After Beslan fears grew that terror was spreading through the region

In the wake of the Beslan school tragedy, Tim Whewell travelled to Russia's troubled North Caucasus region to assess the threat of terrorism.

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We asked for your comments on the issues our programme raised. Here is a selection of your comments:

State-terrorism should be denounced with the same ferocity as individual or group-terrorism.

Russia is occupying Chechnya and terrorising its people, and no solution to the problem can be found unless Chechnya gets its independence.
Youssef

A recipe for ruin: the Russian military and Islamic fundamentalism in the same region.

In the interests of the region and the world a peaceful settlement needs to brokered by the United Nations and the OCSE.

A plan for a just peace must be put into action to stop the unfolding disaster in the Caucasus.
Nick Bell

Muslims who practice extremist Islam are an obvious threat to the entire world.

The solution probably lies with the silent majority of peaceful Muslims around the world who have not stood up collectively to make their voices heard.

They have not demanded that this minority stop defining their religion in the crudest of ways.

This "silent majority" has the most to lose, for if the rest of the world wakes up to the threat, they may end up suffering the wrath of the beast that terrorism may awaken in us all.
Shep Fargotstein

The idea that all that is necessary to resolve the Chechen crisis is to give Chechnya independence is nothing but rubbish.

Russia has a huge problem on hand and it needs help Phil Gardener

This will be used by the extremists to seize power, institute Islamic law, set up the terrorist training camps and start preying on neighbouring provinces.

This happened in Chechnya when Russians withdrew a few years ago. It will happen again. Maybe it is time to understand that Russia has a huge problem on its hands and it needs help and not stupid accusations and threats.
Phil Gardener

The comments we publish are not necessarily the views of the BBC but will reflect the balance of views we have received. It is helpful if contributors state if they work for any organisation relevant to an issue discussed. Readers should form their own views on whether messages published represent undeclared interests, or views prompted by a common source.