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Discusses the significance of the siege waged by Islamic terrorists at an elementary school in Beslan, North Ossetia, Russia, that resulted in 326 deaths (50% of them children), 727 wounded, & 200+ missing. Impacts both on individuals & on the nation as a whole are considered, comparing this tragedy to the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks in the US. It is suggested that the incident illuminates major problems with Russia's security services, including massive intelligence failures & a lack of coordination among militia forces, antiterrorist units, & local armed civilians. Ironically, the siege seems to have strengthened rather than diminished support for President Vladimir Putin; several reasons for this are proffered. Putin's policy toward the ongoing Chechen resistance & foreign policy toward other countries that support these rebels are reviewed, & signs of a growing authoritarianism are noted. K. Hyatt Stewart