Putin's new approach to Chechnya

Russian President Vladimir Putin shifted policy on Chechnya after September 11

By CNN Moscow Bureau Chief Jill Dougherty

MOSCOW, Russia (CNN) -- The Kremlin has labelled Chechen fighters as terrorists since the latest conflict began more than two years ago.

Whether referring to Jordanian-born Hattab, allegedly funded by Osama bin Laden, or the less-radical Chechen president Aslan Maskhadov, Russian President Vladimir Putin argued they were all the same and warned they must disarm or face destruction. As for negotiations, forget about them.

Then came September 11, and Putin joined the international coalition against terrorism.

Less than two weeks later, Putin shifted policy on Chechnya: Cut ties with terrorists, he told the fighters, and contact the Kremlin to begin negotiations on disarming.

VIDEO CNN's Jill Dougherty says Russian President Vladimir Putin seems intent on driving a wedge between Chechen separatists and Islamists (November 21) Play video (QuickTime, Real or Windows Media)

Then, a milestone this week: the first face-to-face talks between Moscow and a Chechen government envoy, during a brief meeting at Sheremetyevo airport outside Moscow.

No cameras were allowed, and there was no breakthrough. But the meeting between Putin envoy Viktor Kazantsev and Maskhadov representative Akhmed Zakayev raised a glimmer of hope.

"They seem to have an intention and desire to solve the issue but when it comes down to practical steps they're not ready to act," says Russian presidential representative Viktor Kazantsev.

Russian presidential watchers say Putin's shift is significant.

"Putin was not just reversing Russia's course on Chechnya -- he was reversing himself, and I think he used September 11 as a departure date for a new policy," says Dmitri Trenin of the Moscow Carnegie Center.

The new policy is designed to drive a wedge between the rebels, opening a dialogue with Chechen separatists and splitting them off from radical Islamic militants.

Moscow says the rebels already are under pressure as the global anti-terror coalition cuts off funding for terrorists around the world.

Meanwhile, Moscow is taking other steps towards improving its record on Chechnya -- suspending military officers who were abusing civilians and holding an open trial of Salman Raduyev, a key rebel accused of taking hostages.

Although the war in Chechnya has been a major irritant in relations with the West, Washington is now praising Moscow's talks with rebels as a crucial first step.

But some analysts say Putin is not just shifting policy because of the West.

As the guerilla war drags on and frustration mounts in Russia, and Putin is now ready to risk a new approach.