On the other side of the world, Chechen soldiers continue the miraculous defense of their break-away republic and Russian citizens question the power of President Boris Yeltsin. But political leaders in the United States are still left with an imperative political decision.

To deal with the Chechen situation the Clinton administration should initiate a policy that goes against Theodore Roosevelt's clichd philosophy. The United States must speak loudly and carry a small stick by vigorously decrying human rights abuses but stopping short of any military intervention in Chechnya.

The current political situation in Russia is chaotic. Yeltsin is losing his hold on power, the economy is in shambles and an attempt at democracy has been overrun by crime and corruption. To add to the confusion, no one knows who is in control of the former Soviet Union's nuclear arsenal.

Russian leaders are paranoid and deservedly so. Chechnya is just one of many small Russian republics based on ethnicity that would like to seceed. The Russians believe that all of its republics are necessary for its national security and has labeled the conflict an internal dispute.

The Chechen dilemma is an important test case for both Russia and the United States. If Russia puts down the rebellion then it will assure itself the national security that it desires. If the Clinton administration were to intervene now it could trap itself into giving support to Russia in future internal disputes -- a burden that the United States cannot withstand. The safest policy is for the Clinton administration to allow the Russians to handle the situation themselves.

At the same time, Clinton must speak out vigorously against the Russians' brutal treatment of Chechen civilians. Although Yeltsin was correct in trying to put down the Chechen rebellion, his inability to control the military's rogue attacks on civilians is deplorable. Human rights should be a top priority for the world's sole superpower.

Clinton must not trample on the feet of Russian leaders, but the Russians must not be allowed to trample on Chechen civilians.