Word: putin
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Moscow has managed to whip up Russian public support for war against Chechnya; now it may be trying to delicately climb down from the precipice. Following six days of continuous bombing, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin on Wednesday authorized a meeting between Russian officials in the region and Chechen president Aslan Mashkadov. Russia insists that Mashkadov curb Islamic guerrilla groups operating in his country, although observers point out that the Chechen president himself has limited control over his own territory. And Russian opposition politicians, mindful of Moscow's 1994-96 debacle in Chechnya, are warning against escalating the conflict...
Vengeance against Chechens may be all Putin has to offer Russians this winter. Another disappointing harvest has forced Moscow to turn once again to the U.S. for a second massive shipment of food aid, following last year's request for $1 billion in grain and meat. Although corruption scandals have created a pall of suspicion over aid to Russia, U.S. officials report that food shipments have largely escaped corruption. One bit of good news for the Kremlin came from the IMF. Despite the suspicion that his organization's aid hasn't always escaped the web of corruption, IMF president Michel...
Much of the pressure to act comes from within Moscow's political class, with new prime minister Vladimir Putin making his vow to deal firmly with the rebels the centerpiece of his campaign for next year's presidential election. "The Kremlin is certainly using this crisis to paint the not-very-striking Putin to look like presidential material," says Quinn-Judge. The former KGB officer on Monday firmly rejected a call by Chechnya's President Aslan Maskhadov for political dialogue with Moscow, instead moving armor to the border. But despite their anger at the bombings, Russian voters may balk...
...planning another bloody war in Chechnya, and it wants Washington?s backing. Moscow sent its air force to bomb the airport in the Chechen capital, Grozny, on Thursday, and massed some 13,000 troops on the rebellious state?s border. At the same time, Prime Minister Vladimir Putin claimed U.S. support for his efforts, alleging that terrorist financier Osama bin Laden is behind the unrest in the Caucasus and the recent spate of apartment bombings. "The U.S. has expressed support for Russia?s fight against domestic terrorism, but it may find itself in a tight spot if Moscow goes...
...fierce fire fights in the Dagestani mountains are plenty hot. As the Chechens have become expert hostage takers, the area has turned into a no-transit zone for fearful aid workers, journalists and diplomats. Acting Prime Minister Vladimir Putin has vowed "to restore order and discipline" in Dagestan in 10 to 14 days. He declined to say how, lest the enemy be informed. But few think such a simple solution is possible. "This might grow into a protracted local civil war," says Baranets...