Russia created the situation that gave opportunities to Islamic extremists to thrive among the Chechens.
What are the common denominators between Chechen terrorists and the Al Qaeda/Hamas/Hezbollah types?
Most people would point to the obvious...Muslims!
Some would see the second common denominator; in both instances, there is an oppressive system of government in place. The first being an oppressive theocracy governing in the name of God, and the other is communism, where the State denies God and sets itself in His place.
A Grand Strategy Of Transformation
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1077054/posts
Any legitimate grievances the Chechan seperatists may have had against the Russian government were nullified by their terrorist tactics against the civilian population. Russia has the sovereign authority to suppress such lawless insurrection and rebellion. If Chechens wish to wage a legitimate war of independence, they should restrict their actions to legitimate government targets.