Umarov's contradictory statements are caused by a serious split among militants, experts believe

Experts are sure that the contradictory statements of the leader of Chechen militants Dokku Umarov, who has refuted his recent statement on his resignation and appointment of the militant Aslambek Vadalov to the post of Amir of the forbidden Imarat Kavkaz, were caused by a serious split among militants, experts are assured. According to political scientist Abdullah Istamulov, head of the Research Centre "SK-Strategy", under one of the versions, the leaders of the Kabardino-Balkarian subdivision of the Imarat forced Umarov to recall his resignation statement.

"Nobody has ever forged Umarov's statement; and his contradictory announcements evidence a serious split among militants," said Alexei Malashenko, an expert of the Carnegie Centre, who specializes in studying problems of the Caucasus.

Mr Malashenko is convinced that a part of the armed underground, most likely, Chechen militants, are disappointed in the commander, who stands for the global jihad, the "Kommersant" newspaper writes today. "It's somewhat similar to what happens in Afghanistan. We see this sort of opposition there too - of universalists, who call to fight disbelievers all over the world, and nationalists, who are quite happy with establishment of their rule in their own country," he said.

Under one of the versions, the leaders of the Kabardino-Balkarian subdivision of the Imarat Kavkaz, whom, in particular, Umarov had addressed to support his resignation in his first statement, forced him to recall his resignation statement. "Umarov was not allowed to retire by his most radical comrades-in-arms, who need a bandit with broadly promoted name as their leader," said Abdullah Istamulov, a political scientist and head of the "SK-Strategy" Research Centre.

Journalist Bakhtiar Ahmedkhanov, author of the book "Non-Esteemed Russians" about two Chechen Wars, believes that the conflict within the Caucasian underground is obvious: "It's possible that Dokku had a conflict with his patrons. Another version assumes an internal conflict in the Chechen segment of resistance."

In Ahmedkhanov's opinion, Dokku Umarov was never popular among militants of Ichkeria (Chechnya), as well as among "mujahads", dissatisfied with his severe operations against civilians. "It's surprising that a person with such unscrupulous reputation, completely deprived of any charisma, was in general appointed to be their leader, since he's just 'a speaking head', backed by serious forces," the expert told the Russian Service of the Voice of America.

"For Caucasian nations the national idea was always stronger that the religious one," Mr Ahmedkhanov asserts. He is also sure that Imarat Kavkaz is a product of Russian special services and is doomed to failure. He explains his viewpoint by existence in Russia of a group of high-ranking officials, interested in a long-term conflict in the Caucasus: "War for these people means uncontrolled access to resources; it brings them money and high posts."

Let us note here that the Ministry of Internal Affairs (MIA) of Chechnya, made comments on Umarov's return and said that "his statements have no value." "Whatever he names himself, Umarov is a criminal and bandit, whose hands are in blood of tens and hundreds of people. In any case, he will be either detained or liquidated," the MIA has stated, as reported by the RIA "Novosti".