The West cannot force Russia to change its policies. Instead, the greater the pressure, the greater the resistance. And comments such as those by U.S. Secretary of State Madeleine Albright, calling for an end to the fighting in Chechnya, only make it more difficult for those within Russia who oppose the government's current policy. Indeed, Arbatov took particular exception to Albright's comments during a visit to Moscow this week. When she comes and lectures us about the use of force, it's seen as a deliberate provocation.
Russian policy postulates the inviolability of the ABM treaty.
Arbatov said Russia is committed to Chechnya remaining part of the Federation and that popular support for the war remains strong, despite reports of increased casualties. He said the government hopes that once the fighting has ended, Russia will be able to win the support of the local population by providing humanitarian assistance and establishing law and order within the republic. Paul Tooher is the assistant managing editor for The Providence Journal in Providence, R.I., and the interim editor of the Global Beat Syndicate . All Rights Reserved. The Global Beat Syndicate, a service of New York University's Center for War, Peace, and the News Media, provides editors with commentary and perspective articles on critical global issues from contributors around the world.