Chechen President Killed

Topic: Chechnya/Russia

Aslan Maskhadov, the elected President of Chechnya was killed today in a raid by Russian forces on a bunker he was hiding out it. One must wonder who Moscow has to negotiate with now that the only rebel leader who was interested in peace is dead. Actually, it seems to make perfect sense. Maskhadov had been pressing for peace negotiations for a while now, including a cease-fire during the month of February. Despite his attempts, and those of independent Russian organizations like the Committee of Soldiers' Mothers and international organizations such as Human Rights Watch, the American Committe for Peace in Chechnya and Radio Free Europe; Russia (and Putin in particular) seem driven to force Chechnya into submission.

The following are links to news articles on Maskhadov's death:

• President Aslan Maskhadov: Shaheed, Insha Allah!
  source: Kavkaz Center


• Chechen Rebel Leader Killed, Russia Says
  source: AP via The Chechen Times


• Reports Say Chechen Leader Maskhadov Killed
  source: Radio Free Europe / Radio Liberty


• ACPC Condemns Killing of Aslan Maskhadov
  source: American Committe for Peace in Chechnya


• Chechen leader Maskhadov killed
  source: BBC News