But there is a huge difference between bombing to liberate a territory, and bombing to conquer a territory. Chechens have already proven to be a formidable force, and it's doubtful that the Russians can take the territory without high causalities. Given the regional aspects of the conflict, it's also possible that nearby countries could be pulled into the war, perhaps even Iran. The Oil Connection Radio Free Europe reports that the current fighting followed a meeting between Maskhadov and Russian Prime Minister Sergei Stepashin on June 11. Three days later, the pipeline was blown up, and Russia suspended its shipments from Baku.
Most experts believe the pipeline issue was at least a contributory cause of the war.
As a sign of oil's importance, Moscow's first task after the war was to negotiate a transit deal and rebuild the pipeline. Reconstruction of the line remains one of the few commitments to Chechnya that has been honored since hostilities ceased. Surely progressives should advocate for human rights in whatever region of the world where they are violated. Russia raises particularly difficult issues with Americans in general, but especially among leftists. The baggage of support for the murderous Stalinist regime is still carried by segments of the left, while the general collapse of state socialism leads many to avoid the subject entirely.