In conclusion, not much has changed since the First Chechen War.
Chechnya remains a Federal Republic of Russia occupied by corrupt
Russian security forces that continue to inflict Human Rights abuses.
The US and other Western nations continue to overlook these crimes as they
continue the War on Terror and seek as many allies as possible in that
fight. There appears to be no end in sight to the bitterness and
hatred between Russians and ethnic Chechens.
It is important to understand this event for many reasons. First of all,
this was the first rebellion of any republic against the Russian
Federation. Secondly, the event illustrates the extremes that humans
will go to when denied a voice in government. Lastly, it serves as a reminder
of how lucky we are to enjoy the freedoms we have in the United States of
America.