Monday, August 11, 2008

Olympic Politics: Iranian Foul

More Olympic politics. An Iranian swimmer pulls out of a race against an Israeli at the last minute, claiming sickness.

The IOC "accepts his word." No need to verify the swimmer was sick, because if they had verified, Iran would face sanctions for refusing to compete against another country. No problem there. No verification, no sanctions.

Probably the real reason the guy pulled out: Iran didn't want to be seen losing against an Israeli. That wouldn't fit with their propaganda.

Look, if Iran has a problem with competing in the Olympics, they should just stay home. The U.S. and USSR have done it. Let them have their turn sitting on their hands. It's a valid way to make a political point, which is what they seem to want to make.

Or...could they not have stayed home because...no one would care?

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