ridiculous
why on earth did the Committee agree to this charade
Same reason why they allowed 2008 Summer Games in Communist China....same Communist China that blocked internet coverage and media during their Olympics.
For the same reason the Olympics are going to Rio in two years. It was their 'turn'.
That and a butt load of Russian organized crime cash, if stories be true.
For the answer to that, you have to think like a liberal. Think UN mentality. Sochi is a place where we can help revitalize a city. And it's only fair that Russia gets their turn for the Winter Olympics. Besides, this is an opportunity to show just how great socialism/communism can be. Besides, it will be right on the heels of that spectacular show that China put on to show the world how much better countries like China and Russia are than that horrible capitalistic empire of America is.
They gave Obama a Nobel Peace Prize in anticipation of how great he "would" become. This goes along the same lines for why they decided (7 years ago) to award the games to Sochi Russia. The decision on who should get to host the games really doesn't have anything to do with the Olympics.