The Putin administration claims Osama bin Laden helps finance the Chechen rebels and that Chechnya should be considered an enemy in the war against terrorism. But Chechens say they are fighting a war of independence that has nothing to do with terrorism. Some say Putin supported the US attack in Afghanistan in return for Western countries softening their criticisms of alleged human rights abuses in Chechnya.
Through interviews with Chechen refugees, political leaders, and analysts, we'll learn about the secular and extremist Islamic political forces battling for control of the independence movement, as well as Russia's sometimes brutal military tactics.
Are Chechen rebels terrorists or freedom fighters?
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