Madam, - I did not wish to be drawn into argument over the painfully recent tragedy in Beslan or, like Kevin Myers and others, use this tragedy as a pawn to bolster ones own previous position on wider issues related to international terrorism. But I am increasingly infuriated to find that any continued criticism or analysis of the situation in Chechnya, as existed before this horrible event, is now somehow likened to an excuse for the slaughter of innocent children or the condoning of terrorism.
While we must unite in our strongest condemnation of the atrocity committed in Beslan we must also ensure that this condemnation does not amount to a justification of the despicable acts carried out by Russia in Chechnya. This tragedy must not provide Putin with carte blanche to further brutalise the innocent people of Chechnya because of the actions of terrorists who do not act on their behalf.
Any call for the laying down of arms, including an end to arbitrary detention, torture, extrajudicial executions or violence against women and children, must be directed at all sides, not just the terrorist minority. - Yours, etc.,
S. O'RAFFERTY,
Merchamp,
Clontarf,
Dublin 3.
Madam, - When analysing the horrific events in Beslan, we must remember that this was the work of a small band of homicidal fanatics.
Unfortunately, this is not the view of the Russian government. Previous experience tell us that the people of Chechnya will be punished collectively for this atrocity. Men of all ages will be rounded up and sent to "filtration camps", where they will be tortured and possibly shot.
Women and children are not exempt from Russia's wrath. Since the Chechen war began 10 years ago, 200,000 people, about one fifth of the Chechen population, have been killed. Most have been civilians. Such disregard for civilian life has consequences.
The international community must act now to find a political solution to the crisis in Chechnya. Otherwise, civilians in both Russia and Chechnya will pay the price. - Yours, etc.,
CORMAC O'BRIEN,
Seapark,
Malahide,
Co Dublin.
Madam, - The barbaric atrocities been carried out by Islamic fundamentalists in Russia are driven by a irreconcilable ideology.
A recent analogy between Belsen and Beslan is quite apt. We may reason and argue about the foundations and causes of Nazism and Islamic fundamentalism, but this does not detract from the need to defeat such irrational beliefs, using military means primarily.
Political parties and nations must take a less partisan approach to this problem, if we are to rid the earth of the scourge of Islamic fundamentalist terrorism. - Is mise,
ERIC CREAN,
Shandon Gardens,
Phibsborough,
Dublin 7.
Madam, - The attempt to associate Hitler with Islamic extremism is sheer silliness. Hitler was not a product of religious extremism.The attempt to smear all of Islam with guilt for this extremism is also unsupportable.
Hitler was a Christian, and his politics were extremely right-wing. If we are to hold all Islamists responsible for Beslan, may we also all blame all right-wing Christians for Belsen? And if Hitler was not a "real" Christian, surely the hostage-takers of Beslan are not real Muslims either. - Yours, etc.,
GILLIES MACBAIN,
Templetuohy,
Templemore,
Co Tipperary.