Once again, Russia's war in Chechnya - which has rumbled murderously on for a decade - has blasted its way onto Moscow's streets. The horrific death toll among innocent theater-going Muscovites confirms Russia's struggle against Chechen rebels as a distinct and bloody front in the global war on terrorism. That war must be won. But the time has also come for Russia to change its policy. Chechnya should remain part of the Russian Federation. But, clearly, that strategic goal cannot be achieved by military means alone.
Once again, Russia's war in Chechnya - which has rumbled murderously on for a decade - has blasted its way onto Moscow's streets. The horrific death toll among innocent theater-going Muscovites confirms Russia's struggle against Chechen rebels as a distinct and bloody front in the global war on terrorism. That war must be won. But the time has also come for Russia to change its policy. Chechnya should remain part of the Russian Federation. But, clearly, that strategic goal cannot be achieved by military means alone.