Moscow demands immediate release of Russian hostages in Iraq

[Barrett808]

MOSCOW (AFP) - Moscow called for the immediate release of four Russian diplomats taken hostage in Iraq by a group linked to Al-Qaeda which has given the Russian government 48 hours to pull out of Chechnya and free Chechen prisoners.

"We appeal to the kidnappers to immediately release the Russian citizens and ensure their safety," foreign ministry spokesman Mikhael Kamynin said in a statement.

The Mujahedeen Shura (consultative) Council, which groups eight armed factions led by Al-Qaeda, claimed responsibility on Monday for the abduction of the four Russian diplomats and two US soldiers, in statements posted on the Internet.

The group said if Moscow's troops did not leave Chechnya, a mostly Muslim breakaway republic in the Russian Caucasus, it would have to "take the consequences".

(more)

http://news.yahoo.com/s/afp/20060619/wl_mideast_afp/iraqunrestkidnapus

[TomInTib]

1. Now this is REALLY getting interesting.

These guys have ratcheted it up a notch.

This Shura Council is learning fast.

Have non-'coalition' semi-allies involved in a common drama.

No way the Russians are getting pulled into Iraq. They are going to look to us for assistance.

Hang on....

[man4allcats]

2. I'm sure you're right.

I have no doubt you know more about this sort of thing than I do. I just can't help but wonder whether Al-Qaeda knows who it's messing with here. Even these days, I think the Russians are people not to be fooled with. Whatever the case, I too will be watching this one with interest.

[TomInTib]

4. There will be all kinds of hell breaking on this one.

Pedal to the metal.

[PinkUnicorn]

6. Very interesting

This group the "Mujahedeen Shura Council' are probably going to find out very fast what it is like to be on the receiving end of 'terrorist activities' from professionals, and I don't think they will like it much.

The SVR (the modern day service but lacking the 'mystique' of the old KGB era) would be itching to do something to put out the message "You mess with us, we will bury you, your family, and your dog".

[Solo_in_MD]

3. When something similar happened in Lebanon

it was widely rumored that the KGB (It was still the USSR then) did some terrorizing of their own and everyone was released unharmed and it never happened again. This falls into the "everyone knows" category though to the best of my knowledge it has never been confiremed.

[Igel]

5. I'm far too cynical.

Or tired.

Russians are kidnapped 6/3, and the kidnappers sit and twiddle their thumbs for 14 days.

The Russians kill Saydullayev 6/17, Russia's profile's suddenly increased among Islamist groups (and others).

Personal hunch: The kidnappers thought they were getting Americans, got Russians, and had no idea what to do. Kill the Russians--but they're not on the US's side, and were sort of on Saddam's side. Demand money them? Again, that's simple thuggery, no honor in that.

On 6/18 or so when the news gets into Arab and filters through the dust into the brains that Russia's done something that humiliates Muslims ... er ... the kidnappers decide they have a cause. They have an excuse! Woo-hoo! They have some bad guys! "Exit Chechnya, or else."

They're not Islamists. They're criminals. Islamist groups would be all too aware that Russia's been naughty in Chechnya.