Russia: Terrorists made woman choose between her children

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-09-03 11:34pm

BESLAN, Russia ? Zalina Dzandarova cradles her son Alan as he sleeps with his small face buried against her stomach. He is the child Dzandarova was able to save. The child she chose to save, really.

It is the other one, little Alana, her 6-year-old daughter, whose image torments her: Alana clutching her hand, Alana crying and calling after her. Alana's sobs disappearing into the distance as Dzandarova walked out of Middle School No. 1 here Thursday, clutching 2-year-old Alan in her arms.

Guerrillas armed with automatic rifles and explosive belts who are holding hundreds of hostages at the small provincial school in southern Russia allowed 26 women and children to leave. About a dozen mothers, like Dzandarova, were allowed to take only one child, forced to leave another behind.

"I didn't want to make this choice," a stunned-looking Dzandarova, 27, said in the reception room of her father-in-law's house a few miles from the school. "People say they are happy that my son and I are saved. But how can I be happy if my daughter's still inside there?"

Violence often selects its victims randomly, but seldom is a mother asked to make a Sophie's choice: Save one child and leave behind another, possibly to face death. The standoff in North Ossetia republic involving about 20 guerrillas ? most likely linked to the neighboring separatist republic of Chechnya (news - web sites) or adjacent Ingushetia ? has stunned a nation accustomed to war and its horrors after the many ethnic and territorial conflicts that accompanied the breakup of the Soviet Union.

Even with the downing of two Russian jetliners and two street bombings coming in just one week, the thought of schoolchildren surrounded by veiled female suicide bombers and masked guerrillas has traumatized the country. "They Have Taken Hundreds of Our Children," read a banner headline in the daily newspaper Izvestia.

And they took Alana.

"They said they would let us go only after the [Russian] troops are withdrawn from Chechnya," said Dzandarova. She said the attackers had identified themselves as Chechens. "I said we have nothing to do with that, but they wouldn't listen."

Her description provided one of the first accounts of what was happening inside the school, where Dzandarova said as many as 1,000 children and parents were being held in a gymnasium planted with explosives. Authorities officially listed the number of hostages at 354, a figure Dzandarova disputed.

"The director of the school was taken to a TV where they were saying there were 354 of us in here, and the director came back and she was in a state of shock, because there were in fact many more people there," she said.

"There were definitely 1,000 people in that one room," she said, referring to the gym. "I saw it with my own eyes."

On Wednesday, Dzandarova took her daughter to the first day of first grade. As students and parents began lining up, they saw the attackers sweeping into the school. Dzandarova ran with her children to hide in a classroom, but they were rounded up with the others and taken to the gym.

"Everyone was ordered to sit down, and they began to set up booby-traps around the perimeter, right in front of our eyes. They had lots of guns and explosives with them."

At first, she said, everyone was allowed to drink water from the tap. But the hostage-takers soon stopped that, she said, because they were angry that officials, including the presidents of North Ossetia and Ingushetia, had not come to meet with them.

Without water, the powdered milk the guerrillas supplied for the children had to be spooned into their mouths.

The gym was sweltering, even after the window panes were broken out.

"They were telling us, 'Your government is not allowing enough water for your kids.' "

In just two days, she said, the problem became acute. "You see, the kids won't survive these negotiations," she said. "They're not getting enough water. What we have to hope is that they'll survive this night without water."

At the beginning, 20 men in the gym were led to a different room. On Thursday, Dzandarova said, 10 of the men returned. The hostages presumed that the others were dead.

"They told us that it was 'your own side' that had executed them, who had shot them dead," Dzandarova said.

Two women who had been wearing suicide belts apparently detonated them Wednesday in an adjoining room, she said.

"They left the gym, and all of a sudden we heard two loud explosions. We thought the storming [by Russian police] had begun. But then they told us, 'Our sisters have won a victory, and there's no other cause they want to pursue.' "

The male guerrillas, she said, "took it calmly."

Much of the time, she said, the guerrillas appeared tense: running around the room, waving their guns in the hostages' faces, shouting at them to sit still and stop talking.

When Alan began to cry from hunger, Dzandarova was allowed to join several other mothers in an adjacent room, which had its own water and was several degrees cooler.

After a former local political leader visited the school Thursday, the women in the adjacent room were told there was "good news": They would be released.

"They said, 'Pack your things quickly, and take your babies with you,' " Dzandarova said.

Shortly after, she learned that she would have to choose between taking her son or her daughter.

Dzandarova had both Alan and Alana with her and made a snap decision to pass Alana to her 16-year-old sister-in-law. But the guerrillas saw through the ruse and refused to allow her to take the older child.

