Source: MSNBC
Speaking with MSNBC’s Andrew Mitchell, Carnegie’s Andrew Weiss discussed Russian security preparations for the Sochi Olympics. He explained that the Kremlin has spared no expense in creating an intrusive “ring of steel” around Sochi, but this may leave Moscow and other Russian cities vulnerable to an attack. The typical modus operandi of terrorist groups in the region makes them more likely to plan an attack on a soft target, likely outside Sochi, said Weiss. He added that “this is Russia’s show and that that’s why U.S. officials, when you speak to them privately, are still pretty worried.” The U.S. presence in Sochi is very small, primarily a liaison function, so evacuating people and dealing with an attack or the aftermath of a crisis would fall to the Russians.