that is good about our world class athletes.... All nations stepping up.... 4 Sochi.... r kids matter...
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/12/sochi-olympicsparalympics-dec31-jan.html
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BLOG: SOCHI OLYMPICS/PARALYMPICS- Dec31-Jan 2014 - All Nations stand 2gether 4 Sochi and Russia and our beloved global children participating as the world's finest athletes in a 4 year journey -r kids matter- nothing comes between our global athletes and the Winter Olympics/Paralympics 2014 in Sochi, Russia.... God bless our world- BOSTON PROUD
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BLOGGED:
CANADA MILITARY NEWS: SOCHI- Dec 10 -we are told 2 get with the fact- it's about global team spirit of global athletes who have worked 4 years 2 compete with world's best - NOT POLITICS OR INTERVENTIONS- Canada loves lost in beautiful translations... SOCHI, SOCHI, SOCHI- won't apologize 4 Ukraine love but will focus on Athletes- which had been doing mostly.... this is such an exciting time... especially 4 the old Canadians who may NOT get 2 watch another Winter Olympics/Paralympics- updates
http://nova0000scotia.blogspot.ca/2013/12/canada-military-news-sochi-dec-10-we.html
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JANUARY 4 2013- COMMENT: If demonstrators make this about them AND NOT THE ATHLETES... will never 4give them ev-a. A couple billion watching want 2 see the Olympics and Paralympics.... the Games are not about Politics or Interventions says the Olympic board.... We are watching... behave- honour your nations and your athletes... it's about them... imho
Putin backs off blanket ban on Sochi demonstrations during Olympics period
January 4, 2014 - 11:24am JIM HEINTZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1177470-putin-backs-off-blanket-ban-on-sochi-demonstrations-during-olympics-period
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JANUARY 4 2013- COMMENT: If demonstrators make this about them AND NOT THE ATHLETES... will never 4give them ev-a. A couple billion watching want 2 see the Olympics and Paralympics.... the Games are not about Politics or Interventions says the Olympic board.... We are watching... behave- honour your nations and your athletes... it's about them... imho
Putin backs off blanket ban on Sochi demonstrations during Olympics period
January 4, 2014 - 11:24am JIM HEINTZ THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
http://thechronicleherald.ca/sports/1177470-putin-backs-off-blanket-ban-on-sochi-demonstrations-during-olympics-period
Loving the lost in all the translations... like the best of the best movies.... translations will nev-a stop us from watching brilliance...
HEY CANADA- Let's lift Russia for the whole world
HÉ LE CANADA - soulevons la Russie pour le monde entier
ЭЙ КАНАДСКИЙ Давайте снять Россию для целого мира
Sochi 2014- THEME SONG- RUSSIAN LYRICS - so love this video- get used 2 it
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=u1jrlpRCpcE
In order of appearance: Валерия (Valeria), Dima Bilan (Дима Билан), Philip Kirkorov (Филипп Киркоров), Sofia Rotaru (София Ротару), Yuliya Savicheva (Юлия Савичева), Vladimir Presnyakov (Владимир Пресняков), unknown to me male singer, R-n-B group Banda (Банда) consisting of Timati (Тимати), Dominik Joker (Доминик Джокер) & a new member I'm not aware of.
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Our warrior dogs and warrior handlers have saved almost One Million Innocents and Troops.... they are the fiercest weapon and can find any weapon- any bomb- anywhere... and will die 4 the innocents of this world.... AND.... WHEN OUR TROOPS COME HOME... THEY ARE TRAINED 2 HEAL THEM.... how's that 4 something else 2 be proud of - God bless our Nato troops... we love u so much.
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152113041788622&set=a.380095203621.159770.286253458621&type=1&theater
When our troops come home war weary and heart broken souls with the cruel sights of war 4 basic freedom and human dignity- Medric Cousineau and his service dog Thai attend Remembrance Day ceremonies in Halifax’s Grand Parade. Cousineau, a retired member of the Canadian Armed Forces- HEALING WARRIORS HELPING EACH OTHER
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SOCHI! SOCHI! SOCHI! - The world is standing up 4 Sochi Winter Olympics/Paralympics 2014
The 2014 Winter Paralympics, officially known as the XI Paralympic Winter Games, will be held from March 7 to March 16, 2014 in Sochi, Russia
Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics happening Feb 7-23, 2014 in Sochi
SOCHI OLYMPIC / PARALYMPIC SONG- Lost in beautiful translations- so excited...Canada is formally English/French and over 200 cultures and over 400 languages.... this is thrilling... and the video is awesome...
