Russian attacks: the silver lining
Jan 16, 2014, 6:25 PM | Updated: 6:25 pm
Are the Sochi Winter Games, which are to begin in just a few weeks, under threat of a major terrorist attack? Will this become the new norm for the Olympics for years to come? My fear is yes!
Three Russian servicemen and four gunmen lost their lives in a shootout in the southern region of Russia this week. This is after two suicide bombing attacks on Dec. 29-30 that claimed the lives of 34 people. I think any reasonable person can conclude that the Sochi Games are a prime target for terrorist activity and no one should be shocked if the games face a direct and bloody attack.
However, it’s more than the Sochi Games, which begin Feb. 6, that face peril. This will likely become the norm for terrorists. As Olympic watchers, we shouldn’t live under the assumption these type of attacks will be limited to Russia.
There is no other event like it, where millions gather to watch the best athletes from around the world compete. Consequently, there is no better event for terrorists to strike fear in the minds and hearts of the rest of us who share this great planet. This stark reality has led the U.S. State Department to issue travel alerts to Americans planning to travel to Sochi.
My fear, though, I deeply hope not, is that many innocent lives will be lost at the Sochi Games. However, there could be a silver lining. Perhaps the rest of the world will finally embrace the fact that the threat of terror is real. Perhaps the rest of the world will rise up and finally do something about it.
Mike & Winey can be heard every Saturday afternoon from noon to 3 p.m. on 92.3 KTAR. Join us on Facebook.
