Riot at Makhachkala Airport: Impact on Russia and the Region
An antisemitic riot that broke out at Makhachkala International Airport on October 29 is expected to have significant consequences, not only for Russia but also for the entire region. However, the incident itself was far from accidental, leading to questions about its underlying causes. Was the riot a result of President Putin’s foreign policy failures, or were there other factors at play?
Unlike other republics in the North Caucasus region, such as Chechnya, Ossetia, and Kabardino-Balkaria, Dagestan has been a historical home for Jews for centuries. As early as the seventh century, Jewish traders appeared in the city of Derbent, an ancient trade city, alongside Islamic and Armenian representatives. This unique multicultural environment has fostered relative tolerance and coexistence among different cultures and religions.
Dagestan is also home to a subgroup of Jews called Mountain Jews or Caucasus Jews. While many reside in Gyrmyzy Gasaba, Azerbaijan, a significant number also live in Dagestan, particularly in the city of Derbent. This long-standing Jewish presence distinguishes Dagestan from other republics in the region.
Throughout history, Dagestan has largely been free from antisemitic pogroms, which were more prevalent in the European and Christian parts of the Russian Empire and Soviet Union. While everyday antisemitism existed, the region’s multinational and multiethnic composition promoted a generally tolerant atmosphere.
Dagestan holds great religious and cultural significance as the first Islamic region of Russia, having converted to Islam in the mid-seventh century. Consequently, the region considers itself an important part of the broader Islamic world and feels a sense of collective responsibility towards global issues affecting Muslims. Consequently, events like the war in Gaza, following Hamas’s attack on Israel, resonate profoundly in Dagestan.
However, the recent riot at Makhachkala Airport cannot be solely attributed to the geopolitical and religious context. Economic and social factors also played a significant role. Dagestan bears the brunt of the COVID-19 pandemic in the North Caucasus region, suffering from both health and economic hardships. Additionally, the September 2022 mobilization campaign, which saw 50,000 young men drafted into the Russian army and triggered mass protests by women, further escalated social tensions. Poverty, inconsistent electricity supply, dissatisfaction with local leadership, and the loss of lives in the war in Ukraine further compound the challenges faced by the region.
The Russian government has claimed that the riot was orchestrated by foreign enemies, pointing fingers at Ukrainian and Western agencies. President Putin labeled the perpetrators as victims of Western neocolonial politics. Some liberal media outlets, however, attribute the incident to Putin’s anti-Israel rhetoric and Hamas’s visit to Moscow, suggesting that it sent a message legitimizing attacks against Jews.
Understanding Putin’s Middle East politics is complex. He attempts to placate multiple partners and potential allies simultaneously, a challenging task that often lands him in trouble. Hamas’s visit to Moscow, for instance, was primarily aimed at bolstering ties with Iran, a crucial weapons supplier to Russia. Syria, another Muslim-majority country, is also a significant partner for Putin. Moreover, Putin enjoys a close relationship with Ramzan Kadyrov, the governor of predominantly Muslim Chechnya.
Rumors speculating about Putin’s conversion to Islam have gained traction on social media platforms. While his personal preferences, including his aversion to alcohol and reported civil partner from a Tatar Muslim culture, may contribute to these speculations, they remain unverified.
It is worth noting that Putin’s background in the KGB, which has historically held antisemitic attitudes, contrasts with his friendships with prominent Jewish figures. Notably, the competition for Russia’s chief rabbi position between Berel Lazar and Adolf Shayevich played a significant role in Putin’s rise to power, with Lazar ultimately winning.
Israel, unlike many Western nations, did not fully support sanctions against Russia after the start of the Russia-Ukraine war. The country has maintained regular flights to and from Russia, refusing to close its airspace. However, strained relations between Russia and Israel could emerge as an unintended consequence of Putin’s convoluted politics and the contradictions within Russian society.
The riot at Makhachkala Airport highlights the complex dynamics at play in Russia and the region. Geopolitical, religious, economic, and social factors intertwine, creating tensions that can have far-reaching consequences. Understanding the underlying causes and addressing them effectively is vital for stability and harmony in the region.
