Iraqi Athletes Banned from Olympics

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ruled yesterday that Iraq is disqualified from sending athletes to compete in the Beijing Games. The conflict has been brewing for several months and stems from Iraq’s decision to replace the IOC-recognized governing committee with political appointees (not recognized by the IOC). Furthermore, the Iraqi government ignored the IOC’s efforts at finding a workable compromise. The Olympic charter prohibits political interference in the Olympic movement.

It’s a sad day for the Iraqi athletes that were planning to compete in Beijing. The country was planning to send seven competitors: two in rowing, two in track and field, one in archery, one in weight-lifting, and one in judo.