Iraq Will Not Compete in Beijing

Late last week, the International Olympic Committee announced that Iraq will not be able to compete in the 2008 Summer Games in Beijing. The IOC stated, "The IOC would like to see Iraq’s athletes in Beijing, and is disappointed they have been so ill-served by their own government’s actions." Additionally, "Over the last five years, the IOC and the wider Olympic family have provided funding and training opportunities to support the Iraqi NOC (National Olympic Committee) and more than 50 Iraqi athletes and coaches. The Iraqi government’s actions have destroyed this progress." The IOC is obviously not too happy.