[TigersEye]

It's nice to see an article where the author isn't afraid to use the words "Islamic" and "terrorists."

[WilliamofCarmichael]

If Putin can't do it here's someone who can. Let's not forget Vladimir Zhirinovsky.

"Mad Vlad' urges West and Russia to destroy Islam," By Julius Strauss in Moscow, 13/02/2004

"The West should unite with Russia against Islamic radicals and Chinese immigrants, Vladimir Zhirinovsky, the flamboyant Russian ultra-nationalist, said yesterday.

"The firebrand politician, who is making a moderate political comeback in Russia, gave warning that if the former Cold War enemies did not form an alliance they would be overrun. . .

"Washington, London, Moscow and Tel Aviv need to form a common front. If we don't, the terrorist attacks we see today will continue for another 50 years. . .

"Russians fear that the growing threat of militant Islam in the Caucasus and central Asia will strike at their soft and ill-protected underbelly. . . ." [End excerpt]

Yes I know that years ago "the former lawyer. . .called for the Russian army to invade Alaska and India, drop nuclear weapons on Japan and flood Germany with radioactive waste." But that was then this is now. Some say he "has a reputation as a political weather vane who skilfully mines a rich lode in the Russian popular psyche."

[lainde]

bttt

[MarMema]

Why Moscow cannot seriously consider withdrawing from Chechnya is clear from a glance at recent history. The first Chechen war was from 1994 to 1996. During the interwar period -- 1996 to 1999 -- Chechen and foreign Islamist militants used Chechnya in much the same way al Qaeda used Afghanistan. It was a secure location with no central authority from which militants could recruit, train and launch operations. This culminated in the 1999 Chechen/Islamist attack against neighboring Dagestan that ignited the current Chechen war.

Important. I keep posting this here. Thank you.

[Avenger]

"For this pro-Western leader, the biggest dilemma is how to launch an effective crackdown against Chechen militants without exciting concerns about human rights violations or alienating the United States."

Russia, you won't be hearing any concerns from this American. Russia needs to act aggresively and with determination. A weak response will only encourage these murderous cretins both in Russia and elsewhere. I am certain that the vast majority of Americans will stand with Russia.

[Bonaparte]

Putin may just have to declare martial law. Sounds extreme but he may soon have no choice. The Chechens will only get bolder, targeting the Russian leadership itself if their demands are unmet. Better for Putin to start early. Late may be too late.

I doubt the Russian people are going to put up with this for too much longer.