What can be done for Chechnya?
Although the Putin-led Russian government today seemingly has control over Chechnya, compared to the 1990s, the region remains a source of potential instability.
Chechnya is Russia’s black hole, for its democracy and budget. Moscow’s budget is not very much affected, thanks to its rich treasury fed by oil and natural gas exports.
Putting all aside, this crisis has deprived thousands of people of the basic needs and dragged them to despair. It is a ticking time bomb. This is because these trapped and small-sized groups hold an asymmetric war card, though such an alternative is morally unjustified. Therefore, defeating an enemy on the battlefield does not necessarily mean you have won the war and have surmounted the crisis. In fact, Russian people have suffered great tragedies owing to the Chechen crisis.
Four years ago, just when Russian security forces thought to have full control of Chechnya, about 100 armed Chechens carried out the biggest hostage-taking operation in Russian history, raiding a theater in Moscow with 700 people inside. The incident in the heart of Moscow ended in a bloodbath. The rescue operation cost the lives of over 90 innocent hostages and 50 Chechen militants were killed. Have we forgotten the tragedy in North Ossetian city of Beslan two years ago? About 1,200 pupils were held hostage for three days, and the crackdown operation resulted in the deaths of 344 civilians, 186 of them children.
Furthermore, Russian policies on Chechnya and widespread human rights violations continue to be a problem between Russia and the modern world. The September 11 might ease reactions against the Russian policies; however, the Chechen crisis is waiting to be addressed with all its tragic human consequences. Human rights violations in Chechnya continue to be a headache for Russia in domestic and in international courts alike. Recently (Kanayev vs. Russia, July 27, 2006) The European Court of Human Rights (ECHR) found Russia guilty of killing thousands of Chechens.
Hence, Russia must seek a comprehensive and lasting solution to the problem in Chechnya in order to enhance its security, peace and democracy, as well the stability of the entire region. Just as the Chechens have to evaluate where this crisis is heading, Russia should also admit the need for a similar evaluation.
Russia does not heed the warnings of Western countries, the United States in particular, nor take them seriously, mostly because of the West’s double-standard policies. On the contrary, such suggestions and warnings are perceived as part of a power play, making the crisis even more complicated, let alone offering a solution. The West can help Chechnya mostly in civilian areas. It is necessary for Western nongovernmental organizations (NGO), including the media and human rights groups, to press the issue.
Turkey and the Islamic world can accomplish where the West has failed politically on this issue. Ankara and Moscow recently have developed new strategic relations based on mutual trust and interests, leaving behind old relations that were deadlocked over the PKK-Chechen whirling. In my opinion, as a reliable friend and neighbor, Turkey will please both the Chechens, who have kindred/religious ties with Turkey, and the new partner, Russia. This way, Turkish NGOs, which were active during the PKK-Chechen debates but later became totally indifferent to the issue, will assume new roles.
Furthermore, Russia’a efforts recently to improve relations with the Islamic world and its desire to join the Organization of the Islamic Conference (OIC) will give the Muslim world more opportunities to offer constructive suggestions to Russia.
This is the last article I have written with humane and conscientious feelings on the Chechen drama. I hope these analyses and suggestions at least pave the way for new and bright ideas.
August 11, 2006
14.08.2006
ABDULHAMIT BILICI
http://www.zaman.com/?bl=columnists&alt=&hn=35635
