This has been said before. The Russians will tell the U.S.: "We'll let you stomp the Iraqis if you let us stomp the Chechnyans". It'll be an oral agreement based upon a handshake. Of course what the Russians might be thinking when they make that deal is the French or Chinese will veto any U.N. resolution that isn't utterly toothless. They can appear to be our chums and not actually give anything up.

Too bad about this terrorist thing in Moscow. I suspect waiting them out won't work. The terrorists will set a time limit and then blow themselves up along with their hostages. My guess is the Russian police/military will have to go in guns blazing. However the terrorists appear to be full looney tunes. They'll probably kill themselves along with the hostages and policemen.

After the Chechnyans have done their worst, the Russians will probably feel the need to pay them back in their own coin. A whole bunch of innocent people are going to die (glad it's far away from here).

Gary