Standoff in Sochi has begun Grigory Pasko, journalist Last year, when I spoke with inhabitants of the Imereti Valley (the one that’s in Sochi) about their imminent eviction from their homes [because of the 2014 Winter Olympics—Trans.], many said to me that this would not happen. “Why are you so confident?”, I asked them. “Because”, the people answered, “Putin promised us.” It is true, Putin sure does know how to promise. Like the wise men of old used to say: if you can’t do it, then at least promise. Putin can’t do. And that’s why he promises. First he promises, and then he doesn’t keep his promises. Then people get forcibly whisked away from their homes and locked up in jail. That’s democracy, Putin-style. Sochi prepares for the Olympiad (photo by Grigory Pasko)