Sochi Terror Threat

[peacetraveler22]

I don't know how Russians feel about the Olympics, but American television is already showing a lot of ads and promos for the event. In general, the Olympics are a big deal here. Most people enjoy them and are glued to their televisions watching the events and coverage for almost three weeks. However, this past week U.S. media has been on a mission to instill fear about possible terror threats in and around Sochi. It started at the end of December with the Volgograd bombings, but this week panic reached epic proportions with the release of a new video from Islamic terrorists and the identification of potential "black widow" bombers. Of course, it's normal to discuss terror threats before any Olympic Games but Sochi and Russia are receiving a lot more attention than other Olympic hosts, at least in the American press.

What do you think? Can Russian security forces handle the threats posed by these extremists at the Olympics? If possible, would you attend the Sochi Games?

Comments

[moonrainbow.livejournal.com]

Terrorists are a small danger. Smaller than a plane crash and a lot smaller than a car incident. You wouldn't even notice if not for the media that like bloody pictures and love to provoke fear.

If you want to be scared of, be scared of security. They have already made Sochi into something that is more like a military base than a festivity venue. Some places look as if they want to build a concentration camp. Want to go anywhere? Take your papers, you'll need them more than once. Want to use a train? Get ready to be stripped off TSA-style.

http://pharaon01.livejournal.com/459882.html

This is the railway station by the way. A terrorist won't pass! You, too.

Are you still sure you want more security?

The locals mostly want this damned Olympics to end to bring the city back to normal life.

And no, I will not go. No fun celebrating with so much anti-terrorist hysteria. TV and Internet are my options.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

The media sensationalizes everything; however, I didn't think Russian media would focus on the terrorist threats as much as American news. "Stripped off TSA-style..." I don't mind airport screenings in America. I'd rather be safe than sorry. I can't imagine the chaos created when the Olympics come to your hometown. Washington, DC placed a bid for an upcoming summer games and just the thought of it makes me panic. The mass of humanity flooding an already heavily crowded tourist city in summer would be a nightmare!!

[moonrainbow.livejournal.com]

More importantly that the officials focused on the attacks and immediately ordered "strengthening of security" at the cost of people.

I do object TSA-like screening. This is an intimidating security theater. I know they have not caught any single terrorist in 10 years of existence, and known attempts have been prevented by intelligence only. Knowing this appalling efficiency, why should I accept that?

The moment you said that you expect a terrorist to enter a public building or a vehicle, you said that the police and intelligence failed their job to detect and prevent a crime. They had to know in advance and had to catch them before they start their way. If you expect them only at the security checkpoint, it is too late to stop them. The bombing in Volgograd occurred at the security checkpoint - it didn't help and would never help.

Sochi turned into chaos months before the Olympics, and the crowds are not nearly the biggest problem. I think they will very enthusiasticaly celebrate the end of Olympics. :)

[qi-tronic.livejournal.com]

"
I know they have not caught any single terrorist in 10 years of existence,
"

Remember this Russian anecdote?

A man in a mental hospital walks around always clapping his hands.
Somebody ask why does he do so.

"I expel crocodiles".
"But there are no crocodiles around"
"Exactly! Because I expel them!"