Listen to Gorbachev

MIKHAIL Gorbachev is one leader who can truly claim a special place for himself in the annals of history. No other individual in 20th century changed the world's geography and history as Gorbachev did within the short span of his tenure as Soviet Union's leader. He was a true leader of the masses, whose mantras — perestroika and glasnost — liberated not only his own people but also all of central Asia and Eastern Europe. More important, his realistic worldview brought the world back from the brink of nuclear extinction.

Published: Thu 14 Oct 2004, 9:12 AM

Last updated: Thu 2 Apr 2015, 1:46 AM

This is why; the former Soviet leader is uniquely qualified to advise his country, Russia, on the most difficult challenge it is faced with. Gorbachev has advised President Putin to accord the special status to separatist Chechnya for a peaceful settlement of the problem. Drawing parallels between Chechnya and Iraq, the former Soviet president has urged the Kremlin to learn from the US mistakes in Iraq. "There is an important lesson from the US invasion of Iraq: Don't act unilaterally.” Gorbachev, who as Soviet leader ended the decade-long occupation of Afghanistan, insists on a political solution to Chechnya.

The Kremlin cannot afford to dismiss the former leader's suggestion as an academic solution. Gorbachev knows what he is talking about as he himself had to grapple with the Chechen question. In fact, it was Gorbachev who had accorded the special status of autonomous region to Chechyna. When Moscow set and recognised Grozny's limits of autonomy, relations between the Kremlin and the Muslim republic had been remarkably good.

Russia has paid a heavy price in trying to rein in Chechnya. But it has not really succeeded. On the other hand, Chechnya has been totally ravaged by the occupation. Thousands have died. The Kremlin would, therefore, do well to take Gorbachev's proposal seriously. Occupation is not the solution to the Chechen problem. The earlier Moscow realised this, the better for everyone involved.