Monday, January 20, 2014

Griffin Johnston, 4th period, Sochi Olympics safety is questionable?


            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/

1 comment:

  1. 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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