ACCUSATIONS and counter accusations will mount after the shocking scenes of brutality from Beslan.

The enormity of it is unspeakable.

Once again it is the Islamic world seen to be at the forefront of the atrocities.

Is this to be Russia's '9/11'? The implications may well be somewhat similar.

If Russia is to attain and maintain the balance of power, the Middle East is there for her to redesign.

With Iraq and Afghanistan, the west had set the 'standard.'

N MOMONIAT (Mr), (address supplied).