Got him -- at last!

"On March 8 2005, during special operation performed by FSB special forces in Tolstoy-Yurt, Chechnya one of the terrorists leaders, Aslan Maskhadov, is liquidated. His closest aides -- Iliskhanov, Murdashev, and his nephew Veskhan are under arrest."

-- Report by RIA "Novosti"

It looks like a sad victory. For many victims of terror, including Beslan children, it's too late.
But it's better, than never. He got, what he deserved -- at last.

http://img.vip.lenta.ru/news/2005/03...ov/picture.jpg

Sorry, I don't share your euphoria at all. I've read nothing to convince me that Maskhadov was a terrorist in the eyes of anyone but the Kremlin, who I believe cynically branded him as such in order to deligitimise the entire Chechen separatist movement, lumping those involved in what was originally basically a nationalist movement in the same category as the radical wahhabist terrorist nutcases that later hijacked it.

He's only a terrorist if he's been involved in targeting civilians or condoned such actions. If the only people he's ever killed are Russian soldiers, who are legitimate targets, then he was a freedom fighter and a patriot. I have seen or read nothing, even in the Russian press, that convinces me he was the former. Indeed, everything I've seen suggests he was as disturbed by the jihadists and their methods as everyone else.

Of course, I can only base my opinions on what I've read. You are free to try to convince me otherwise, I'm always open to changing my mind if I am presented with new information.

Now, when they finally get Basaev, I'll be crowing right along with you.

Agreed with scotcher: I don't consider Masckhadov a terrorist. Just an enemy who got, what he deserved (there I agree with Scorpio). No euphoria at all. And even if they get Basaev I'll take it calmly. Потому что танцевать над трупом врага - это не по-русски.

I

Is it him? How do we know? Will we ever know? He looks different on every photo...

How can you know anything?

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Originally Posted by VendingMachine

Is it him? How do we know? Will we ever know? He looks different on every photo...

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For me it is definitely Maskhadov. But, it's wise to wait for results of DNA test.

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Originally Posted by scotcher

Sorry, I don't share your euphoria at all. I've read nothing to convince me that Maskhadov was a terrorist in the eyes of anyone but the Kremlin, who I believe cynically branded him as such in order to deligitimise the entire Chechen separatist movement, lumping those involved in what was originally basically a nationalist movement in the same category as the radical wahhabist terrorist nutcases that later hijacked it.

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As for me, Maskhadov is absolutely same kind of terrorist, as Basayev.
Yes, he refused to take responsibility for any terroristic actions, targeted against "noncombatants". But this looks like a cynical political game for me, and no more.
Basayev and Maskhadov can play an old dirty game of "bad cop vs. good cop", but no sane person should treat this seriously.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by scotcher

He's only a terrorist if he's been involved in targeting civilians or condoned such actions. If the only people he's ever killed are Russian soldiers, who are legitimate targets, then he was a freedom fighter and a patriot. I have seen or read nothing, even in the Russian press, that convinces me he was the former. Indeed, everything I've seen suggests he was as disturbed by the jihadists and their methods as everyone else.

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Well. Why nobody is asking, why he was about to do in Tolstoy-Yurt?
According to media reports, he and his gand planned a huge terrorist attack about a local administration of this village.
In other words, he planned to target civilians (and most, if not all of them, would be other chechens).
Is here anybody still looking for apologies for this scum?

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Originally Posted by scotcher

Of course, I can only base my opinions on what I've read. You are free to try to convince me otherwise, I'm always open to changing my mind if I am presented with new information.

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Well, I'm trying... ;)

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Originally Posted by scotcher

Now, when they finally get Basaev, I'll be crowing right along with you.

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All we need is some patience. :)
According to same reports, we also got Maskhadov's computers and personal archive. For me it's even better than disposing of him... it must be *wealth* of information! I think, soon we'll know much about his real terrorist activities and real connections with Basayev as well. Needless to say, it also makes easier to hunt Basayev down.