I know it's a terrible thing that 100 or so hostages have died. It needs to be put into perspective though. When the SAS stormed the Iranian Embassy in London, an acceptable figure for casualties was put at 30 percent. Though 100 is a large number it only represents 10 percent and would by our own government be classed as acceptable losses.
Mike, UK
The Chechens, like the Palestinians must realise that whatever the merits of their cause, if they either actively engage in terror or give sanctuary to (or support in any form) terrorists this will backfire horrendously on them. In the current climate (war on terror) the only hope for the Chechens is to purge themselves of the extremists in their ranks and seek the path of dialogue(it may not result in independence but it will prevent them suffering Russian retribution).
Syd Kaminsky, UK
The Chechen rebels were nothing more than terrorist thugs. They have managed to set world opinion against the very cause they wanted us all to support. Chechnya must now be punished for harbouring these murderous terrorists. Terrorism must be eradicated by any means available.
Mike, Bahamas
There is little to be said. America went through exactly the same situation. America's war on terror was justified by the actions of a few on Sept 11. Thus this should justify any action however brutal taken by the Russians on the Chechens. We can not live by double standards and feel pity for some groups of terrorists and bomb others.
Bill, Australia
