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The Chechen's have been treated like dirt by the Russians for the last 400 years.
Very true. But still they never gave up their will for independent state in that God forgotten, war torrmented land.
Hm... 400 hundred years? So, you mean that back in 1605 Russian empire stretched that far? You might be exaggerating a bit, both geographically and timewise. Chechnya was conquered only in early 19th century, that makes less than 200 years.
Have you ever asked yourself why exactly Russia fought Chechens so bitterly? Why they did not fight Georgians or Armenians, or any other nation living in Caucasus? There is nothing about pure hatred. It is very rational reason. Chechens (like Scotts some 200-300 years before) raided their neigbours for living.
If (and there is a big IF) Chechens dream about independent state, why in the name of God, after settling a peace treaty with Russia in 1996 (Khasavyurt), in 1999 they invaded neigbouring Dagestan to setlle an Islamic republic down there? By the terms of Khasavyurt treaty they were supposed to have referendum in 2001 (not even 2 years from then) to vote for complete independence. Why they did not wait? That casts a bit of a shadow on the peacful nature of a newborn independent state.
And finally, there are lots of Chechens permanently living in Moscow running businesses, like gambling (=treated like dirt?). I am not too sure they want to get back to Grozny should it declare independence.
IMHO, if only Russian government can rest assured that independent Chechya will not turn into a safe haven for radical Islamism, they would have let them go. Unfortunately nobody, not even the most moderate Chechen warlords can give such a guarantee.
PS: How about letting Afghanistan or Iraq go? What they will turn into in 2-3 years?

Mr.Smirnov

1) I never said it was invaded and conquered 400 years ago.
Russia conquered Caucasia in XVIII and XIX century, Chcechens too, among other, more ancient nations like Georgians or Armenians. Nevertheless it tried to enslave Caucasian nations even back in the XVI century starting with conquer of Kazan in 1552 by Ivan the Terrible.

2) As you probably could expect most of the Chechens will turn to radical islamists after the only moderate leader has been killed. Knowing all that whom do you want to discuss the future of this country with? Basayev? Peace? What peace? There will be no peace - because you're riding this land as if it was your own. And it is not yours, I am sorry to say. I don't know whether we have the same proverb but here in Poland we say "kto sieje wiatr ten zbiera burze" ("you reap what you sow"). Do you truly believe that Putin would harness his imperialist tendencies to grant any country on Earth independence of their own? The way they really want? Look at Ukraine's most recent example. Poisonings, killings and spies like in Borgia's dynasty time. True democracy and freedom lover your leader is.