Sochi 2014 theme song
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mKy5KrTg1Io
Uploaded on Jul 5, 2007
The theme song for the 2014 Winter Olympics which are being held in Sochi, Russia. The video features artist such as Dima Bilan and Julia Savicheva.
COMMENT: SOCHI!!! Im in!!
COMMENT: SOCHI! SOCHI! SOCHI!-... get ready Canada.... we're going 2 Sochi Winter Olympics/Paralympics 2014 in the glorious historical Mother Russia.... Hell yeah!... oops... sorry Pope Francis...heck yeah!
Sochi 2014 theme song with English subtitles
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0YSxOyZs7kc
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http://www.sochi2014.com/en/games/
http://www.sochi2014.com/en/funclub/
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SOCHI OLYMPICS/PARALYMPICS- Dec31-Jan 2014 -WE REMEMBER BOSTON- All Nation countries band 2gether 2 BRING THE BEST OF THEIR BOMB DOGS AND HUNTERS- who are the world's best at catching the coward Heretic Muslim Monsters- - The Winter Olympics/Paralympics of Sochi, Mother Russia are 4 the global children of this world 2 honour the best of the best of all that is good about our world class athletes and u will not harm them especially our Muslim kids participating.... All nations stepping up.... 4 Sochi.... r kids matter..
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The suicide blasts in Volgograd signal that it’s time for international players to stop dividing terrorists into “good” and “bad” ones based on geopolitical agenda, and to unite the globe in a battle against the threat, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated.
The suicide blasts in Volgograd signal that it’s time for international players to stop dividing terrorists into “good” and “bad” ones based on geopolitical agenda, and to unite the globe in a battle against the threat, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated.
Volgograd blasts follow same template as US, Syrian, Afghan attacks – Russia
The suicide blasts in Volgograd signal that it’s time for international players to stop dividing terrorists into “good” and “bad” ones based on geopolitical agenda, and to unite the globe in a battle against the threat, Russia’s Foreign Ministry stated.
“A strike, cynically planned on the eve of New Year celebrations, is another attempt by the terrorists to open a domestic ‘front,’ spread panic and chaos, cause interfaith strife and conflicts within the Russian society,” the ministry said in a statement.
The two consecutive suicide attacks in the southern Russian city of Volgograd - which killed more than 30 people on Sunday and Monday - will not see Russia retreating in its “tough and consistent battle against the insidious enemy that knows no boundaries and can only be stopped collectively,” the ministry said.
The ministry stressed that the Volgograd blasts were staged using the same template as recent terror attacks in the US, Syria, Iraq, Libya, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and other countries.
“The position of some politicians and political strategists, who are still trying to divide terrorists as ‘good’ and ‘bad’ ones, depending on current geopolitical aims, is becoming evidently mischievous,” the ministry stressed. “Terrorism is always a crime and the punishment for it must be inevitable.”
Russia has urged the international community to show “united condemnation of terrorism and genuine international solidarity in opposition to it and the ideology of violence and extremism, on which it feeds.”
The Foreign Ministry thanked UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon and other world leaders who sent their condolences and condemned the Volgograd attacks.
“We consider it a confirmation of the determination of the international community to ramp up the war on terrorists in whatever part of the world they may be and no matter what slogans they use to justify their inhuman crimes,” the statement concluded.
Olympic boss sure of ‘safe and secure’ Games in Sochi
International Olympic Committee President Thomas Bach was also among those who expressed condolences following the “despicable” and “cowardly” attacks in Volgograd, AP reported.
Volgograd is located about 650 kilometers northeast of Sochi, which will host the Winter Games on February 7-23, 2014.
Bach stressed that he is not concerned about security at the upcoming Games, stating that he is “certain that everything will be done to ensure the security of the athletes and all the participants of the Olympic Games."
