Russia: November 12, 2003

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A stalemate has settled on Chechnya, with Russian and pro-Russian Chechen forces in control over most of the province, but several hundred rebels (and several thousand supporters) maintaining a low level of terror attacks. The rebels are split into many factions, some of whom would be fighting each other if it were not for the Russian presence. Russia has been using Chechnya to test a lot of its high tech equipment and elite combat units. But most of the Russian manpower is poorly trained and disciplined Interior Ministry para-military police. Still, the Russians are obtaining valuable information on what works and what doesn't against the wily and determined rebels.