Sochi Olympics: Vladimir Putin

Vladimir Putin: THE NEGATIVES, according to The Star. GAY RIGHTS: The Russian law banning gay propaganda has caused a furious backlash in the West and tarnished the countrys international reputation heading into the Olympics. While Russia has promised there will be no discrimination at the Games, critics continue to bash the law. The IOC has been assailed for not pushing Russia to repeal the legislation. Some athletes are planning to make their views known in Sochi, either by speaking out or carrying or wearing symbols promoting gay rights. Thats something which could land athletes in trouble with the IOC, which prohibits any political gestures at events and LONDON Tuesday marks the one-month countdown to t of the Winter Olympics in Sochi , a defining moment on the world stage for Russia and Vladimir Putin. These Games are among the most contentious in Olympic history, embroiled in controversy over terrorist threats, human rights, gay rights, cost overruns, corruption and environmental damage. But is it all doom and gloom for Putins pet project? Before the Olympic cauldron is lit on Feb. 7, its time for a look at the good and the bad for Russias first Winter Games. TERROR THREAT: The two bombings in Volgograd which killed 34 people in suicide attacks on the rail station and a trolley bus have escalated the security alarm . Sochi is located on the edge of the Caucasus region, where insurgents are seeking to create an Islamic state. Chechen rebel leader Doku Umarov has urged his fighters to attack the Sochi Olympics, which he described as satanic dances on the bones of our ancestors. A massive security apparatus will be in place, meaning painstaking metal-detector, X-ray and other checks for athletes, spectators and media. Ticketholders will need to obtain spectator passes, providing passport and other information to authorities. Email, phone and internet usage will reportedly be monitored by Russian security agencies. Putin is expected to attend many Olympic events, causing further security lockdowns. A heavy presence of Russian security forces could turn the games into an armed camp and undermine any prospect of a welcoming, festival atmosphere. (www.immigrantscanada.com). As reported in the news.