The Contenders:

Russia – Once known as the Soviet Union super power, until its collapse in 1991, Russia is officially known as the Russian Federation. Although the military and economy are significantly weaker than when the country was in its prime, At approximately two times the size of Canada, and with the eighth largest population in the world, Russia is still a giant, and its permanent position in the regular five on the UN’s Security Council.

Chechnya – Chechnya Is a small republic currently recognized as a federal subject of Russia and is located in the Southern Federal District, and more specifically in the Caucasus mountains. The country is rich in oil and various minerals and has become known as a spa center as a result of its mineral waters.

Both countries have a long history of turmoil and strife.

The Facts:

Russia
• In 1944, Stalin deported between 400,000 and 800,000 Chechen nationals to areas in Central Asia and Siberia for their support of the Nazis during the war.
• Deportees were not repatriated until after the death of Stalin (1953) in 1956.
• After the collapse of the Soviet Union in 1991, Chechnya attempted independence again.
• Russia repeated refused to recognize Chechnya as a separate republic, until March of 2003, when a referendum was approved for a new Chechen constitution which would stipulate the republic as part of the Russian Federation.
• Russia has a vested interest in the oil located in Chechnya.

Chechnya
• Chechens were active protestors of the Russian Conquest of the Caucasus from 1818 – 1917
• After the Russian Revolution of 1917, the Chechens attempted to declare independence, but were met with occupation by the Bolsheviks.
• The area currently known as Chechnya became the Chechen – Ingush Autonomous Region in 124, and an actual autonomous republic in the 1930’s, but has failed to get recognition as an independent Republic.
• The predominant religion in Chechnya is Sunni Muslim.
• During World War II, the Chechens sided with the German Nazis.