"Alana was clinging to me and holding my hand firmly. But they separated us, and said: 'You go with the boy. Your sister can stay here with her.' I cried. I begged them. Alana cried. The women around us wept. One of the Chechens said: 'If you don't go now, you don't go at all. You stay here with your children ? and we will shoot all of you.' "

She couldn't save both of them. She could only die with both of them ? or save one of them and herself.

"I didn't have time to think what I was doing," she said. "I pressed Alan even stronger to myself, and I went out, and I heard all the time how my daughter was crying and calling for me behind my back. I thought my heart would break into pieces there and then."

Dzandarova cried as she talked. Her tears fell on Alan, who was sleeping. Even when his mother shook quietly with sobs as she cradled him, he didn't awaken.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:36pm

It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.

Col. Crackpot · Post by **Col. Crackpot** » 2004-09-03 11:38pm

Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.

*WOOF *WOOF *WOOF <----the sound of Mike barking up a dead horse's ass.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:39pm

Col. Crackpot wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.
*WOOF *WOOF *WOOF <----the sound of Mike barking up a dead horse's ass.

OK, perhaps I'll say the same thing everyone else has been saying then ... LET'S BLOW UP SOME CHECHNYAN CHILDREN NOW!!!! KILL KILL KILL!!!!!!!

Is that better?

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-09-03 11:39pm

Can you point me to where anybody who matters said that Iraq would be the final, ultimate, decisive blow that would end global terror forever and ever and ever?

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:40pm

Joe wrote:Can you point me to where anybody who matters said that Iraq would be the final, ultimate, decisive blow that would end global terror forever and ever and ever?

But the world is safer! Didn't you hear? Shrubby said it about a hundred times in the last few weeks.

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-03 11:41pm

Oh shut up asshole! You know damn well this has nothing to do with Iraq!

You want to say Iraq was fucked up, you're right it was, the occuipation has been handled hamhandly by Bush and is a textbook of what not to do.

But to bring it up on this is crass and disgusting especally since you damn well know this would have happened Iraq war or no Iraq war.

Dear God, this kind of thing is happening in the 21st century and you want to use it has a platform for sneering sarcasim over unrelated issues?!? What the hell is your malfunction!

Col. Crackpot · Post by **Col. Crackpot** » 2004-09-03 11:41pm

Darth Wong wrote:
Col. Crackpot wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.
*WOOF *WOOF *WOOF <----the sound of Mike barking up a dead horse's ass.
OK, perhaps I'll say the same thing everyone else has been saying then ... LET'S BLOW UP SOME CHECHNYAN CHILDREN NOW!!!! KILL KILL KILL!!!!!!!

Is that better?

who said that exactly?

CaptainChewbacca · Post by **CaptainChewbacca** » 2004-09-03 11:42pm

Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.

You. Cock.

Can't you look past your own pettiness and feel compassion?

Joe · Post by **Joe** » 2004-09-03 11:42pm

But the world is safer! Didn't you hear? Shrubby said it about a hundred times in the last few weeks.

Again: Can you point me to where anybody who matters said that Iraq would be the final, ultimate, decisive blow that would end global terror forever and ever and ever?

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-03 11:43pm

WHO CARES!!! This has nothing to do with Iraq, take to another thread.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:44pm

frigidmagi wrote:Oh shut up asshole! You know damn well this has nothing to do with Iraq!

THE LAST FUCKING WEEK HAS BEEN DOMINATED BY ASSHOLES IN THE NEWS SAYING THAT THE WAR IN IRAQ IS STOPPING TERRORISM, DUMB-FUCK.

Master of Ossus · Post by **Master of Ossus** » 2004-09-03 11:44pm

Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.

Who gives a flying fuck? Even if that invasion directly CAUSED this action, it still doesn't remotely excuse it. Moreover, since there is clearly little or no connection between the two, it doesn't matter at all.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:45pm

CaptainChewbacca wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.
You. Cock.

Can't you look past your own pettiness and feel compassion?

I do feel compassion, you stupid asshole. I also can't believe that every time something like this happens, people want to punish indiscriminately, hurting unrelated people and related people with little regard for differentiation.

CaptainChewbacca · Post by **CaptainChewbacca** » 2004-09-03 11:45pm

Darth Wong wrote:
frigidmagi wrote:Oh shut up asshole! You know damn well this has nothing to do with Iraq!
THE LAST FUCKING WEEK HAS BEEN DOMINATED BY ASSHOLES IN THE NEWS SAYING THAT THE WAR IN IRAQ IS STOPPING TERRORISM, DUMB-FUCK.

