SOCHI Winter Olympics 2014 Russia

[bud]

There should be, if only because staging the World Cup in the Persian Gulf is a terrible idea (that and FIFA is likely the only global organization capable of giving the IOC a run for its money corruption-wise).

there is no shortage of arab oil money to convince the FIFA officials.

there has been talk about having some of the games in iran:

Fifa president Sepp Blatter revealed that some of the 2022 World Cup in Qatar could be held in Iran and other Middle Eastern countries.

[Boges]

World Cup games in Iran? What will Drunk British Soccer Hooligans do?

[Shady]

If there's a reason to stay home from the upcoming Olympics, it would be because of security concerns.

[bud]

World Cup games in Iran? What will Drunk British Soccer Hooligans do?

haha. drink persian tea?

[GostHacked]

Does the IOC have veto rights on wardrobe? Some rainbow armbands/gloves and a 68 "pride" power type salute would be in order.

Yes they do. From what I know you cannot have any words on your uniform other than the country name ( and sponsors!!) The goalie for the US women's hockey team is not allowed to have 'we the people' on her helmet. I would assume there are strict guidelines to make uniforms as political neutral as possible.

[GostHacked]

If there's a reason to stay home from the upcoming Olympics, it would be because of security concerns.

Right, the boogieman.

[Boges]

Right, the boogieman.

I think there's a legit threat. Threats have been made, that being said, I'm sure security will be tight. But Russia is no stranger to massive terrorist attacks.

[Shady]

Right, the boogieman.

Yes, the same boogieman that bombed the Russian bus station a couple of weeks ago.

[Black Dog]

I hear that World Cup might happen in the winter due to weather concerns. Either that or outdoor AC a la the Hockey game they're playing in LA outside this coming week.

I know this is OT, but that would mean disrupting every other league and Cup competition in the world.

I don't see it happening.

[Boges]

I know this is OT, but that would mean disrupting every other league and Cup competition in the world.

I don't see it happening.

Hockey is about to do it for the 5th time to have the Olympics. I know hockey is different, but no one cares that the MLS is interrupted for the World Cup.

[Topaz]

This morning on US tv, they reported that Russian was asking for help from the US for sercurity reasons and wanted information of the security they used in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US are also going to have war ships close by in case they have to get their people out quickly.

[jbg]

This morning on US tv, they reported that Russian was asking for help from the US for sercurity reasons and wanted information of the security they used in Afghanistan and Iraq. The US are also going to have war ships close by in case they have to get their people out quickly.

I wonder if Israel may be supplying help, albeit less publicized, relating to security and intelligence.

I also wonder if Canada should send its own warships to get people out quickly or if the Canadian athletes could catch a ride with the U.S.

[Boges]

NHL players! you get your own Cruise Ship for evacuation. Everyone else huddle into the HMS Saskatoon.

[overthere]

Canadians will be evacuated in a flotilla of Royal Navy 16 foot aluminum boats powered by trusty 20 HP Johnson outboards.

Fishing gear will be suppied to ease the boredom of the long Black Sea crossing.

[guyser]

Wasnt it the US asking if RUssia needed help?

This has the makings of many a mockery from the security participants

[PIK]

Canadians will be evacuated in a flotilla of Royal Navy 16 foot aluminum boats powered by trusty 20 HP Johnson outboards.

Fishing gear will be suppied to ease the boredom of the long Black Sea crossing.

If it was me , I would want a mercury.

[Guest Derek L]

I also wonder if Canada should send its own warships to get people out quickly or if the Canadian athletes could catch a ride with the U.S.

Doubtful, we’d have nothing to contribute for that type of operation…….Ultimately even the USN is limited in what it can send due to size constraints and international convention allowing warships into the Black Sea…….If I were to guess, I’d think the USN would contribute the 6th fleet flagship to act as command center and one of their LPDs to evacuate any Americans if needed.

[Guest Derek L]

Wasnt it the US asking if RUssia needed help?

This has the makings of many a mockery from the security participants

No, security is always the host nations responsibility……I’ve no doubt though, as made evident during the Boston bombing, that the FBI is working with the Russians though.

[Guest Derek L]

I think there's a legit threat. Threats have been made, that being said, I'm sure security will be tight. But Russia is no stranger to massive terrorist attacks.

I agree, I think any potential threat is to gay rights protesters…….In Soviet Russia, Olympics watch you.

Edited January 23, 2014 by Derek L

[guyser]

No, security is always the host nations responsibility……

The Americans asked Russian if they neded help, and it appears they said yes.

WASHINGTON — In the face of terrorist threats, the United States is offering to help Russia strengthen security at next month's Winter Olympics in Sochi. The offer could help to improve U.S.-Russian relations or cause them to deteriorate further.

White House spokesman Jay Carney says President Barack Obama spoke with Russian President Vladimir Putin Tuesday about efforts to keep the Olympics safe.

"What I can tell you is that we are having conversations with the Russians. We have made clear that we are prepared to provide any assistance that we can, if Russia asks for it, and we're going to continue to work with them," said Carney.

http://www.voanews.com/content/us-russia-cooperate-on-sochi-security/1835711.html

[GostHacked]

How are they getting ships to Sochii?? Check the geography.

My error, they can get through Istanbul into the Black Sea.

Edited January 24, 2014 by GostHacked

[Guest Derek L]

The Americans asked Russian if they neded help, and it appears they said yes.

How so?

From your link:

"What I can tell you is that we are having conversations with the Russians. We have made clear that we are prepared to provide any assistance that we can, if Russia asks for it, and we're going to continue to work with them," said Carney.

Like I said, I’ve no doubt the American intelligence and police agencies are sharing information with their Russian counterparts on various terrorist threats, as most nations do anyways, and as mentioned, the Americans have ships and aircraft “in the region” to respond to a crisis if needed. But there won’t be American “boots flat-foots on the ground” checking people outside of venues, hotels and restaurants etc….The Russians have plenty of guys that can sling a rifle and look menacing on a street corner.

With that said, if venues, hotels and restaurants start blowing up, I’ve no doubt the United States will evacuate any and all of their citizens and athletes, and any hangers on, if required…….Perhaps even provide members of the FBI and ATF to help with any post attack investigation etc…

Ultimately the Russians Putin has to decide how much face he wishes to lose……either asking for help or responding to an attack(s)……

I hear hotel rooms and event tickets can still be had rather cheap

Edited January 24, 2014 by Derek L

[Guest Derek L]

How are they getting ships to Sochii?? Check the geography.

My error, they can get through Istanbul into the Black Sea.

This is true, but there are size limits on the ships that can enter the Black sea, as there are restrictions placed on armed warships entering the Black Sea by convention, limiting (IIRC) them to no more then two weeks.

[Boges]

Just heard on the radio a rumour that Calgary is willing to host the 2018 Winter Games if the bleep hits the fan in Sochi.

South Korea is supposed to be the host. Them being bordered by a rogue state is certainly cause for concern.

Edited January 25, 2014 by Boges

[-TSS-]

Tournament ice hockey is just rubbish with its one match play-offs but as the tournament has to be carried out in two weeks and there are twelve teams you can't really have four rounds of play-offs by the best of seven method.

I have very little confidence in the chances of Finland this year. The media here in Finland disagrees with me on that point.