CHECHNYA
The situation
in Chechnya is quite complicated. Years of Soviet occupation of this former
"break-away" province have taken their toll on the people of
the area. Communistic influences still pervade the province, and unfortunately,
citizens of Chechnya are plagued by internal division as well as revamped
Russian policy. The plight the people of Chechnya is rarely reported from
any reputable news source outside of the region - sadly, oppressed peoples
half a world away do not appeal to the media organizations or their respective
audiences.
The population of Chechnya continually suffers on a regular basis due
to what can only be described as a newfound desire for religion. The idealistic
Islamic movements in this province have been perceived as a threat by hard-line
political leaders, and as a result, the religious masses have been "corrected."
This pattern of religious oppression is not unique to Chechnya; Russian
influence in Southwestern Asia (also areas of Muslim majority) has ushered
in a new era of hidden oppression - Chechnya is one of the most blatantly
abused areas and is argued by some to be the most deserving of publicity
because of horrendous human rights abuses. Of course, internal strife and
idealistic disagreements sow the seeds of rebellion and dissent within
the province, and this serves to exacerbate an already volatile situation.
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Until the global community is willing to recognize the atrocious crimes
precipitated by a once-prominent world power, its carefully conscripted
landlords, and the revolutionaries within the borders of Chechnya, the
plight of the impoverished and dejected people in this area will remain
of the world's most carefully kept secrets. |
J. Adam Brockwell
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