[Hoplite]

My assumption is that neither the Russians nor Chechens are happy with the arrangement, but it serves both side's short term interests, and so shall remain in effect until such time as that is no longer the case. In that regard I see it as not much different from our arrangements with some Afghan warlords.

As far as my opinion of the veracity of official Russian statements, what we can verify doesn't inspire much trust, and as far as who's causing the lion's share of the mayhem, I expect that will become apparent over time, and have no doubt that the primary responsibility for failing to reign it in will be properly laid at the feet of someone wearing a Russian uniform.

[Alia]

I agree that the Russian/Chechen pact is one of mutual need; not necessarily, accord.

as far as who's causing the lion's share of the mayhem, I expect that will become apparent over time, and have no doubt that the primary responsibility for failing to reign it in will be properly laid at the feet of someone wearing a Russian uniform.

According to this article, the business part of Russia is not very, uh, enthused.