Chechnya declared its sovereignty and independence in 1991 after the collapse of the USSR. However, it has been under Russian occupation since 1999. In fact, the Chechen struggle against Russian invaders dates back to the late 1700’s. The current war has similarities to Russia’s misadventures in Afghanistan, including near total destruction, conflicts between local factions, and corresponding state terror by Russia, with deadly and continuing consequences for all parties. Chechnya holds a strategic geographic position linking Russia, by pipeline and rail to the rich Caspian Sea oilfields.