Russian hypocrisy is so thick you can cut through it. And this is the same President Putin who promised to rub Chechen terrorists in their outhouse and who swore never to negotiate with Chechen separatists. And here he's warning how "dangerous and a mistake" it would be to remove Yasser Arafat's regime from power. If President Putin's country were subjected to years of incessant terror he might have a different appreciation for Israel's actions in the territories which have been by the way, more restrained and methodical than the ones the Russian Army undertook in Chechenya. When it comes to the necessity of eliminating a terrorist threat, one would think Russia would know the need for a military solution better than any one. It is too much to ask President Putin to appreciate Israel's response is the result of a war being forced upon her by the PLO? President Putin would have done better to join President Bush in impressing upon the Palestinians the importance of acquiring new leadership and eschewing terrorism as an instrument of political change than in defending an already indefensible status quo ante. And moreover Russia's stance as announced by President Putin at his press conference will not contribute one iota to furthering the search for true peace in the Middle East.
If President Putin's country were subjected to years of incessant terror he might have a different appreciation for Israel's actions in the territories which have been by the way, more restrained and methodical than the ones the Russian Army undertook in Chechenya. Russia WAS subjected to the terror act for years and on larger scale than Israel (of course if you discount the relative size). I think that Putin simply thinks that removal of Arafat will not improve the situation. Same way as removal of Aslan Maskhadov would not do it.
Pay attention, Russians have good reasons reason not to eliminate Aslan Maskhadov (who is a Chechen Arafat) although they could do it easily if they wanted. Russians do not think that the leaders who would take his place would be better. I understand that the anger of many supporters of Israel focuses on Arafat, because he is very visible and colorful, but in politics one should use brain. Putin is right.