There’s no such thing as a “code of honor” among terrorists like those involved in the recent Russian school incident.

Decent people the world over continue to be devastated and appalled at the vicious, mindless activities of the terrorists who seized some 1,200 hostages at a school in Russia and caused the deaths of hundreds, an astounding number of them children.

A Russian general has declared that his military will strike “terrorist bases in any region of the world,” and authorities have offered a $10 million reward for information leading to two Chechen rebel leaders blamed for the horrifying raid. That, of course, does absolutely no good for the 330 or so killed and 750 injured. What happened is beyond complete description or understanding for most.

Naturally, there are ongoing evaluations of how to respond to the event and how to deal with people involved should there be future attacks of this nature. One shuddering thought is that this type of thing can occur anywhere, including the United States. The 9-11 attacks proved we never again will be safe from onslaughts by people of no conscience driven by hate, envy and resentment. And where are the reactions of outrage from the Muslim community, some members of which factored in the incident? It’s well to keep in mind that while all Muslims are not terrorists, most terrorists are Muslims. Where are the protests of their behavior from within the ranks of law-abiding people of their faith?

People who had gathered to mark the first day of a Russian school were herded into a gym by the militants. Several in the strike force objected to the raid when they learned children were involved. Those who did not show “unconditional obedience” were killed on the spot. Later that day, the apparent leader of the group detonated explosives worn by two female attackers to “enforce the lesson.”

Experts laugh at the mention of a code of honor among terrorists of any race, creed or color.

There were heart-rending scenes of conditions within the school, scenes recorded by the assailants as if they were trophies of conquest, “bragging” films to show their superiors. Hundreds of hostages without food, clothing and water were seated in the school’s small gym. Many had their hands behind their heads; the floor was stained by blood. Football-sized bundles of explosives were hanging from a basketball hoop.

Experienced people in the field of terrorism contend that in a case such as the one in Russia, immediate rather than delayed action is needed, allowing no time for posturing, bartering and finagling. Losses are assured, of course, but better they be dealt with quickly. Such people have no standards of decency and find it easy to prey upon innocents. Delaying reaction will generally breed additional losses.

Will governments, such as the United States and Russia, alter their approach to dealing with committed mass murderers, and get more realistic about terrorists’ treatment when they can be captured rather than killed outright? As of now, there is little evidence that any “eye for an eye” justice will be imposed. That delights terrorists such as those who hit us on 9-11 and slaughtered so many in Russia.

People who strike such as those in Russia have to be right only once to make their point — whatever aberrant idea that might be. The immediate reaction to the Russian school tragedy is that it was killing for killing’s sake. We are certain to see more of the same, and the time has come to alter our treatment of those guilty of terrorist acts.