WHAT INFLUENCED PUTIN TO JOIN ANTITERRORISM EFFORT?

On November 1, “Russia Votes,” a joint public opinion survey project of the Russian Center for Public Opinion and Market Research (VCIOM) and of the University of Strathclyde in Great Britain issued a report concerning the results of polling done during the month of October. On October 9-10, residents of the city of Moscow were asked: “What do you think most influenced Vladimir Putin’s declaration of firm support for the [United States] in the struggle against international terrorism?”

The responses: “to reduce criticism by the West of actions by Russian forces in Chechnya–44 percent; a belief that terrorist acts in the U.S. were directed against all civilization–35 percent; to win help for Russia in solving its economic problems (writing off debts and so forth)–10 percent; don’t know–11 percent.”