Chechnya: Russian Moves, U.S. Countermoves

By killing Aslan Maskhadov, the only legitimate Chechen militant leader, Russia has rebuffed U.S. calls for a negotiated settlement of the Chechen conflict. Washington, however, has responded with a new tactic, offering a direct financial lifeline to the North Caucasus people. If successful, this approach will undermine Moscow's authority in the region.