The scandal arising from the arrest of 11 Russian spies and the failure of their absurd operation remains in the U.S. media spotlight.

In this age of transparency and the Internet, when former CIA agents publish candid memoirs, Russian and Chinese hackers can penetrate the Pentagon's databases, and money can be transferred online, the major media outlets continue to wonder at this primitive and old-fashioned operation. The tabloids abound with articles aimed at fans of the hysterical and sensational, focusing on femme fatale Anna Chapman, to whom they attribute the most incredible adventures.

Unfortunately, the main media outlets, with few exceptions, did not think to contact their colleagues in the Russian media or the leaders and activists of the Russian community in the United States who are familiar with their practices – and who might have offered an interesting, original opinion of the scandal, rather than hearsay.

One exception was a well-known New York Times columnist, Francis Clines, who on June 30, two days after the arrest of the Russian agents, came to the offices of Russkaya Reklama and talked with editors of Russian newspapers. Two days later, The New York Times ran an article by Mr. Clines: "The Spies Who Came in From the Shopping Mall."

Francis Cline's visit encouraged us to correct the mistakes of our colleagues in the main newspapers, to conduct a survey and find out what people think about the failed espionage operations, some prominent figures in the our community, and people in contact with our community.

How will the scandal affect US-Russian relations? Has it changed the attitude of Americans to their Russian-speaking fellow citizens? Does the Russian community need to be more cautious in its relations with various organizations in Russia? Will the Kremlin continue to flirt with the Russian community, trying to turn it into its lobby group in the U.S.?

Alec Brook-Krasny, New York State Assembly Member:

Certainly, the attitude of Americans to their Russian-speaking compatriots and the overall image of the "Russian" community have deteriorated, although the spies had nothing to do with it. However, I doubt that it will have serious consequences: our community has a good reputation, fortunately, and the Americans know it. How should people of our community behave towards members of dubious Russian organizations in the U.S.? My answer is clear: People who have become citizens of America have taken an oath of allegiance, and they should be ready to defend it. And if emissaries of Russia demand from them any information that could damage our country, then this should be reported to the appropriate authorities.

Nelly Braginsky, activist and philanthropist:

Of course, we suffer: immigrants of the Soviet Union, alas, will look bad, though thousands of our people have earned a good reputation. Attitudes towards us change every time articles appear in the press about Russian criminals, hackers, prostitutes – and, worse, spies! They cast a shadow on us all, just as Muslim terrorists have cast a shadow on all Muslims in our country. I also think that our government may treat with great suspicion the Russian centers being built in New York, ostensibly to preserve the Russian language and culture. U.S. intelligence agencies might think: What if these centers are needed to ensure that Russian spies can meet and talk quietly over a cup of coffee?

Ilya Levkov, Editor, Liberty:

I'm sure that the scandal will not affect the perception of the Russian community in the American press or in America as a whole. Xenophobes, who disliked their Russian neighbors before, will continue to hate them, but people who considered us worthy, intelligent people, will continue to respect us. Of course, Russian diplomats and other emissaries of Russia will try to continue to recruit people in our community. And, of course, Russia will continue to flirt with our community as a whole, trying to turn it into its sphere of influence. But I doubt that it will succeed: our children and grandchildren – real Americans – are not nostalgic for Russia, unlike their parents and grandparents.

Roman Shmulenson, Executive Director, COJECO (Council of Jewish Émigré Community Organizations):

Russian-speaking Jews have proven again and again that they are loyal American citizens. We have earned ourselves a good reputation – we are well-educated, hard working and talented. I would not worry too much about change in attitude of our American-born fellow citizens. From what I've read, the spies operated under assumed American identities, so I am not quite sure where the connection is between the spy scandal and the Russian-speaking American Jewish community.

Michael Buzukashvili, radio presenter on Russian station "Hope":

In my opinion, these helpless "spies" have not inflicted any real damage on America. In all probability, this whole story will not substantially prejudice relations between the United States and Russia, which have recently stabilized. As for the perception of Americans towards their Russian-speaking compatriots, I am sure common sense will prevail, and their attitude towards us will remain unchanged.