An
article on CNN.com reports on the U.S.’s
concern with the safety of their athletes and spectators participating in the
2014 Olympic games in Sochi, Russia. In the past few months there have been
various terrorist attacks and threats around the Sochi area as well as other
locations in Russia. One such threat consisted of two men threatening to
give a “present…for the Muslim blood that’s been spilled,” in a video. Numerous U.S. lawmakers have expressed
concern for the well being of Americans in the games and the security in
general. It is the hosting country’s job to provide the security for the event
and Russian President Vladimir Putin assures the U.S. and other nations that
the games will be safe for all. Despite Putin’s claim, the U.S. has a
contingency plan to rescue Americans if violence or a terrorist attack were to
occur. Two Warships and various aircraft in Germany and the Black Sea will be
at the ready if anything were to occur. Also, U.S. officials claim that they
are not receiving all of the information necessary from Russia, to provide the
best protection for Americans in the games.
After
the collapse of the Soviet Union, the Russian Federation has faced numerous
struggles and tribulations due to corruption and the failure of the government
to promote the activities that create wealth (among other reasons). This is one
of the basis for concern of the adequacy of security to be provided by Russia.
However, though there have been recent terrorists attacks around Russia and
threats directed towards the people competing in and watching the Sochi Olympic
Games, the increased panic and anxiety (largely due to the media) over the protection of the participants has influenced greater vigilance towards everyone’s
safety. The attention that the media and the U.S. have shown to this threat
ensures a safer Olympics.
http://www.foxnews.com/politics/2014/01/19/top-hill-lawmakers-concerned-about-olympic-security-amid-new-terror-threats-and/
I love watching the Olympics and I hope that these aren't ruined by security issues and terrorist threats/attacks. As the host country, Russia is in charge of safety and they should be providing the information needed to other countries in order for them to protect their athletes.
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