Q. It is claimed that the Islamists will turn Chechnya and Dagestan into an Afghanistan. No, this is a possibility. One does not need to be popular to prevail. A minority that does not hesitate to use it weapons can force its will upon the majority quite easily. If the Islamists succeed in plunging the region into complete disorder, as in Afghanistan the people will eventually have to accept them because they at least do offer a form of order.
People prefer living under a harsh order than living with war.
Of course this scenario depends on the Russians' being forced to retreat from the region. A. No, their leader is a Saudi Arab named Hattab. Basaev has allied himself with Hattab because Hattab has access to arms and money. Moreover, like Basaev, Hattab wants to drive the Russians out completely. Maskhadov, however supports the idea of an independent Chechnya, but one that could maintain cordial relations with Russia.