RIP, Joe Random Chechen Non-Murderous Freedom Fighter
I admit that my previous post
RIP, Aslan Maskhadov
was so lacking of an explanation as to be easily misread.
I admit that was based on an thinly ascertained opinion
that might turn out to be wrong after further examination.
And thus I thank my gentle reader
averros for correcting me,
though I'm not sure how much to trust his information.
I am still looking for independent confirmation of his statements,
but pending such confirmation, I stand corrected.
I wrote the previous post hurriedly,
because it was a hot reaction to some news.
I knew I wouldn't be able to blog for some time, and
I wanted to share my concern about an underdiscussed
yet very relevant episode of our times, war in Chechnya.
Now that I have more time, I would like to make it clearer
what I did and didn't want to say on this topic,
and what my opinion is now.
NOTE AND UPDATE: This article has always been about why my message didn't suppose personal endorsement of Maskhadov, though my point was admittedly quite unclear from my previous post. I have since received contradictory statements about Maskhadov himself, and pending independent confirmation, I will refrain from giving a verdict either way about Maskhadov. I have changed the tone of the article several time, alternatively leaning one way or the other. I now explain clearly why I lean however slightly with my current sources, since that's what the whole point of sources, though I'm very open to other sources, if they prove reliable. However, and that's also a point, I will grant Maskhadov the benefit of the doubt, whereas no such doubt exists regarding the culpability of the KGB bastards.
