Posted on 09/04/2004 3:45:51 PM PDT by yonif
Russian President Vladimir Putin's speech following the bloody end to the school seizure in Beslan marked a significant break from Russia's attempt in the past to isolate Chechen terror from the issue of radical Islamic terrorism, according to Israeli officials.
Putin, during a somber televised address to the nation after the botched attempt to free the captives, said, "We have to admit we showed no understanding of the danger of processes occurring in our own country and the world at large. We failed to react appropriately to them and, instead, displayed weakness. And the weak are always beaten."
One senior Israeli official said that in the past the Russians "isolated their problem, said it was a Russian problem that they can handle themselves. Now it seems they realize that in Chechnya, like here, you have local organizations supported from outside sources residing in places where they have immunity and sanctuary."
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov is to arrive in Israel on Sunday evening as part of a regional tour, but Israeli officials now believe that the focus of his talks will shift from the road map to the war on terrorism.
Lavrov is making his first Middle East tour, and has already held talks in Egypt. Following one day of talks in Israel, where he is slated to meet Prime Minister Ariel Sharon, Foreign Minister Silvan Shalom, and Defense Minister Shaul Mofaz, he is expected to go to Lebanon and Syria.
Before the tragedy in Beslan, the Russian Foreign Ministry said the purpose of Lavrov's visit to the region was to talk about the road map, the disengagement plan, and the situation in Iraq. But now, instead of advising Israel on the Palestinian track, Israeli officials said it is more likely that the Russians will be interested in hearing about Israel's anti-terror strategies.
Sharon issued a statement expressing Israel's "shock" at the attacks in Russia, and saying that "Israel stands by Russia in this difficult hour."
"The recent terror acts against innocent civilians proves that terror knows no boundaries and has only one goal: destruction," Sharon's statement read.
Sharon said the free world must join together, both diplomatically and in the intelligence realm, to wipe out terror.
Shalom issued a statement saying there is no difference between the twin suicide attacks in Beersheba last week and the attack in Beslan, and that it is incumbent on the international community to condemn these attacks and to unite in the war on terrorism.
nuking Mecca won't accomplish anything.
however, if they gave up support for Iran, and gave the green light for the US to take them out - that would go a long way.
Only George Bush and real Americans--Not liberals--Realise the seriousness of world wide Islamics. We have heard here that Islam hates America, thats Bullcrap they hate everyuone not Islamic. I say to the world Wake TFU
International rhetoric is utterly stalled right now while everybody ponders position shifts.
In Afganistan we toppled a rogue regime.
In Iraq we toppled a very bad but recognized regime.
But the Moslem street has never been attacked and we go to great and excessive pains to avoid any civilian casualties.
Maybe this is an opportunity to show the street that Moslem populations can also be targeted...Kick the Chechans out of Chechnyia ...all of them, once and for all, finally gone and finished...what Uncle Joe started, time to complete.
The chechans had legitimate grievances, but the deliberate murder of hundreds children has voided any claim to any sympathy or tolerance.
Are France and Germany paying attention? Spain? They should all be shaking in their cowardly boots.
Destroying the Mosque in Mecca says "we know what your gutter 'religion' is all about, and we don't like it, and now here is proof your 'god' Allah is impotent and cannot help you. Your ideology is a fraud, and we just proved it."
Good point. Any country tolerating the concept of jihad should be put on notice that it is the same as a declaration of total war against the rest of the world.
The mullahs are at the bottom of it all.
I remember when some Russian embassy personnel were kidnapped in Lebanon(?) that the KGB(?) then kidnapped several mullahs. I believe one of them was hung up to dry with a note that the others would be similarly laundered unless...
The Russians were immediately released. They were.
It's about time.
translation: "Payback is coming."
It is sad that it took Death to emphasis Life, itself, was being targeted. It's a bit of a shock to the system to hear a positive opinion of our actions, though not surprising in this event.
Putin, during a somber televised address to the nation after the botched attempt to free the captives, said, "We have to admit we showed no understanding of the danger of processes occurring in our own country and the world at large. We failed to react appropriately to them and, instead, displayed weakness. And the weak are always beaten."
Well, have to give him credit for holding to the honesty and courage to admit they were wrong. I only wonder if this will finally bring them fully onboard in the WOT.
how long will the Russians remain ignorant. Why hasn't Putin declared that Russia will join the US in the war on Terror in Iraq and request help from the US against the Chechnians?
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-news/1214091/posts?page=61#61
Re: Comment #40 Removed by Moderator
See comment #42 by Leapfrog...
Lest we forget, let's all please have another look at a part of CAPTAIN PHOTON'S rant;
-=-=-
CAPTAIN PHOTON --
"the worst American president texas ever spawned"
Leapfrog --
You DUmmies really are easy to spot.
Disclaimer: Opinions posted on Free Republic are those of the individual posters and do not necessarily represent the opinion of Free Republic or its management. All materials posted herein are protected by copyright law and the exemption for fair use of copyrighted works.