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

[inamora.livejournal.com]

I'm indifferent to the Olympics, so I will not go.
And for some reason, Russian security forces have often react after something happens.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

But you're athletic. How can you not like the Olympics? :) You have faith in Russian security forces? I know they deal with these threats from the Caucasus all the time.

[inamora.livejournal.com]

I no longer associate Olympics with the sport. This is politics, not a sport.
I can not say anything about the security forces, but I hope they will show the utmost vigilance.

[vasya-spb2000.livejournal.com]

I think Putin will make every effort to prevent terrorist attacks. Otherwise it will be his biggest failure in the international arena.
There are a lot of his personal interests, I think that he not be defeated.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Yes, it would be a huge humiliation for him on the world stage if something tragic happens. For once, his egomaniac personality will be put to good use to ensure utmost safety and protection for natives and tourists at the Games, at least I hope!

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You're right, in many ways it's about politics and money but for the athletes who train their whole lives to make the Olympic team it means something more.

[inamora.livejournal.com]

Of course, because it is already part of their lives. I do not know, would I wish someone wins or not - I do not like competitions, they divide nations.

[geoscholar.livejournal.com]

I have considered security to be factor, now more than ever. However, before, hearing about the threat of terrorism, two things were of a concern to me: Money and personal safety. Money because it is rather expensive to travel(at least it is for me). Personal safety is a factor. I don't want to open up a can of worms, but here goes. I've always wanted to travel to Russia. Watching so many travel shows about Russia, and reading about Russia made me want to travel there. I still do. I have a concern because I've also heard about many attacks by Neo-Nazis against persons of Asian and African descent. I'm of African descent myself, so one major concern for me has been personal safety. Apart from that, having read some of the things I've read about Sochi, I would love to see the Sochi Olympics in Sochi for myself.

Hearing about the terror threat is relatively new to me.

Anyway, peacetraveler22, I hope you are safe while you visit Sochi.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

But you're engaged in competition in personal life - Andrew vs. "him." :)) And you know who I vote for!

[inamora.livejournal.com]

For Andrew? )))))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Where are you living in America? Well, I already wrote a post about racism in Russia and many natives disagreed that the country is more racist than others. I can only go by what black people living there tell me. Yes, it's expensive to travel to Russia but worth it if you can save enough money and find the time. Truly an interesting and unique place! And Russian mentality, I always say it should be the Eighth Wonder of the World. :))

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

Да, конечно! :)

[inamora.livejournal.com]

))))

[leo-sosnine.livejournal.com]

I think that it's wise to expect worse here. No. No.

[peacetraveler22.livejournal.com]

You do not have faith in Russian security forces? Honestly, I don't live in fear of such things. I work one block from the White House, one of the biggest terror targets in the world. Such tragic bombings can happen anywhere, and in most cases there's little anyone can do to prevent a rogue suicide bomber.

[geoscholar.livejournal.com]

I'm in suburban Atlanta. Why do you ask?

I read the post from Philochko. Your post on Philochko is what drew me to your blog. One reason I want to figure out how he did it. I know a student from Nigeria who told me about his time when he studied in Russia. He's also 6'3 and around 200 lbs, so he might have a different experience than me. I'm about 5'5" and between 135-140 lbs.

Anyway, I still have a dream of traveling there, and seeing the place for myself. Money has been a factor behind why I haven't been. Still, if I can save enough money to go, well, I know that Russia is a whole different place. Large, vast, and well, I can't really describe it.

[geoscholar.livejournal.com]

Well, that is something to consider. If it did happen in Sochi, I don't think it would look well on him.

[sergechel.livejournal.com]

Russian security forces fights with political opposition more than with terrorists. And now you can see the result.

[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.

[luin-nsk.livejournal.com]

According to common sense the probability of a bombing is higher in places with low security measures. So if there'll be a blow, it'll be anywhere but not in Sochi. Seriously I'm less afraid of a terrorist attack than of a questionable quality of service and construction.
Personally I won't attend a Games - "so little time, su much to do" (c), better to watch the results over Internet or TV :)

[modest-so-zvezd.livejournal.com]

"December with the Volgograd bombings"
I live in Volgograd((

Sochi

[partizan-2012.livejournal.com]

1) I think that the Russian security services will not be able to protect their own population and guests of the Olympiad. In my city of Astrakhan, August 19, 2001 was a blast and killed 17 people. The real culprits never found.
2) I think that the Olympic games are held for Putin and his friends. Me, my environment, my relatives, they are not needed. I know that my children does not have a gym in the school. When the Olympic torch arrived to our city, car traffic in the city is blocked by the police and many citizens are not able to do his business, and sat in the house. Permission to run with the Olympic flame had been sold as the shop sells shoes. However, my oldest daughter is very happy Olympics. To the Olympics I'm not going because it's not my holiday.

Советско-Американское единство

[andrey-kaminsky.livejournal.com]

I am indifferent to the Olympics. States use the Olympics as a tool to manipulate citizens. It is a pity that in this case, the US behaves like Russia or China. Victories of athletes are always their personal victories, but the media convince TV viewers that these are sports victories of TV viewers;) Politicians flatter peoples that they are great nations destined for great deeds, stuff peoples with conceit and complacency as housewives stuff christmas turkey. People who believe in their own exceptionalism, imagine themselves entitled to administer justice over others and control their destinies. Of course, politicians use this mindset of citizens to do violence to other nations. Sad picture. Our planet is in need of new ideals:)

[lara-anna.livejournal.com]

I know that our country is so corrupted that you can buy anyone in the police, so I'm afraid anything can happen.
On the other hand it can happen in any country, just remember the Boston marathon.
And no, I wouldn't go to the Olympics, even if I was paid for that))) Large amounts of people scare me...

[cherez-dorogu.livejournal.com]

I love Olympics, but I wouldn't go. Begin with terrorist threats, then Russian security measures - keep in mind "politeness" and manners of Russian police, the security measures will make this visit a hell. And then I had chance to get known how the Olympic stadiums were built. There is a high probability that some stadium would just ruin if there are crowd of people in it.
So, we have two big risks (terrorists and breakdown) and one thing is bound to happen (rudeness of security). All these are not very encouraging.