Russia's non-negotiation policy narrows options

RUSSIAN President Vladimir Putin's rise was powered largely by a pledge to defeat Chechen separatists.

Yet the rebels are still killing Russian soldiers and, increasingly, civilians: they are being blamed for downing two planes, a suicide bombing and seizing a school full of children in little over a week.

Putin's options today are limited, and not terribly appealing; his constant, stony refusal to negotiate with the rebels leaves him little room to manoeuvre.