Canada responds to Russian terror attacks
OTTAWA — Canada is stepping up its consular presence in Russia ahead of the Winter Games following a pair of deadly terrorist attacks that have exposed the vulnerability of those travelling to the Sochi Olympics.
QMI Agency has learned that a team of consular experts will be deployed to Sochi for the duration of the Games to provide assistance to Canadians in distress.
Foreign Affairs will also staff a consular office in the Black Sea resort town and will provide support from Ottawa at the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and at the Canadian Embassy in Moscow.
The government will also continue to conduct contingency exercises with federal departments involved in the Olympics to better react to emergencies.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said the bombings in Volgograd were cowardly acts of terrorism and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
WINTER PARALYMPIC 2014 SOCHI MASCOTS
Presentation of the Sochi 2014 Olympic mascots
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TExYCtowUhk
Выбор Талисмана СОЧИ-2014
Белый Медведь (Polar Bear),
Человечек и Снежинка (Man and Snowflake),
Дельфин (Dolphin),
Солнце (Sun),
Дед Мороз (Ded Moroz),
Бурый Медведь (Brown Bear),
Матрёшки (Matryoshki),
Снегирь (Bullfinch),
Леопард (Leopard),
Заяц (Hare).
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TExYCtowUhk
Выбор Талисмана СОЧИ-2014
Белый Медведь (Polar Bear),
Человечек и Снежинка (Man and Snowflake),
Дельфин (Dolphin),
Солнце (Sun),
Дед Мороз (Ded Moroz),
Бурый Медведь (Brown Bear),
Матрёшки (Matryoshki),
Снегирь (Bullfinch),
Леопард (Leopard),
Заяц (Hare).
meet Komak, the new Olympic Team mascot.
These players are loyal 2 the death- they proved it last year with horrid Bettman- it's all about the beautiful game on ice.....
Sidney Crosby and Alex Ovechkin give Shanahan a Bday Cake
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TufNMnJCYzw
COMMENT:
I love seeing two hockey players putting their rivalary behind them for a good cause. Happy birthday Shanny. Haha. I am a pens fan but I have nothing but respect for ovi. They are both very talented players. I just wish people would stop comparing to see which one is better. I'm sorry but you cant compare who the better player is. Each one has their strengths and weaknesses.
New NHL Commercial Road Trip
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cp1DMQ-x33k
comment:
All these guys appeared in the 2007 all star game along with some of those in the young stars game. There are a handful of all stars you didn't see. Of course, every team was involved in that all star game. The team jerseys you didn't see were: Ducks, Thrashers, Avalanche, Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Oilers, Panthers, Kings, Predators, Devils, Islanders, Flyers, Coyotes, Blues, and Maple Leafs
comment:
Telephone: Alex Ovechkin Pillow fight: Jordan and Eric Staal Water balloon drop: Sheldon Souray and Brendan Shanahan Luggage cart race: Dion Phaneuf, Martin Havlat, Patrick Eaves, and Phil Kessel Chocolate on housekeeping cart: Joe Thornton Hallway knee hockey: Justin Williams, Martin St. Louis, Dany Heatley, and Brian Rolston Shaving cream while napping: Roberto Luongo, Ryan Miller, and Marty Turco End: Sidney Crosby
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BOSTON STRONG
N.S. to give $50,000 to Boston children's hospital after bombings
In this file photo a solitary runner heads down the banks of the Charles River in Cambridge, Mass., in front of the Boston skyline. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
Published Tuesday, April 16, 2013 4:58PM ADT
Last Updated Tuesday, April 16, 2013 5:00PM ADT
Last Updated Tuesday, April 16, 2013 5:00PM ADT
News of a deadly terrorist attack in Boston is hitting home in the Maritimes, where connections to the city run deep.
Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter announced today that the provincial government will donate $50,000 to the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in response to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
"When we were in need, Bostonians were there," says Dexter. "There is a border and hundreds of miles between us, but Massachusetts is always close to the hearts of Nova Scotians. We will do everything we can to support our neighbours and friends in their time of need.”
