BESLAN TRAGEDY: PEOPLE'S ATTITUDES
Many people were very vocal in assessing the actions of law enforcement agencies during the attack. An overwhelming majority (71%) described the actions as "optimal," while 18% found them "insufficiently organized". None of those interviewed felt that action of law enforcement agencies was excessively drastic. However, 11% found it difficult to answer this question.
More diverse opinions were given in response to what measures should be taken to prevent similar attacks in the future. It must be noted that 29% listed eliminating corruption in law-enforcement agencies as the main measure. This shows that although in this specific situation 71% evaluated actions of law enforcement agencies as optimal, in general a substantial 29% thinks the law enforcement agencies are corrupt.
Almost the same percentage (28%) supported the idea of applying a stricter policy for entrance and registration in the Republic. A large number of those interviewed (26%) mentioned a need to provide employment for young people, thus showing that unemployment is an important cause of terrorism in the region. 16% were in favour of strengthening border control, and 5% wanted an easing of policies regarding the Wahhabis. Supporters of adopting educational measures for Wahhabis and supporters for toughening the stance against them were each 3%. It is interesting to note that a mere 2% were for strengthening law enforcement agencies. 8% had difficulty in answering this question.
The results of this survey demonstrated a high degree of unanimity among the people, both in evaluating actions by law enforcement agencies and in determining those responsible for the attack on the capital of Kabardino-Balkaria. At the same time, they expressed a wide range of opinions about the measures needed for preventing similar attacks in the future. It is important to mention that among these were: 29% for eliminating corruption in law enforcement agencies; 28% for toughening entrance and registration requirements; and 26% for guaranteeing employment for young people.
Note: this survey was conducted as part of a 12 month investigative project "Public Opinion in North Caucasus" that 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 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).
Islam Tekushev, editor-in-chief of the Caucasus Times