The first invasion of Chechnya was in the 1830's by Czar Nicholas I (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). He met fierce resistance and many bloody battles where fought. However the Russians were victorious. In 1859 Russia had conquered their land and incorporated the Caucuses into their territory(Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). Russia took Chechnya in a time of Russian

In Russia's campaigns against Chechnya, they use very inhumane tactics. Most even think that Russia is violating human rights and being nothing more than a bully flexing its muscles. The battles consist of the Russian military invading towns where the paramilitary group is located and completely destroying them (Vogel, 2001: A30; The Washington Post, 10/4/01). The Russians usually round up the people and separate the men, women, and children. Sometimes some of the men are executed and left in dumps or their bodies are sold back to their families (Vogel, 2001: A30; The Washington Post, 10/4/01). The Russian soldiers also take bribes from the women in order to set the men in their family free (Vogel, 2001: A30; The Washington Post, 10/4/01). Those who are not set free on bribes are forced to go through hours of torture and then are finally set free (Vogel, 2001: A30; The Washington Post, 10/4/01).

CNN.com: "Chechen rebels launch new attacks" 9/29/01: http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/09/29/chechnya.talks.1100/index.html

I really think that the Russians have a reason to fight in Chechnya. It is a part of their country, and Russia can't afford to let every little area break away. The paramilitary group is also a good reason to fight. The paramilitary group is a terrorist faction and need to be stopped. On the other hand, Chechnya is a conquered territory from the 19th century. They were once a self-governing country and would like their impendence back. The extreme difference in ethnic backgrounds of the people is the basis for the fights, and it really is a legitimate reason. Over the years the Russian government has abused and neglected the people of Chechnya. There have been human rights violations on both sides. Since neither one wants to bend, there is likely no sure solution in site.

In 1999 a rash of terrorist bombs exploded in Moscow and other Russian cities. The Russians immediately blame Chechen paramilitary commanders (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). After the earlier kidnappings and now bombings, the Russians label the rebels as terrorists against their country. Chechens insurgents also went into Dagestan to help Islamic fundamentalists who were seeking to create a separate nation there as well (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). In reply Yeltsin sent 100,000 troops to Chechnya and recaptured the breakaway areas of Dagestan. The Russian troops marched into Grozny and destroyed it (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). The Russians occupied much of Chechnya and sent 250,000 rebels and Muslims into the mountains. In 2000 the Russians claimed imminent victory, but war continues because the Russians cannot beat the rebels in mountainous areas (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). The United Nation has also called for a Human Rights Investigation of behalf of both the Russians and rebels. Russian President Vladmir Putin agreed to the investigation, but continued war (Johnson, 2000: Infoplease.com "Timeline of Key Events in Chechnya"). This brings us to the new present day developments.

CNN.com,: "Russia opens talks with Chechens" 11/18/01: http://www.cnn.com/2001/WORLD/europe/11/18/russia.chechnya/index.html

Some common words found in the essay are:
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