As the Iraqi athletes entered Beijing's National Stadium for the opening of the Olympics last night, the crowd gave them warm and loud reception.
As Chinaview news reports:
“The Iraqi delegation, a group of 10 including the flag bearer, strode into the stadium while the spectators paid tribute to the team by waving hands or flags, amid thunderous cheers and deafening applause.”
The high hurdle. Before the Olympics, others weren’t so kind to the Iraqi athletes. The International Olympics Committee, now controlled by the Chinese Communist Party, last month disqualified the team, alleging the Iraqi government interfered in the choice of athletes.
The Iraqi government had to take a role in naming some athletes because four of the 11 members of Iraq’s Olympic national body were kidnapped by terrorists, and have not been seen since 2006. With only seven members, Iraq’s Olympic body no longer had a quorum at its meetings. Several of the remaining members also had handled their duties poorly.
In late July, the IOC reversed its disqualification and allowed four Iraqi athletes to compete: Haidar Nozad and Hamzah Hussein Jebur in rowing, Haidar Nasir in the discus throw and Dana Hussein in sprinting.
Free to compete. The IOC was ready to penalize the Iraqis because of the kidnappings, and, if the truth be told, because their nation with U.S. assistance is battling to secure its first democracy.
That crowd in Beijing knew better. Those who understand sportsmanship and fairness are happy that Iraq is free, and happy that free Iraqis can compete in the Games.
Frank Warner
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