Rusian School Hostage

[RHCP rule]

does anyone know what the demands are? also what is the cause for it?

[pinus]

Watch the news and you'll find out just as quickly as we will

[Philtaz]

The demands are that Russian Forces leave Chechnya, it's that basic.

[RevShirls]

Sky News and BBC News websites will give you good, clear information http://www.sky.com/skynews/home http://news.bbc.co.uk/

[bernardo]

The terrorists want independence for Chechnya.

[tomd]

Another Russian military bungle. They're not too good at this "don't harm the hostages" lark.

[bernardo]

Actually I don't regard it as a bungle. The need to make sure the children and other hostages are unharmed is only the nuber 2 priority; number 1 priority is to ensure that the terrorists all end up in prison or dead, and that they do not escape. It is essential for the Russian authorities to make sure that the terrorists do not gain from their actions, even if that means risking the hostages' lives.

[bernardo]

P.S. actually, in light of the last few hours, yes it was a bungle... but the two priorities are still the same.

[MrsCheeks]

They are also demanding the release of all prisoners. This has been going on for the best part of a decade now and will no doubt continue for a great deal longer.

[el duerino]

wrong, wrong, wrong. The primary objective in any hostage situation is to rescue the hostages. If this is achieved, the terrorists have failed and the hostages have been kept alive. Killing terrorists is a secondary objective which mainly arises through the rescue operation.