I will respect President Putin's decision on this matter even if he chooses to be restrained. But I would hope that he takes drastic action regardless of how this ends. It's time for a real lesson, one that no terrorist anywhere on earth will soon forget. I'm thinking in glowing terms of what the Russian military forces should do next.
. . and wishing we could fight at their side.
Perhap he shouild seek John F'ing's advice! ;~)
Putin should grant them their wish with a three part solution that would end the Chechen problem.
1. Grant Chechnya independence
2. Declare war on Chechnya for violent crimes and aggression against Russia
3. Make all of Chechnya glow in the dark.
Everybody gets what they want. The Chechen problem is over for Russia. The Chechnyans get independence. The Chechnyans get to die for their country in a bomb blast.
Seldom do such perfect solutions present themselves.
I also think it's time for an unforgettable lesson. A glowing lesson.