The conflict in Chechnya is now raging for some ten years. The Kremlin seems to be unable to solve it, despite massive destruction, fraudulent elections, severe repression/human rights abuse, and other global leaders (Chirac, Schroder, Blair, Bush) turning a blind eye. In fact, the war even seems to be increasing with terrorist activities spreading all over Russia, incl. attacking theatres, planes, subway-stations and now even schools. Chechnya has basically became another Soviet Afganistan, aiding Islamic terrorism elsewhere. It's clear by now that military action isn't the answer. The question now is: what is? Any thoughts?

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2011 Prius

expatriate all the muslims, or a good ol fashioned Stalin like purge. Taking a school hostage is about the most sub human thing I can think of. Treat them like the animals they are.

I wonder why the place is so damn important to the Russians. It's about the size of Rhode Island. The people there are beyond fanaticism and seem the most willing people on earth to blow themselves up. On the other hand, the Russians have been accused of very heavy handed tactics in their occupation of this place. Mass executions, rigged elections, assasinations, all are rumored to be going on there. The Chechies are responding with incredible vicousness. Supposedly the group casuing the most casualities are called The Black Widows, widows of the men killed by the Russkies who are strapping on suicide bombs. All and all a very nasty little war.

"and other global leaders (Chirac, Schroder, Blair, Bush) turning a blind eye."

Looks like a perfect opportunity for the UN to showcase their abilities. What are they doing about it?

What is Queen Beatrix's postition on this matter?

Because Chechnya is not an independent country. It has been a part of Russia for something like 500 years, and has never existed as an independent state. I don't know what an international organization can do in a situation like this. Would we call in the UN if Conneticutt went nuts?

So what you're saying is that it's Russia's problem? That the U.N. and everyone else should just 'butt out'?

Your extremist postion on the UN is well noted, however your logic remains as confusing as ever. You condemn the UN for doing nothing, then you condemn them as unfit to do anything. In truth, the UN has an excellent track record in supervising elections - it is a job that your president begs them to do as he now grovels before this UN you hate so much -now that his anti-UN policies advocated by you lay in ruins on the trash heap we created in Iraq.

Elections may not solve the problem in Chechnya. The last elections held there, the Russians made a pretty good effort to see to it they were fair after great critizism of their past efforts. The fanatics simply refused to participate. They have two choices, either continue a pointless bloody occupation or remove themselves and let the people there solve it amongst themselves. Sounds familiar, doesn't it.

I am saying the Russians have a decision to make. Is keeping this state worth the price they will have to pay to keep it? It, as like the hypothetical Conneticutt situation, is one only they can make. I see no alternative - do you? I just don;t see it as an international problem. Given the history of Russia, this place is theirs to do what they want with.

Who's? Mine or Botnst?

Well, Bots, and probably yours.

Extremist? LOL..... If it makes you feel better to label me/put me in a box, I'm cool with that

BTW...I agree with this statement.

Well, I said probably. In truth I have no idea where you stand on the UN, and am merely making a hypothetical guess based upon the evidence. Bots wishes the UN destroyed and sees any international democracy as a threat to the American Uber State, and has left us no room to doubt where his feelings lie. Feel free to elaborate on your own position.

I am sure, to maintain intellectual consistency with the situation in Iraq, many of you all must believe that the Russians should stay and pointlessly get themselves blown up.

"making a hypothetical guess based upon the evidence."

What 'evidence'?

I'm quietly sitting in the box waiting to be re-labled.