Russians love their children too
The Associated Press reports that the toll in Beslan has topped 340. Russian President Vladimir Putin stated "we showed weakness, and weak people are beaten." Putin appeared on national television to tell Russians that they must mobilize against terrorism and promised wide-ranging reforms to toughen security forces and purge corruption.
AP cites families gathering for wakes for the dead Saturday, with some vowing vengeance.
"Fathers will bury their children, and after 40 days (the Orthodox mourning period) . . . they will take up weapons and seek revenge," said Alan Kargiyev, a 20-year-old university student in Vladikavkaz.