"Both of these operations were carried out on my command and will not be the last," Chechen rebel leader said.

Raymond Tanter: Azerbaijan would be much better off under the cooperation with Moscow and Washington than under the sway of Tehran.

Before looking for an “Islamic track” in terrorist acts around the world (and the Moscow explosions are no exception) it should be noted that by an unfortunate quirk of fate the blame for all terrorist attacks is shifted onto the followers of Islam. The latter are to blame even for those acts which they have not committed. The reason is probably the upsurge of Islamic radicalism, which began in the 70s and has been picking up speed since then.

The nine group winners and best runner-up qualify automatically. The eight remaining second-place teams play-off to decide the final four qualifiers. Ties take place between September 2010 and November 2011.