I believe that it is probably tru. The US State Dept is SO inbred with its Ivy League Arabist meme that they in their self-centered hubris are probably maintaing such dialog. Putin's point is well taken.

Having said that, I believe that the sad fact is that Chechnians have a very good case against Russia. But NO cause is worth targeting the slaughter of school kids. Their independence movement has been infiltrated and co-opted by Islamofascists. Just like the Catholic church was infiltrated and co-opted by gay pedophiles with the top command structure (Bishops & Cardinals) serving as enablers.