Perhaps the West is simply unaware that Russia's failure to provide the promised postwar economic assistance is the main reason for the internal mess in Chechnya and for extremism's appeal among some Chechens. Many of the moderates have been driven to align with extremists out of desperation and the Kremlin's refusal to negotiate with them. This conflict is historically deep-rooted. Neither Russian nor Orthodox, the Chechens have been resisting subjugation for more than 120 years. Russia's current campaign against the Chechens is reminiscent of Stalin's decision in 1944 to destroy the entire people by deporting them to Central Asia.
Terrorism is neither the central geopolitical nor moral challenge involved here.
Russia must be made aware that its policy threatens stability in the region and is incompatible with America's and Europe's shared interests and values. A hold should be put on further financial aid. The West should explicitly address the moral dimensions of Russia's conduct. Russian democrats, who oppose the war, are isolated, and their argument that the war is damaging to Russia's real long-term interests is being undermined by the West's seeming indifference. Washington also should propose a joint effort involving the U.S., Russia and the European Union to develop a regional economic-development plan for the Northern Caucasus, under U.N. or other international auspices.