[GSlob]

Given the intensity of Chechen/Russian hatred, to believe that the Chechens would try to sell the device instead of USING it - strains human credulity and defies reason.

[Reeses]

defies reason

Most likely this was a sting operation. There's probably 1,000 stings for every real offer out there. Berezovsky likely saw it for what it was, reported it as a "good citizen" act.

[Domestic Church]

" ...to believe that the Chechens would try to sell the device instead
of USING it - strains human credulity and defies reason."

Maybe they have more than one, maybe they have more than two brokered through the Russian black market. That would be the only reason I could see them selling one given their hatred.

I also wonder why they wanted to sell to this guy.

[TapTheSource]

"Given the intensity of Chechen/Russian hatred, to believe that the Chechens would try to sell the device instead of USING it - strains human credulity and defies reason."

Excellent point. Kerry will no doubt be using this on the campaign trail: "This only underscores the danger of Pres. Bush's refusal to provide enough money and support to secure Russian nukes"...blah, blah, blah. Even if the Chechens did manage to get there hands on such a weapon, a question would still remain...who gave it to them???