I find it disconcerting that your first impulse upon reading the OP was not one of compassion, but on how to further your own political beliefs and impress them onto others. Kinda sociopathic if you ask me.

Master of Ossus · Post by **Master of Ossus** » 2004-09-03 11:46pm

Darth Wong wrote:
frigidmagi wrote:Oh shut up asshole! You know damn well this has nothing to do with Iraq!
THE LAST FUCKING WEEK HAS BEEN DOMINATED BY ASSHOLES IN THE NEWS SAYING THAT THE WAR IN IRAQ IS STOPPING TERRORISM, DUMB-FUCK.

What do American politics have to do with this action, or the news? None? That's right. If you want to complain about the war in Iraq, take it to another thread.

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:46pm

Master of Ossus wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.
Who gives a flying fuck? Even if that invasion directly CAUSED this action, it still doesn't remotely excuse it. Moreover, since there is clearly little or no connection between the two, it doesn't matter at all.

Who said it excused anything? Got reading comprehension problems today?

Master of Ossus · Post by **Master of Ossus** » 2004-09-03 11:47pm

Darth Wong wrote:
Master of Ossus wrote:
Darth Wong wrote:It's a good thing the world is safe from terrorism thanks to the invasion of Iraq, so these kinds of things don't happen any more.
Who gives a flying fuck? Even if that invasion directly CAUSED this action, it still doesn't remotely excuse it. Moreover, since there is clearly little or no connection between the two, it doesn't matter at all.
Who said it excused anything?

Did I say anybody did? No.

Got reading comprehension problems today?

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:47pm

CaptainChewbacca wrote:I find it disconcerting that your first impulse upon reading the OP was not one of compassion, but on how to further your own political beliefs and impress them onto others. Kinda sociopathic if you ask me.

Oh I'm sorry, I didn't realize that pointless emoting was de rigeur now. Of course I feel badly about the children. How does that change the fact that all of the rage being directed against Chechnya after this is like an echo of the calls to attack Iraq over 9/11?

frigidmagi · Post by **frigidmagi** » 2004-09-03 11:48pm

You are the one with a comprehension problem why does everything have to be about how badly the current government of US screwed up in Iraq with you!?!

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:48pm

frigidmagi wrote:You are the one with a comprehension problem why does everything have to be about how badly the current government of US screwed up in Iraq with you!?!

See above, shitfucker. I'm pointing out a historical parallel. I didn't realize people would be too fucking stupid to see it without spelling it out first.

CaptainChewbacca · Post by **CaptainChewbacca** » 2004-09-03 11:50pm

Darth Wong wrote:
frigidmagi wrote:You are the one with a comprehension problem why does everything have to be about how badly the current government of US screwed up in Iraq with you!?!
See above, shitfucker. I'm pointing out a historical parallel. I didn't realize people would be too fucking stupid to see it without spelling it out first.

You also didn't realize political gloating in this thread would be a bad idea. I recommend you delete everything after the OP and see if we can start this thread right. You screwed up.

Post by **fgalkin** » 2004-09-03 11:50pm

Jesus Christ. Can you please take your bickering elsewhere? Preferrably to a deep dark place where no one will ever see it again.

The story is incredibly sad. I am truly amazed at the complete and utter inhumanity of the terrorists. These are not humans, they are not even vermin. There is no word in English or Russian that can describe the depths to which they have sank. They have no right to exist. And any religion that allows itself to be used in such ways does not have a right to exist, either.

Have a very nice day.
-fgalkin

Post by **Darth Wong** » 2004-09-03 11:51pm

CaptainChewbacca wrote:You also didn't realize political gloating in this thread would be a bad idea. I recommend you delete everything after the OP and see if we can start this thread right. You screwed up.

How is it "political gloating" to point out that people are now employing the same shitty logic against Chechnya that they employed against Iraq? Is Chechnya now off-topic for this thread?

CaptainChewbacca · Post by **CaptainChewbacca** » 2004-09-03 11:52pm

Darth Wong wrote:
CaptainChewbacca wrote:You also didn't realize political gloating in this thread would be a bad idea. I recommend you delete everything after the OP and see if we can start this thread right. You screwed up.
How is it "political gloating" to point out that people are now employing the same shitty logic against Chechnya that they employed against Iraq? Is Chechnya now off-topic for this thread?

No, but Iraq and Bush-bashing should be. I think you should apologize. This thread isn't about revenge, its about a crime against nature, forcing a mother to chose.