Chechen leader Ramzan Kadyrov backs polygamy in an effort to offset gender imbalances and population decline . . .

War-torn Chechnya must embrace polygamy to counter a gender imbalance caused by years of armed conflict, says the pro-Kremlin head of the militia that enforces control in most of the republic. Ramzan Kadyrov, 29, a father of five and acting prime minister of Chechnya, said there were at least 9% fewer males than females. "[Polygamy] is necessary because we have a war here," he said in an interview with the Ekho Moskvy radio station. "It’s allowed by sharia law: every man who can maintain them must have four wives. I welcome that." Polygamy is illegal under Russian law, but asked if changes to legislation would be required to allow the practice in the mostly Muslim republic he replied: "No. Every person decides for himself how he lives. He is the master. He determines the rules. I’m sure we’re not going to interfere in his personal life." Years of fighting between separatists and federal forces, poor health care and migration have robbed Chechnya of many young men. Up to 200,000 people have died in the conflict since 1994. The official Chechen leader is President Alu Alkhanov, but Mr Kadyrov is seen as the power behind the scenes and is supported by the Russian president, Vladimir Putin. Muslim leaders in Moscow backed Mr Kadyrov yesterday, saying polygamy should be rolled out across Russia to help stem a sharp population decline. Previous attempts to introduce the practice across the country have failed in parliament

If the issue is religious, given previous debate on this issue in the region, it is likely to fail . . . but if it is practical it is likely to get more support. Interestingly, that is the opposite assessment in North America where similar debates are underway.