Monitor: Russian reaction to the two suspected terrorist bombing attacks in Moscow which killed almost 200 people

WAR HAS already been declared in Russia. And many Muscovites in the suburbs are forming their own special detachments which patrol their houses and gardens. The entire population has made up its mind that it has no choice but commence the insurance of its own security rather than rely on the state. This is because they are more than certain that the government and authorities cannot guarantee it. Many are welcoming any means necessary to stop the explosions. Now their fear is gradually transforming into hatred. The slogan "For every Moscow house - a village in Chechnya" is ever more popular and echoes in the streets.

Izvestiya

WE HAVE been calling them explosions, but what happened at Pechatniki and Kashirka must surely lead us to the conclusion that Moscow was indeed attacked by the Chechen army and, as a result, has lost more than 200 people, mostly old people and children. There is no need for anyone to declare war because it has already begun and it is currently taking place in Moscow, our capital. The state is a machine to make citizens obey. In return the State ensures the security of its citizens at any cost. Muscovites feel that tough measures are the only adequate measures. Chechen terrorists are doing everything for Russia not to have any future. Prime Minister Putin was declared by the Kremlin as a tough official and successor to half-dead Yeltsin who can't be woken, not even by the sounds of explosions in the capital. So now Putin has a chance, if not to win the war, then at least to gain the initiative. Chechnya has to choose between stopping its military action on Russian territory or extermination of the Republic.

Moskovsky Komsomelets

RUSSIAN POLITICIANS may have come to their senses at last, but isn't it too late? They were silent for two whole days following the first explosion. There was another explosion this Monday morning - timed carefully as if to give our leaders the chance to enjoy their weekend in peace. Then, at last, the President appeared in public. Over the weekend it appeared that he had been at his country house and the Prime Minister was out of the country - so who exactly was making the political decisions and co-ordinating the work? At last the Duma leaders decided to hold a special session with all the regional leaders. But the silence of the regional leaders had already become indecent. Recent events have eliminated the prospects for those politicians who fail to express themselves. We need politicians who have political will and favour radical action. There are rare moments in life when millions of people think the same. There is such a moment now.

Nezavisimaya Gazeta

IT IS most important that we extend our most sincere words of sympathy to those who have suffered in the alleged bombings in Russia because of this tragedy, and to all of Moscow. Dagestanis who know and who have suffered from similar terrorist acts feel especially close and have a particular understanding of the grief which must be felt at the moment by Muscovites. I am wholly confident that the people who committed this barbaric crime will be found and will be appropriately punished. (President Magomet-Ali Magomedov)

Dagestanskaya Pravda,

Dagestan