[KeyWest]

Every "insurgent" killed in Iraq is, by definition, a civilian. So the same charges could be and are leveled at us.

I do not like the way the Russians operate, but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam. And, unfortunately, I do not believe much at all that comes from the press that is sympathetic to the "insurgents".

Radical Islam wants to destroy us. Simple as that.

[Wiz]

Are all Iraqis terrorists by your definition? Are all Chechens terrorists by your definition? By the way, RFE/RL is a Department of State funded program, not one of those MSMs.

[wtc911]

Every "insurgent" killed in Iraq is, by definition, a civilian....

------------------------------

Ever hear the term Enemy Combatant? Pick up a gun and you are no longer a civilian.

And there is much more going on between Chechnya and Russia than the islamic terror war that we are dealing with in our fight.

Oh, and Russia has a history of leaving mass graves in its wake.

[Grzegorz 246]

"I do not like the way the Russians operate, but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam."

Most of Chechens and virtually all of their leaders (former Soviet officers and bureaucrats) in early 90's were atheists. Islamists gained influence after most of those leaders and one third of Chechen civilians had been killed.

The whole mess was created by drunk Russians generals, because corruption during war is much easier - they were stealing a large part of cash and supply for Russian forces in Chechnya.

[Grzegorz 246]

"...but they are at war as much as we are with radical Islam."

Russian war with radical Islam.

[JasonC]

Incorrect. Anyone who takes up a weapon ceases to be a civilian and becomes a combatant. It is not at all clear those the Russians killed were combatants, had weapons of any kind at any time, etc. If they did, then they were combatants not civilians.

[Lion in Winter]

Yes, Russians are fighting islamics and so is the USA.

No matter HOW they do it... Russians and Americans JUST NEED TO DO THE DEED!! Get all islamics "off this planet"!!

When those commies swarmed us in Korea we did not take the time to think...we just got " 'em off the planet"... so to speak! If you catch my drift?