In 2003, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Russia through the School for International Training. The focus of the program was anthropological, and we had a mix of lectures and experiential education.

One of the meetings which was arranged for our student group was with a local leader of the Chechen diaspora in St. Petersburg. I’m not going to pretend I have a complete understanding of the political situation of the Chechens today, or that I had much of a clue in 2003, either, other than knowing that Chechnya was an area of predominantly Muslim peoples who wished to be independent from the Russians. Read More →