History Professor Offers Context: Where Is Chechnya? Why Would Some From There by Angry with U.S.?

The story behind the suspects in the Boston Marathon bombing is fluid today, but if media reports are correct and the suspects are Chechen terrorists, we have a history professor who can offer perspectives.

David Stefancic is a professor of history whose expertise includes Russia and the region (https://www.saintmarys.edu/news-events/experts-for-the-media/david-stefancic). He writes this morning:

"There is some confusion as to where Chechnya is and why they would be angry with the US. John McCain on CBS news tried to place it in the Balkans instead of the Caucasus region of Russia. Also CBS news was saying the Chechnya was part of Eastern Europe, a total misrepresentation.

The reasons behind the attack are probably Islam related and that the bombers were somehow associated with terror groups from the region like al Qaeda or others. Chechen terrorists have been a thorn in Russia's side for some time. This goes back to the Russian occupation of Afghanistan."

If you would like to interview Professor Stefancic on this, he can do interviews between classes from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. or after 2 p.m. ET. Please call me to arrange.