The US needs a Russia policy that firmly promotes a positive reform agenda in that vital nation. All too often, however, the Bush administration's approach has been to pursue good relations with Vladimir Putin as an end in itself, not as a means to a greater end. Good relations with Mr Putin need not be purchased at the price of democratic regression in Russia or Moscow's intimidation of Ukraine, Georgia and other former Soviet republics.

The tepid American reaction to the disturbing trends under Mr Putin's leadership reinforces the Russian president's worst instincts. The terrorist acts in Beslan were undoubtedly horrific and Russia has every right to protect itself. But turning a blind eye to Mr Putin's crackdown on human rights activists and his attempts to consolidate control in the region are not in the national security interests of the US or Russia.