[toddst]

Given the scope of the attack by the terrorists and that all hostages could have been killed, I believe the Russian use of gas was both clever and saved many lives. They also should take time to search through survivors for hidden terrorists. None should escape a swift, public execution.

[RicocheT]

The gas may have killed more hostages than the assault. The Drudge site has a link to an article that the gas killed by knocking out the person and then if the person vomited due to nausea from the gas, they chocked to death.

An outright assault may have been the way to go or next time, choose a gas that has less nausea side affects.