September 18, 2004

The New York Times > International > Europe > Chechen Rebel Grimly Vows More Attacks

Guerrilla
Separatist
Insurgent
Freedom Fighter
Martyr
Rebel
Terrorist

"Shamil Basayev, the elusive Chechen guerrilla commander who has become Russia's most wanted man, has claimed responsibility for planning acts of terror that have killed more than 440 people here since August and is threatening more attacks, according to a statement released on a separatist Web site on Friday."

"In a lengthy letter posted early Friday morning, Mr. Basayev said his group, the Riyadus-Salakhin Reconnaissance and Sabotage Battalion of Chechen Martyrs, "had carried out a number of successful combat operations on the territory of Russia."
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The language used by people and the media to describe terrorism astounds me. The wanton killing of innocent civilians is terrorism pure and simple. The New York Times and other media's use of less intense words is a travesty. This bastard is a terrorist. The fact that he wears military clothing is a distinction that abuses the Geneva Convention protocols. (Terrorist: One who utilizes the systematic use of violence and intimidation to achieve political objectives, while disguised as a civilian non-combatant. The use of a civilian disguise while on operations exempts the perpetrator from protection under the Geneva Conventions, and consequently if captured they are liable for prosecution as common criminals.
www.aeroflight.co.uk/definitions.htm)

His use of the term 'combat operations' is a farce and a travesty. Putin is correct to crack down on this wanton killing and the leaders who sponsor it. I'm sure there are legitimate grievances in Chechnya. I don't claim to know what they are, but the horror wreaked by these people is terrorism and must be condemned with all possible steps to eliminate it.

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