RELATED STORIES
PHOTOS
Nova Scotia Premier Darrell Dexter announced today that the provincial government will donate $50,000 to the Massachusetts General Hospital for Children in response to the bombings at the Boston Marathon.
Many exhibits at the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic depict a shared history between the Maritimes and New England; family and friends have flowed as freely as trade since early settlement.
The ties grew even stronger after Bostonians rushed to Nova Scotia’s aid after the Halifax Explosion in 1917.
“Bostonians found about it. They immediately responded that night,” says Gerry Lunn of the Maritime Museum of the Atlantic. “A train full of relief supplies came to Halifax to help the victims of this tragedy.”
Since 1971, Nova Scotia has sent a Christmas tree to Boston each year as a gift of gratitude for their generosity.
Now, in the wake of tragedy at the Boston Marathon, there is a new shared history of pain and compassion.
“I want you to know that Nova Scotians stand with you as neighbours and friends today and always,” says Dexter. “If there is anything this province can do, we will be there for you.”
U.S. Consul General Richard Riley says he is overwhelmed by the outpouring of support at his Halifax office.
“The donation to the hospital for children by Nova Scotians is deeply meaningful to us.”
With files from CTV Atlantic's Marie Adsett
Read more: http://atlantic.ctvnews.ca/n-s-to-give-50-000-to-boston-children-s-hospital-after-bombings-1.1240574#ixzz2p4dS6nTu
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Dzhokar Tsarnaev Near Martin Richard At Crime Scene — New Pic
Martin Richard- 8 years old..... BOSTON STRONG- WE REMEMBER- THE WORLD REMEMBERS
WE REMEMBER BOSTON-
Sochi-bound Haligonian confident in Russian Olympic security
CBC | Posted: 12/30/2013 9:41 pm EST | Updated: 12/30/2013 10:46 pm EST
While Russia tries to assure the world it’s prepared for security risks following two bloody bombings in less than 24 hours, a Halifax man heading to the Winter Games says he’s confident in the security measures in Sochi.
More than 30 people were killed in the explosions Sunday and Monday, putting the city of one million on edge and highlighting the threat Russia is facing as it prepares to host the Games in February.
Olympic Games have been marred by tragedies before: the Munich massacre in 1972 and the bomb attack in Atlanta in 1996. The area around Sochi has for years been marked by political unrest.
Blair Landry is a professional hockey score keeper. During the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver, Landry recorded Sidney Crosby’s “Golden Goal” that won the coveted medal for Canada.
He said the news from the last few days is worrisome but said he is confident Olympic officials are taking all the necessary precautions.
“It is in a bit of a volatile region. I have a lot of comfort from having gone over over in April for the [IIHF Ice Hockey U18 World Championship] … I think the Russians have a pretty good handle on it and I think it should be very safe,” he said.
Landry admits it’s easier for him than for his family to feel secure.
“Of course when the news comes out and when you’re the person who’s participating, you don’t think about it so much. You’re there, you can see the security. I know how difficult it was for me to get into the venue in Vancouver, with the accreditation I had. It’s easier for me, I’m there, I understand the security I’m being exposed to but for family at home, they don’t really know, so for sure, it’s harder for [them],” he said.
Landry is set to leave in a few weeks. He said it’s terrible that some use the Olympics to gain international attention.
“I think it’s outrageous, it’s terrible. I understand why, you know, people are trying to make a point and this is a high-visibility event. It’s outrageous when you think about what is supposed to be the pure nature of sport to have this happen at these events,” he said.
IOC confident in 'safe and secure' games
IOC President Thomas Bach expressed full confidence Monday that Russian authorities will deliver a "safe and secure" Olympics in Sochi.
Volgograd is located about 650 kilometres northeast of Sochi, which will host the Olympics from Feb. 7 to 23. Russia's first Winter Games are a matter of personal pride and prestige for Russian President Vladimir Putin.
Russian authorities believe the two attacks were carried out by the same group. No one claimed responsibility for the bombings, which came several months after Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov threatened new attacks against civilian targets in Russia, including the Olympics.
http://www.huffingtonpost.ca/2013/12/30/sochi-bound-haligonian-co_n_4521711.html
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Canada responds to Russian terror attacks
OTTAWA — Canada is stepping up its consular presence in Russia ahead of the Winter Games following a pair of deadly terrorist attacks that have exposed the vulnerability of those travelling to the Sochi Olympics.
