The city on the banks of the Volga River, Stalingrad, etched itself into world history 70 years ago during World War II. The city was the site of one of the war's bloodiest battles, which subsequently played a decisive role in turning the tide in favor of the Soviet Union. In the battle for Stalingrad, the Red Army defeated the Nazis in a military campaign that would last from July 1942 until February 1943 and would claim the lives of over one million people -- on the Soviet side alone. The fighting spirit of the Soviet soldiers and the vital contribution from city residents, including women, afforded Stalingrad the title "Heroic City" -- one of 12 such cities honored by the Soviet Union. Stalin has since moved on, the Soviet Union went back to being Russia, and in 1961 the name Stalingrad was changed to Volgograd. This week, the city was once again thrust into the spotlight after falling victim to yet another terrorist attack perpetrated by Islamists presumably seeking to throw a wrench in preparations for the Winter Olympics in Sochi, scheduled to take place in 40 days and just 650 kilometers (400 miles) away. Stalingrad of today is no longer threatened by a foreign army. The Nazis were defeated long ago, and Russia is generally more threatening than it is threatened. But the terrorism coming from the neighboring republics of the northern Caucuses is striking a nerve. Stalin was able beat the Nazis much faster than Putin has been able to put down Islamist terror. We must also be fair and point out that Putin is not alone in this. We, too, know how difficult it is to fight terrorism, which exacts less of a toll in human lives but is much more difficult to overcome. The Russians have come to understand this as well. According to reports out of Volgograd, residents are choosing to stay at home and daily life has come to a standstill following two deadly bombings in 24 hours. It would appear that the spirit of Stalingrad and the spirit of Volgograd are not one and the same. This is precisely how terrorism is allowed to win, and Russian President Vladimir Putin certainly does not like to lose. More than 35,000 security personnel are currently deployed in and around Sochi. The last thing Putin wants is a terrorist attack at what is supposed to be Russia's showcase to the world. In the northern Caucuses, however, the Islamist underground has other plans in the works. To win in Sochi, Putin needs a victory in Volgograd, and for that he must revive the spirit of Stalingrad.
