Russia does have the impression that others are always trying to steal from them. But Russia is paranoid, so its impression has little meaning. Russia is only a semi-rational actor in international affairs. As for the Ossetians, they themselves have persecuted the Ingush. Of course they have Russian passports – the Russians have been giving them to them, encouraging their separatism. Mike Sylvester notes the generally peaceable attitudes of the Russians and their history of stabilizing and civilizing the Caucasus. Which explains why it is such a haven of freedom now.

“Stable” is a good thing, but not to the exclusion of all other values.