QMI Agency has learned that a team of consular experts will be deployed to Sochi for the duration of the Games to provide assistance to Canadians in distress.
Foreign Affairs will also staff a consular office in the Black Sea resort town and will provide support from Ottawa at the Emergency Watch and Response Centre and at the Canadian Embassy in Moscow.
The government will also continue to conduct contingency exercises with federal departments involved in the Olympics to better react to emergencies.
"These exercises are meant to prepare government officials and our stakeholders to respond to a crisis should one occur," said a government official.
Foreign Affairs Minister John Baird said the bombings in Volgograd were cowardly acts of terrorism and called for the perpetrators to be brought to justice.
"While the threat of terrorism remains a persistent global reality, our resolve to fight it will not be diminished or weakened," he said Monday.
The back-to-back suicide explosions — one at a train station Sunday and the other on a bus Monday — killed at least 31 people and have raised concerns about the safety of athletes, coaches, media and others heading to the Games.
http://cnews.canoe.ca/CNEWS/Canada/2013/12/30/21365646.html
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WE.... REMEMBER... BOSTON...
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OH CANADA.... Classified- getting ready 4 Sochi Winter Olympics Paralympics 2014 in the incredible historic Mother Russia....
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CANADA MILITARY NEWS: SOCHI- Dec 10 -we are told 2 get with the fact- it's about global team spirit of global athletes who have worked 4 years 2 compete with world's best - NOT POLITICS OR INTERVENTIONS- Canada loves lost in beautiful translations... SOCHI, SOCHI, SOCHI- won't apologize 4 Ukraine love but will focus on Athletes- which had been doing mostly.... this is such an exciting time... especially 4 the old Canadians who may NOT get 2 watch another Winter Olympics/Paralympics- updates
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Sochi 2014 Paralympic Winter Games Video
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Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia - Venue Preview - Unravel Travel
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SOCHI COUNTING...
http://olympic.ca/games/2014-sochi/
http://www.sochi2014.com/en/games/
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Chechen rebels' ties to Al Qaeda, Osama bin Laden
By KEVIN CIRILLI | 4/19/13 8:23 AM EDT Updated: 4/19/13 3:46 PM EDT
Chechen rebels — in the spotlight now because of the reported background of the two suspects in the Boston Marathon bombings — have a history with Al Qaeda and Osama bin Laden.
Bin Laden backed the Chechen rebels in the 1990s during their civil wars with Russia, and then-Russia Prime Minister Vladimir Putin (the country’s current president) has claimed that Bin Laden even visited with the rebels to help them become an independent Muslim state in the region, The Associated Press reported in 1999.
Deval Patrick: Boston on lockdown
PHOTOS: Police converge on Boston suburbs
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The Council on Foreign Relations has also said that the “the Islamic International Peacekeeping Brigade (IIPB) is the primary channel for Islamic funding of the Chechen guerrillas, in part through links to Al Qaeda-related financiers on the Arabian Peninsula.”
(Also on POLITICO: Bombing motive: Far from obvious)
The two suspects in Monday’s Boston Marathon bombings are Muslim and of Chechen descent — Dzhokhar Tsarnaev, 19, who is still at large; and 26-year-old Tamerlan Tsarnaev, was killed following an early morning police pursuit in suburban-Boston. It is too early to tell whether they were radicalized in the U.S. or in Chechnya and whether it was politically motivated.
Despite the brothers’ reported Chechen roots, the motivation for the attack on the marathon remains unclear, and it is not known where the bombers became radicalized, whether in the U.S. or abroad.
Moscow-backed Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov released in a statement on his Instagram account that since the Tsarnaev brothers grew up in the U.S., “their views and convictions were formed there.”
“Tragic events have taken place in Boston. As a result of the terrorist attack, people have died. We earlier expressed sympathy for the residents of the city and the people of America. Today, as media is reporting, in the arrest attempt a certain Tsarnaev was killed. It would have been logical, if he would have been arrested and an investigation conducted, and all circumstances and the extent of his guilt clarified,” Kadyrov said in the statement.
