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What is happening? What is at the root of the problem? I have to say that we are continually and often, for obvious reasons, addressing the problem of Chechnya. The problem now is not Chechnya alone. The fact is that all over the world there are people who have taken upon themselves the right to decide that they can influence the opinions of those people who observe Islamic traditions and customs, of the whole Islamic world, and not just influence their opinions. They also believe they have the right to control territories with concentrated Muslim populations. These people use religious slogans as a cover in order to achieve political ends.
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Although you can quibble with aspects of Putin's idea it is astounding nonetheless to read an entirely political explanation of terrorist actions - free of infantile proclamations about their hatred of modernity, freedom, good stereo equipment, sweet, chewy cookies. big eyed puppies and so on.
I cannot imagine any American President making such a level-headed, logic driven statement during an interview, least of all the present one.
DRM