France assesses Paris Olympics terrorist threat in light of Moscow attack
GuardianMar 28
Macron: Russia Will Target Paris Olympics
The Facts
French Pres. Emmanuel Macron on Thursday said that he had "no doubt" Russia will attempt to target the 2024 Paris Olympics.
This is the first time Macron has explicitly acknowledged the possibility of foreign threats to the security of the games, which will take place against the complex backdrop of the Russia-Ukraine and Israel-Gaza conflicts.
The Spin
Anti-Russia narrative
The war in Ukraine adds another layer to fears that the Paris Olympics could be attacked or exploited by dictatorial regimes like Russia for propaganda purposes. France is evaluating terrorist threats ahead of the event following the recent attack on a Moscow concert hall. Their strong security measures aside, French officials acknowledge the broader geopolitical tensions and potential for cyber-attacks.
Pro-Russia narrative
Russia has no plans to disrupt the upcoming Olympics, and suggestions that Moscow has some scheme to interrupt the competition is propagandist vilification. Russian athletes have the right to equal treatment and the onus for maintaining the safety of competitors and spectators should rest with the host nation — France.
Nerd narrative
There's an 8% chance that there will be a direct conflict between Russia and any NATO member state before 2027, according to the Metaculus prediction community.