Reply #5: Basayev is scum. But what of Putin? [View All]

[HuckleB]

If ABC shouldn't interview Basayev, then shouldn't Putin interviews also be off limits?

http://www.boston.com/news/globe/editorial_opinion/oped/articles/2004/09/09/i_fear_for_the_future_of_chechnya/

"...

For the past 10 years Chechnya has been occupied by a foreign invader. Occupation breeds violence, which invites lawlessness on both sides. The abuses of civilians by Russian soldiers have been documented by various human rights organizations -- Physicians for Human Rights, Human Rights Watch, Amnesty International, and the Russian human rights organization Memoriale. Young Russian soldiers are also dying unnecessarily.

Ordinary Chechens share my sorrow at the terrible carnage at the school in Beslan. However, they are also fearful, knowing that they will be blamed. They are bracing themselves for reprisals. The Kremlin spin doctors have done a good job of casting us as international terrorists masterminded by Muslim extremists from the Middle East. Sadly, most people believe the propaganda, even though we do not know the ethnic composition of the hostage takers in Beslan. It does not matter. The school siege resulting in the deaths of hundreds of children was a heinous crime whoever was responsible.

..."