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KEY TITLE The Russian-Chechen war has been the longest, cruelest, and bloodiest conflict in Europe since World War II, surpassing even the level of destruction of Bosnia and Kosovo. Told from the perspective of its former Foreign Minister, this uniquely candid account of Chechnya's struggle for independence and its two wars against Russia will revise our understanding of the conflict and explain how it continues. Ilyas Akhmadov delivers a comprehensive history including new details about the start of the first war against Russia, the crises within Chechen society, the splintering and radicalization of the Chechen leadership, the incursions into Dagestan, and his own efforts to bring about peace. Akhmadov provides intimate portraits of key personalities including General Dzhokhar Dudayev Chechnya's first charismatic president; Shamil Basayev who was transformed from a talented rebel fighter into radical who was responsible for many terrorist attacks including the hostage takings in the theater Nord Ost and the school in Beslan; and the tragic personality of Aslan Maskhadov, the principled president who tried to maintain unity and coherence despite enormous difficulties. The book shows the impossible dilemma of the moderate nationalists in post-Soviet societies, who are challenged by radical Islamic ideology, social deprivations, Russian aggression, and international neglect. By giving voice to the moderates, the book seeks to shift the balance in their favor.
