Rise of ethnic and religious tensions in Russia

On top of that, hundreds of thousands of Muslims in the Russian Republic of Dagestan were shocked when their spiritual leader, Sheik Said-afandi was killed in a suicide attack at his home.

The experts link the rise in ethnic and religious tensions in Russia and the Caucuses to the collapse of the Union of Soviet Socialist Republics. The economic devastation gave rise to radical movements.

Sadly such conflicts often lead to a bloody outcome. Experts say that twenty six Islamic scholars, have been killed in Russia over the last few years.

They were all pro-Russia, working on consolidation of the differences between religious and ethnic groups.

Peaceful and united Caucasus is particularly important to Russia as the Sochi winter Olympics is coming to the region in less than two years time.

The threat of terrorism is very high in modern Russia. The biggest threat is coming from what experts describe as forces interested in de-stabilizing the country. Russia is one of the most diverse countries in the world, with almost two hundred ethnic groups, and better integration can play a key role in keeping the country safe.