The Olympics are approaching, though the safety of those games is in question. Sochi has been under fire for its treatment of lgbt people, certain environmental concerns, and a few terror threats in the area. The goal is to make sure that anyone attending is safe and knows the danger with these types of large-scale events.
A report in Business Insider noted that threats have continued to linger over Sochi. Multiple outlets have reported that the Department of Homeland Security has issued warnings related to toothpaste tubes. Intelligence officials note that toothpaste tubes can hold ingredients which may aid in building a bomb. Airlines traveling to Sochi were warned of the possible threat.
It is likely that there is no threat at all as far as the games are concerned. In an interview with CNN's Jake Tapper, President Obama stressed that "Sochi is safe." He noted that Americans need to remember that there are always some risks involved at such big events as this. For example in the Super Bowl, the risk for trafficking grows. This year, steps were taken to reduce that risk but of course there are likely always going to be conflicts and problems. Such is the case of the Olympics as well.
A CNN/ORC poll, which came out after the new threat was issued, found that 57% of Americans believe that a terrorist attack on the Sochi games is likely. The poll also found Americans had negative views of Russia and its leader, likely in response to social and political controversies. A shooting in Moscow this week left the country grappling with the outcome, as school shootings are rare. In this incident two people end up being killed.
The games are scheduled to begin on Feb. 6
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