BESLAN TRAGEDY: PEOPLE'S ATTITUDES
Senator Khusain Chechenov, Parliament speaker Ilyas Bechelov, and former Deputy Prime Minister Khauti Sokhrokov, each received 2% of the vote. It seems that respondents chose candidates on the basis of their own national sympathies.
22% of respondents declared their displeasure with all the candidates; and only one person out of the 200 surveyed expressed disappointment that Kokov had stepped down, saying he was indispensable to the republic's resolution of inter-ethnic issues.
The survey indicated that a goodly number of people were resolved to defend their interests by becoming involved in various forms of protest.
Thus, 15% declared their determination to take part in anti-government demonstrations if they were dissatisfied with acts of the authorities; 8% said they would consider becoming involved; and an overwhelming number, 40%, rejected any thoughts of defending their rights via demonstrations, explaining that holding dialogues with the authorities was futile; plus there was danger of stirring up an armed conflict. 25% were inclined to say "perhaps not" to this method of dealing with the authorities. Only 10% were unwilling to answer the question.
The purpose of this survey is to bring to the Russian government's attention the specific characteristics of the socio-economic, political and multi-cultural processes taking place today in Kabardino-Balkaria. A more considered and thoughtful approach is called for in resolving the problems that face the Russian government in the North Caucasus today.
Islam Tekushev, editor-in-chief of the Caucasus Times, co-ordinator of the project investigating public opinion in the North Caucasus, tekushev@caucasustimes.com.
Note: this survey was conducted as part of a 12 month investigative project, "Public Opinion in North Caucasus", which is being carried out in all the North Caucasus republics with the financial support of the American foundation NED. Answers to the survey are given as percentages and the statistical error of such surveys is within 7%. Two answers were allowed for some questions. Participants in the survey were mainly members of the intelligentsia, students, employees, workers, pensioners, and members of the different ethnic groups that make up the population of Kabardino-Balkaria (Kabardinians, Balkarians, Russians, Ossetians, Chechens, and others).
53% of those surveyed blame local Wahhabis and Chechen terrorists for the attack on Nalchik
(Caucasus Times) - From October 18 to 21, 2005, the Caucasus Times conducted a brief survey in Nalchik, capital of Kabardino-Balkaria, of people ranging from 16 to 65 years of age.
The aim of the study was to get people’s perspective about the October 13th attack on the city.
The survey revealed many diverse opinions regarding the question of who bears the primary responsibility for the attack, and also assessing the actions of the local law-enforcement agencies that 71% felt were "optimal." Throughout the survey, respondents were open, helpful and somewhat emotional, indicating a psychological need to share their views on painful and long-neglected problems.
Responding to the question of who is primarily responsible for the attack, 53% said it was the joint forces of the local Wahhabis and Chechen terrorists. Yet 29% laid the blame on the authorities; 15% on law-enforcement agencies; and 14% on local Wahhabis. However, people also mentioned special services (9%), foreign terrorists (6%) and Chechen terrorists (3%). It must be noted that no one was averse to answering this question.