Russia is counting the dead from a school hostage crisis that ended Friday in a bloody gunbattle between Russian forces and militants who had seized the building. Latest reports put the death toll at 322, about half of them schoolchildren. Russian officials say 27 attackers -- both Chechen militants and Arabs -- are among the dead. Officials say many of the wounded are in grave condition. More than 700 people were hurt when Russian forces stormed the building Friday after explosions were heard inside.
World leaders have reacted strongly to the violent conclusion of the school hostage crisis in southern Russia. President Bush called the hostage taking a "grim reminder" of the tactics of terrorism and said the United States "stands with the people of Russia." The European Union expressed regret the crisis was not resolved peacefully but said the blame rests on the those who committed a "heinous crime." United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan said he was "horrified" that so many children lost their lives. Similar sentiments were expressed by leaders of Britain, India, Australia, Thailand, Egypt, Israel and other countries.
Former President Bill Clinton is to undergo heart bypass surgery early next week after tests revealed blockages in his coronary arteries. Mr. Clinton, who has had no history of heart disease, is expected to make a full recovery, after spending several days in the hospital, and at least four weeks recuperating at home. The 58-year-old former president was admitted to a New York hospital Friday on the advice of doctors, a day after complaining of chest pains and shortness of breath.
Listen to our World News for details of these stories and more. --------------------------------------------------------------------------------