Voice of America

The Beslan massacre has pointed out an inconsistency in the CR's foreign policy. Foreign Minister Cyril Svoboda has been a vociferous supporter of U.S. policy toward Iraq and has condoned the use of violence in responding to terrorism. Moreover, Svoboda told Právo that the recent terrorist attacks in Russia were planned long in advance and were well-financed. At the same time, though, Svoboda said the official Czech position on Chechnya is that the conflict there can only be resolved through dialogue. Why is violence okay in Iraq but only dialogue in Chechnya? The simply explanation, as suggested by Euro magazine, is that Svoboda is the "Voice of America." Euro added that Svoboda is now being hounded by rivals who are more sympathetic toward Russia. He'll find it increasingly difficult to hold the U.S. to one standard and Russia to another. Chechen