I have come to believe that Chechen independence has always been a fringe movement, led and organized by a small number of Chechen politicians and supported by Chechen criminal organizations. In many ways, Chechen terrorism is similar to that of ETA, although admittedly the former is much more active than the latter, and perhaps is a bit more justified.

Of course, you are completely right that Russia’s campaign of terror against the Chechen people is completely out of bounds and unlibertarian. Nevertheless, a powerful case has to be presented as to why Russia would necessarily lose if they continue on their path of violently oppressing dissent in Chechnya. Simply saying “that’s wrong” is not going to do much in the long-run, except garner the nods of those who already agreed with you. Also, the true nature of Chechen terror has to be recognized. I don’t think those terrorists represent the Chechen people: they represent the mafiosos.