He continued: “Evidently, special forces needed to calm the public by any means necessary. Any attempts to draw connections between Chechnya and the Tsarnaevs, if they are guilty, are futile. They grew up in the U.S., their views and convictions were formed there. It’s necessary to search for the roots of the evil in America. The whole world needs to fight terrorism. This we know better than anyone. We wish recovery to all the victims and share in the mourning of the Americans.”
Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) told POLITICO that Chechen fighters are some of the “most involved” in supporting “international jihad.”
(Also on POLITICO: Presidents avoided talking Chechnya)
“Chechen fighters are some of the most involved in international jihad throughout the globe. We’ve seen them in Afghanistan, we’ve seen them in Iraq, they show up all over the place,” Graham told POLITICO.
Graham continued: “I have no idea if these guys are connected to some terrorist organization or not but we do know that when it comes to international jihadist that a component of Chechens have been the most involved, some of the most radical.”
While during the 1990s, thought the U.S. government did not officially support the Chechens, there were many Americans who supported their aspirations of independence from Russia. That changed in 2002 when U.S. special forces worked to help the Russian military in the country of Georgia, particularly in the Panski Gorge region where Chechen rebels occupied, U.S. Army Special Forces Lt. Col. Robert W. Schaefer told POLITICO.
The region was strategic ground for the Chechens in relation to Russia and the shift in U.S. policy from the 1990s into 2002 was partly due to the Chechen’s use of terrorist tactics, including several attacks in Moscow.
“Prior to 2002, there was a lot of support from Western governments for the Chechens and their bid for independence. But around 2002, some of the Chechens started a terrorism campaign – at which point pretty much all international support for their operations dropped off,” said Schaefer, author of “The Insurgency in Chechnya and the North Caucasus.”
He continued: “The Chechens conducted terrible attacks on Moscow. Hundreds of people in Moscow were killed during the summer of 2002 and what that was a change… up until then, the Chechens had pretty much confined their attacks to what we could consider to be guerilla attacks on the Russian military and the Russian police. Once the terrorism started – that changed everything.”
According to the Council, the Taliban was one of the only governments in the world to recognize Chechnya as an independent state. Zacarias Moussaoui — a convicted terrorist involved with the planning of the Sept. 11, 2001, attacks, was also a recruiter of Chechen rebels, the Council on Foreign Relations noted.
Located in Russia’s North Caucasus region, the Chechens are still governed by Russian rule but conflict is frequently violent and tense. In recent years, the Islamic insurgency has taken root in other parts of Russia’s North Caucasus region, including the Russian provinces of Dagestan and Ingushetia.
Most Chechens practice Islam. They ultimately want to form their own region in the area where they can practice Islamic law under the sharia.
“If you are part of the president’s regime and you’re one of his friends than life is very good for you. If you’re not a believer in his vision then life is very difficult to you,” Schaefer said.
Chechen rebels are responsible for multiple terrorist attacks throughout Russia. In 2002, armed Chechens seized a musical theater in Moscow and took hundreds hostage in a multiday standoff that ended when Russian forces pumped gas into the facility and stormed the theater. In 2004, they were behind the Russian school hostage crisis in Beslan, in which more than 350 people were killed. Following the school massacre, Putin publicly warned the U.S. about ties between Al Qaeda and the Chechen rebels, according to The Middle East Quarterly.
Chechen rebels recently plotted a terrorist attack for the 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, which authorities uncovered in 2010. More recently, Chechens supported Syrian rebels.
Chechens have been accused of several human rights violations, including beatings, murders and disappearances, according to a 2012 report from the U.S. State Department. In 2007, Chechens had initially listed America as an enemy – but less than six months later that was removed.
“That was consistent with the jihadi rhetoric around the world. But within six months, they took the U.S. off the list… To speculate, it was not in their best interest,” Schaefer said. “What they want is independence from Russia. They want to create their own little space within their region.”
He added: “How closely you can say they are aligned with Al Qaeda – it’s hard to say they’re a part of it. But you can definitely say that parts of it are going down the same path. […] Even though they’re following the same aims, they tried to get Al Qaeda to join their organization and not the other way around.”
