Bombings in the Moscow Metro

In the recent Economist article "After the Moscow bomgings: Another Russian Tragedy", published March 31, 2010, the author explains the after effects of the recent suicide bombing in two Moscow Metro stations. Although less people are frequenting the public transportation system, it is up and running again only twelve hours after the bombings. The Metro stations were bombed by two female suicide bombers who were quickly identified by the security teams. The speedy recovery was indicative of the entire effort put forth by the Russian government. Many point fingers to the Muslim northern Caucuses of Russia that have been the recent cause of so much civil unrest. However, few Russians outside of that region pay any attention to the shocking events that occur there almost daily. The bombings haven't even attracted any attention as politicians use them for their own political gain. Some officials claim that the bombings are the fault of liberals who allow the expression of government dissent. Others argue that this is the reason that independent news broadcasts and regional elections should be stopped.

The social cleavage between the Russians and the Muslims of the northern Caucasus as Russians eagerly point fingers towards the Muslims. Also, the idea that this bombing should be reason to take away free expression and elections shows that Russia is increasingly moving away from democaracy and towards an authoritarian government.