He didn't fit most stereotypes of the brutal warlord.
Maskhadov could not control brutal warlords who grew rich by organised crime and kidnapping.
And, in the hope of extending his authority beyond Kabul, he has made damaging deals with brutal warlords.
Now it has sent a distress call because a brutal warlord has seized power and a revolution has sprung up.
The two indicted commanders are considered among the most brutal warlords in the organization.
Major cities remain in the hands of the corrupt and brutal warlords.
Nevertheless, while having a reputation as one of the most brutal and ruthless warlords, he was also one of the most colourful.
The man considered Colombia's most brutal paramilitary warlord has a new home since he surrendered on murder charges last week.
He is considered one of the country's most brutal and notorious warlords.
The nation is once again riven into fiefs under the control of tribal chiefs and brutal warlords.