— POLITICO’s Eric Engleman and Scott Wong contributed to this report.
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US Slams Volgograd Terror Attacks, Offers Sochi Help
Topic: Preparations for Sochi 2014 Winter Olympic Games
WASHINGTON, December 30 (RIA Novosti) – The United States on Monday condemned the back-to-back terrorist attacks in Volgograd that killed dozens and offered to assist Moscow with security preparations for the upcoming 2014 Winter Olympic Games in Sochi.
“The United States stands in solidarity with the Russian people against terrorism,” White House spokeswoman Caitlin Hayden said in a statement. “The US government has offered our full support to the Russian government in security preparations for the Sochi Olympic Games.”
A bomb explosion tore through a trolleybus in Volgograd on Monday morning, killing at least 14 people and injuring 28 in the southern Russian city’s second terrorist attack in less than 24 hours.
Authorities believe both Monday’s attack and an explosion at the Volgograd-1 railway station Sunday that killed 17 and injured more than 40 were carried out by suicide bombers.
“The United States condemns the terrorist attacks that struck the Russian city of Volgograd and sends deepest condolences to the families of the victims with hopes for the rapid healing of those wounded,” Hayden said in the statement.
Monday’s blast was the third such attack in Volgograd in just over two months and came just weeks before the Sochi Games are set to kick off on February 7. Previously known as Stalingrad, Volgograd is located about 430 miles (700 kilometers) from Sochi.
© RIA Novosti.
Countries with greatest risk of terrorism
Russian authorities have made efforts to boost security at the Black Sea resort that is due to host the Winter Games, and Hayden said Monday that Washington would “welcome the opportunity for closer cooperation for the safety of the athletes, spectators and other participants” in Sochi.
Relations between the United States and Russia have floundered over the past 18 months, particularly over Russia’s human rights record and what Moscow sees as US meddling in its internal affairs. But both sides have publicly spoken of constructive collaboration in counterterrorism efforts.
A joint US-Russian report issued by a presidential commission last week lauded bilateral counterterrorism cooperation since the Boston Marathon bombing in April, which US authorities say was carried out by two brothers with ties to Russia’s mainly Muslim North Caucasus region.
“In the wake of the Boston Marathon bombing, our nations have redoubled our counterterrorism and law enforcement efforts,” the report states.
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APRIL 20, 2013-RUSSIAN CHECHYAN - PUTIN OFFERS RUSSIAS HELP
Putin Offered help with Boston Marathon Terrorist Attack ...
I thought it was strange on April 16th a full 24 hours BEFORE the FBI held it's FIRST press conference that Putin offered Russia's help in Investigation the Boston ...YouTube · 747 views · 2013-04-16
AND..
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Putin offers help to probe Boston bombings
Source : IANS
Last Updated: Wed, Apr 17, 2013 01:20 hrs
Moscow, April 17 (IANS/RIA Novosti) Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered Russia's assistance in the investigation of the Boston Marathon bombings that killed three people and left more than 170 injured.
Putin sent a telegram to his US counterpart Barack Obama expressing his condolences.
"Russia is ready to help the US authorities with their investigation if necessary," the Kremlin quoted Putin as saying.
"Putin strongly condemned this barbarous crime and expressed his conviction that the fight against terrorism requires the active coordination of efforts by the global community," a Kremlin statement said.
Three people were killed and 176 injured after two powerful explosions ripped through a crowd near the finish line of the Boston Marathon.
It is not yet clear who was responsible for the bomb attacks or the motive.
Obama has vowed that those responsible for the blasts would be tracked down and punished, saying they would feel the "full weight of justice".
Meanwhile, Russian Sports Minister Vitaly Mutko said the Boston Marathon bombings present a "clarion call" for Russia ahead of three global sporting events over the next year.
Ahead of next year's Sochi 2014 Winter Olympics, Russia hosts the Universiade in Tatarstan in June, followed by the world athletics championships in Moscow in August.
"For Russia, which is about to stage a lot of large-scale events, this is a serious clarion call," Mutko said.
"Of course, we will toughen up our security measures," he added.
--IANS/RIA Novosti
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