The results of a referendum hold out hope for an end to the bloody conflict that has ravaged the Russian republic of Chechnya. Overwhelming support for continued affiliation with the Russian Federation was as much the product of hope as resignation.
Dreams of peace will only be realized if Moscow seizes the opportunity, reins in its lawless soldiers and provides a real measure of autonomy to local leaders. Last week's vote is a window of opportunity, but it may quickly close.
There has been savage fighting in Chechnya for nearly a decade. The predominantly Muslim province won de facto independence from Russia during a bloody war that was fought from 1994-96. Neither side showed respect for the other: Russian troops showed no mercy to Chechen civilians -- thousands have been killed -- sparking international outrage and condemnation. Chechen rebels responded with terrorist attacks against Russian civilian targets, allegedly even bombing apartment blocks in Moscow, although rebel involvement has been questioned. Russian troops returned to the province in 1999, after the Moscow bombings, but they failed to pacify the area and came increasingly under attack.