I was actually in Vladikavkaz a couple of months ago. At the time, it was difficult to realize that it is only 100 kms (60 miles) from Grosny, the capital of Chechnya, as it was all quiet and busy. I believe that the choice of striking Nother Ossetia is not random: 40% of all vodka commercialized in the Russian Federation is produced in the Autonomous Republic of Nothern Ossetia. This economic reason alone make it a strong supporter of the Russian Republic.
And, incidentally, Stalin's mother was born in Nothern Ossetia, another historical reason for Chechens to want to strike the Ossetians, as Stalin deported in 1947 the whole Chechen population of 600,000, to Siberia; an estimated 200,000 died before they were allowed to return in 1955. As a side remark, Stalin's cult is still very and openly vivid in all of Nothern Ossetia, through busts and monuments, but also through large slogans painted on walls.
Marc
PS: a couple of pictures from Northern Ossetia
1. With Ossetian friends in front of memorial to Stalin
2. View of downtown Vladikavkaz, with the Terek River and the Caucasus mountains in the background
And, incidentally, Stalin's mother was born in Nothern Ossetia, another historical reason for Chechens to want to strike the Ossetians, as Stalin deported in 1947 the whole Chechen population of 600,000, to Siberia; an estimated 200,000 died before they were allowed to return in 1955. As a side remark, Stalin's cult is still very and openly vivid in all of Nothern Ossetia, through busts and monuments, but also through large slogans painted on walls.
Marc
PS: a couple of pictures from Northern Ossetia
1. With Ossetian friends in front of memorial to Stalin
2. View of downtown Vladikavkaz, with the Terek River and the Caucasus mountains in the background
