Communication

Contributions from readers who didn't object to having their email published in Vagabond Pages.

Re: "Why Do the Russians Need a Headache in Chechnya?" ..., Re: "Subjective vs Objective Universe" ...

Re: "Why Do the Russians Need a Headache in Chechnya?" (This Issue)

The Chechen culture is different from the Russian culture. Sixteenth century Tsarist Russia provides a precursor and  historical hint at the long lines of tensions between the two societies. Turks and other alien forces required a buffer and the Chechen region from time of earlier Russian domination set the stage for resistance, and the broad template remains the same. Different cultures, strong sense of independence from any Russian domination, harsh Russian attacks – harsh Chechen resistance. The Russians do not so much need a “headache” – they seek a buffer and a range of control of neighboring countries. When the Americans stirred things up in Georgia with attempts to install missiles and do various mischiefs, the Russians felt threatened and retaliated. It is more about world power, geo-politically perceived spheres of influence and security. When the Russians are unable to accomplish such ends, and elements of determined “Muslim” inspired resistance still fight on, the “headache” becomes the war for dominance and violence breeds  more violence. Putin or Medvev ( see: This page or whoever rules believe and voice the idea that overwhelming brutality will conquer and quell  – in this very Tsarist/Czarist approach. Simply stated, it will not – but that’s the Russian way, it is the way of all large powers. And the evidence is there:-

• 1922 - Chechen Soviet Autonomous Republic imposed;
• 1937 - 14,000 Chechens purged;
• 1944 Beria and Stalin liquidated and deported some 390,000 Chechens and 90,000 Ingush;
• 1991 – with the collapse of the Soviet Union – Chechen independence was an understandable quest – Russia had dominate, Chechens had not liked it;
• 1997 - Maskhadov democratically elected as President;
• By 2000 – numbers of 200,000 killed in Chechena, resistance war, criminal activities, various political alliances, Russian assassination of leaders, harsh warfare and harsh resistance – come now suicide bombers.

Oil bubbles beneath this sketch, considering the size of the refinery in Grozny during the Soviet era. So, now we have a horrible mix of strike, counter strike and the cycle goes on.

Welcome to the world – such as it is.

Courtenay Barnett
Web site: www.globaljusticeonline.com

Re: "Subjective vs Objective Universe" (July 01 Issue)

Mr. Markiewicz
I read your article about the "subjective & objective universe". I have also proposed the "subjective universe" using quantum theory. It might have some similarities to what you wrote.

http://www.fqxi.org/community/forum/topic/562

Hope you find the article interesting.

D. Song

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William Markiewicz