As the world descends upon the Black Sea resort city of Sochi for the winter Olympics, Russia’s international image is as cold and as hard as the ice on which many athletes will compete. While the Cold War may have officially been ended with the fall of the Soviet Union, Russia’s political relationships, especially with the west, have far from warmed.
These Olympics present an emotion that many Olympic athletes have never felt before, fearing for their lives. Countries from around the world have been reluctant toward committing their athletes and fans to Sochi because of the escalated terrorist threat from numerous Chechen, Islamic rebel groups. Recent suicide terrorist attacks in the Russian city of Volgograd in December have proven the Russian government has a less- than stellar grasp on national security despite its numerous claims of having the situation totally under control.
In recent weeks there have been numerous claims that Islamic terrorist cells have been able to plant potential suicide known simply as “black widows” bombers behind Russian security, appropriately named “The Ring of Steel” that Russia has in place for the Olympic village. In a video made by the Volgograd bombers, they are quoted as saying, “That which we will do, that which we have done, is only a little example, a little step,” and continued on stating “We’ll have a surprise package for you. And those tourists that will come to you, for them, too, we have a surprise.” Russian president Vladimir Putin’s refusal to accept international security help, especially from the United States, for the games is unsettling but also not a surprise given his previous rigidity and stubbornness in the face of international pressure.
On top of the security problems facing Russia, there are also numerous social issues that have put Russian policy on the international hot seat. Gay rights have been put under the microscope because of the illegality of homosexual propoganda within Russia. The Law states that “Propaganda” of “non traditional sexual relations” is illegal. While this blatant discrimination has caused an uproar from governments and people around the world, Putin responded by essentially telling the world to stay out of his nation’s business. “The Russian people have their own cultural code, their own tradition. We don’t interfere, don’t stick our noses in their life and we ask that our traditions and culture are treated with the same respect.”
Additionally, Putin said the law has “nothing to do with persecuting people for their non-traditional orientation” but instead “society must keep children safe.”
Outrage has also been spurred by Russia’s condemning of the Ukrainian protesters in Kiev, Ukraine. In November the Ukrainian government announced they would abandon a trade and political relationship with the European Union and instead would strengthen economic ties with Russia through a $15 billion bailout from the Kremlin. Many Ukrainians see this move as a revert back to Soviet economic polices, and the ferocity of the protests show how serious the opposition of this decision is.
If history has taught us anything about Russian leaders it is that freedom and liberty don’t fall into their policy plans. Putin is just the most recent strongman to stomp on democracy in order to strengthen his grip on the nation.
The fall of the Soviet Union initially showed so much promise for democracy in eastern Europe, but unfortunately the nations that layed behind the Iron Curtain continue to revert backward toward Soviet polical and economic policies.
All of this turmoil and outrage amounts to what should be incredibly interesting Olympic storylines. Will the threats of terrorism be halted by Russian security or will the world witness the first terrorist attack on the Olympic games since the murder of Israeli athletes in the 1972 Olympics in Munich? Will Putin stay true to his word of not persecuting gay athletes or protesters? Will there be more historic Olypmic momemts between Russia and the United States, like the men’s hockey semi-final in 1980?
One thing is certain: If any major miscues or tragedies occur during the games, the world need only look toward the ego of one man, Vladimir Putin. All in all, the permafrost that continues to cover U.S.-Russia relations will undoubtedly bring intrigue and a healthy dose of American patriotism that will keep me glued to the action throughout.
Will Russia be prepared to handle the pressure that comes from hosting the Olympics? Tell us your opinion at opinion@dailycardinal.com.
