Sochi 2014: A Security Challenge

[GandD 5,966]

Too long to post the whole thing, so here's the opening paragraph:

The Russian city of Sochi will host the 2014 Winter Olympics from Feb. 7 to Feb. 23 and the Paralympics from March 7 to March 16. Russia is no stranger to hosting high-profile global events; it hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics and is preparing for the 2018 World Cup final.

Though the 2014 games seemingly offer Moscow a perfect platform for showcasing the strength of its security apparatus, Russia will have to work overtime to protect athletes and spectators. This in turn could leave surrounding regions such as the Northern Caucasus and major cities such as Moscow and St. Petersburg exposed to militancy, terrorism and organized crime. Militants from the Caucasus striking elsewhere in Russia during the games to avoid the intense security that will be present in Sochi and to capitalize on news coverage of the highly publicized event pose the greatest threat to the games.

http://www.forbes.com/sites/stratfor/2014/01/09/1711/

This is how a MAN prepares for the Olympics!!!

[Darnell 8,478]

Ya, expect some retaliation from the 'Stans that were formerly 'occupied', as they know the weak points.

(or perhaps I've been reading too many Tom Clancy books this season)

[GandD 5,966]

They're putting SAM installations on people's roofs. Fantastic.

[JohnR! 5,495]

Sounds like too little, too late...

[GandD 5,966]

Not based on the numbers in this article. It sounds like way too much

[lostinblue 1,989]

Sounds like too little, too late...

What should have been done ? A scorched earth policy would have been met with outrage. Terrorist have the upper hand in this type of war fare. Look at our inner cities. It is the same as their cities also.

[Mr. Big Dog 10,747]

No problem. Putin's got this.

[JohnR! 5,495]

What should have been done ? A scorched earth policy would have been met with outrage. Terrorist have the upper hand in this type of war fare. Look at our inner cities. It is the same as their cities also.

For starters, you plan ahead. You identify the weaknesses, plug the holes. You plan for every contingency, devise risk elimination and mitigation strategies. Ah, and of course, you do that during the six years you have to plan an event of this magnitude; not in the last couple of weeks. It is obvious Putin was not ready and bit more than he could chew.

Edited January 16, 2014 by Gegel

[Darnell 8,478]

Well, if'n there's a community that needs organizing, I can recommend a fella with a coupla years experience

[Hotter Otter 1,211]

Ya, expect some retaliation from the 'Stans that were formerly 'occupied', as they know the weak points.

(or perhaps I've been reading too many Tom Clancy books this season)

You can never read too many Tom Clancy books!

As I Brit I was worried about the threat to London 2012, but I attended some of the events and felt totally safe. Terrorists would rather go for maximum damage possible and highly protected targets mean a much higher chance of failure. Can see them launching attacks in Moscow/ St Petersburg during the games though like the article says.

Edited January 17, 2014 by Hotter Otter