This testimonial is received from Ruslan from Toronto, Canada.*

The Afterthoughts About Bloody Massacre Of Beslan

If somebody was about to tell me a year ago that anything like the tragedy in Beslan could happen in Caucasus region, my reply would be, “Never. It is impossible.” But it happened. And it happened to my beloved Ossetian people, the only descendents of the ancient Alans.

The Russian province (republic) with a population of merely 700,000, it gave the world such famous people as, the founder of Ossetian literature - the poet of 19-th century Kosta Khetagurov; one of the key scientists of American space programms George Tokaty; the musicians Valery Gergiev, Veronica Dudarova;Issa Pliev - the army general, one of those who did not let the WW3 to spark at Russian side during the Caribbean crisis; the movie and theatre star Vladimir Tkhapsaev; Yuri Koutchiev - the captain of the nuclear icebreaker “Arctica”, which sensationally reached the North Pole in 1977; the founders of the Russian equestrian circus Kantemirovs’ dynasty; a dozen Olympic and about 30 world champions in sports and many many other well-known people.

We all are now suffering with this life-menacing wound; the “backstabbing” which was never usual for the nations of North Caucasus. The highlanders had always an unwritten code of honour, certain rules of behavior. Even during the medieval times, when vendetta was the only type of justice, nobody would touch the innocents - old people, children and women. It was against the nature of the highlanders, and would be considered as the lowest thing anybody could do.

Nowadays, with the problems facing us from nearby Chechnya and the tough situation surrounding Ossetia, we could expect anything, but the attack on innocent infants and children. Those, who came to the school in Beslan to execute the kids, claimed, “We believe in God! We believe in Allah! We fight for freedom and independence!” with their masterminds and supporters all around the world backing them up. I respect Islam or any other religion and respect the true believers, because they have nothing to do with the bloody predators who kill the innocent civilians. I hope those, who tried to create Hell in Beslan, are now suffering in real Hell.

People around me often ask, “Why did it happen? What was the purpose or what’s been done?” Now, when the shock is slowly diminishing and the sober mind is coming back, I analyzing the events and facts of those horrid days and it became obvious to me, that there were certain goals for this monstrous crime against Ossetians, against all mankind.

First of all, it is well known that Ossetia has been one of the most loyal republics to Russia for decades. It never had any intention to separate. The fact that the vast majority of Ossetians are Christians is important as well, because the all neighbours are Moslem and the influence of radical Islamic groups on young people there is pretty obvious.

On the other hand, those who planned this “action of frightening” knew that Ossetians were always able to respond to any aggression. So, the terrorists aimed to raise anger in Ossetians, as much as possible and to force them to fight back. They wanted to spark a big fire in the region, to involve the Russian troops in a war all over the Caucasus. That was the main goal.

They came to the school with the intention of killing all hostages and to die there as well. They had orders from their bosses. That is why they did not try hard to negotiate. And even if the Russian authorities agreed on their demands, nevertheless they would’ve for sure completed their monstrous task. The mission was well organized, planned and started in advance.

Why? Which values of freedom were these human-predators fighting for? For freedom and independence?
The Ossetians, Cherkesians, Balkarians and other nations of North Caucasus want to be free, and relatively independent, but - within Russia. It is the same case as the provinces within Canada. They made that decision in 1770-th and do not intend to change it. It is their choice. But they want to live in peace with all the nations around. They want to build a future of their children, improving the economy, education, health care, and other fields of social life. That is why there are four state universities in the Republic of North Ossetia-Alania, which is smaller then Nova Scotia. The Ossetains want the youth to “fight” on soccer fields, wrestling mats, gyms and other sport arenas. Not in mortal combats.

At the last Olympics in Athens, Ossetains got 4 gold, 2 silver, and 2 bronze medals! Why some people, who fight children and other innocents, wouldn't do the same? Why they wouldn't work the same hard way to improve the lives of their people?

They kill hundreds of innocent children and other civilians instead. They tried to kill our future. But they failed for sure. The Ossetian-Alanian people, who were almost caused to be completely extinct by Tatar invasion in 13-th century, and then restored from ashes, will not let those terrorists to be satisfied.

Communicating with people back home, I know there is a great amount of anger accumulated in the hearts of those who lost their loved ones. Lots of families lost all their kids - some with the parents. There is almost no one left in Ossetia, who hasn’t lost a relative, a friend or a child. This monstrous crime is unforgivable and unforgettable.

Though the desire to take revenge is huge, I hope the wisdom of my fellow Ossetians exceeds. Because everybody knows: the expansion of the Chechen war to other parts of North Caucasus would bring great pleasure to those who planned and organized this bloody massacre in Beslan. It would be the worst scenario for the tens of peaceful nations in that region, including the civilian Chechens and Ingushes.

I do not know yet how Ossetians will handle this tragedy, and what actions will be chosen in response, but I am positive there will be nothing against the innocent.

Rouslan Koutchiev.
Member of the Council of Canadian-Ossetian Association “Alania”.

For extensive historical Information about Ossetia follow this link.

* The material published on this page represents the views and opinions of the author and may not reflect or agree with views of members of Hope for Beslan group. Hope for Beslan group members assume no responsibility for the views of the author.