[Printer Friendly Version]   [How to E-mail This Article to A Friend]

AROUND THE WORLD 3: Russia & Chechnya Conflict

In the wake of a bloody and traumatic hostage crisis in southern Russia, the country is faced with once again confronting the problem of Chechnya. President Vladimir Putin, however, has made it clear that the West’s advice is not wanted; this is an issue Russia may elect to settle by force.

The tensions between Russia and Chechnya go back centuries, but center around Chechnya’s desire to separate and form its own country. However, most Russians want to end the fight for independence from the Russian Federation. Since the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, they have historically suppressed Chechen rebels by force. Troops were sent and thousands killed in the battles over the years.

The U.S. and the European Union (EU), together with former Soviet president Mikhail Gorbachev, are pressuring Russia to deal with the situation through talks rather than force. They want Putin to consider Chechnya’s complaints, but Putin says he will not negotiate with rebels. Much of Russia is still shaken after Chechen rebels held school children hostage; a raid on the school building left 326 dead. Putin said talking with the rebels would be like inviting Osama bin Laden to the White House.

If he does strike against Chechnya, Putin reportedly said he would not warn anyone in advance. The stakes in the conflict are high. Putin has a $10 million reward out for the capture of two Chechen separatists. The rebels, in return, have put a $20 million reward on Putin’s head.

--Written by Kari Elassal

Write your own story telling us what you think about this article!

Read AROUND THE WORLD 4: New Reptile Fossils Found in Arctic