my input...
there's a lot of misconceptions about Chechnya and what's going on there... some are on the part of Russians, some are on the part of everybody else.
1. i don't know if it's right to call Chechens (fighting federal military) terrorists, but one thing is for sure: they are criminals. not only by the laws of Russia, but by the laws of any democratic country. name me a country (at least decently developed, no stupid examples) where it is legal to arm yourself and fight for separation from the government? take an average "free and happy" American (lol). can he take a shotgun and refuse to pay taxes, because his land is now a new country that he formed himself? you bet, he can't. same with the "chechen rebels". wanna be a separate country? make a friggin referendum in your republic, and don't start violence against local Russians.
here's the question for all you "free chechnya" smart people:
why instead of separating from Russia legally (as other USSR republics did) they started a war?
2. CNN and some other "truth is out there" media corporations are working the gas thing that happened lately. suppose, you are in charge of a hostage situation stand off (on the police side ). the terrorists start executing people. what are your options? you can (1) storm the building or (2) wait till all the hostages are dead. what would you choose? now why is CNN saying that Rus. police made the wrong choice? because the operation was successful.
3. my personal opinion on most of the political conflicts is like this: i don't give a f--k!
...not about the conflict, but about the other side of the issue. people who look at two sides miss out a bunch from both of them.
you people want Chechnya to be a separate country? ok, but how does concern me? do i care what you guys want? rhetorical question... trust me, the goverment in my country is of the similar opinion.
you want Russia to stop supporting Saddam? mmm... enjoy your "wanting" time. Russia is doing what's better for it, not for you... sorry guys
i was tolerant to Europe and US for way too long. i actually believed that you guys think a lot of Russia. i believed, that Europe is my neighbor and my friend. i hoped, US will cooperate with Russia to help us solve some of our problems (since they said they could).
not anymore!
i have no friends outside my nation, only buddies.