Don't get me wrong, i think that the decision makers did a very good job, they made one mistake, which is a pity, but actually they saved the vast majority of the hostages. Now, as for the grunts, im not sure. I've always had the impression that Russia holds on the the unswerving obedience of the Cold War. I don't know if they still do, but it is concieveable to me that the SpecForces on the ground didn't know what gas they were being told that they had to use. All i was trying to point out was that the guys on the ground did an absoilutely superb job. However, i am concerned that although Russia acted decisevly, they didn't reveal information that could have saved more lives. I do not doubt that their course of action was the right one. However, one of my friends was in Moscow at the time, and i was just a little bit concerned for his safety.