292: Iraq will go to the games

As the world gears up for the 2008 Olympics, at least two athletes now look set to represent Iraq in Beijing. As today's linked article from Al Jazeera reports, Iraq had been banned by the IOC from fielding a team at the games, following irregularities in the appointment of its national Olympic committee. However, today, the IOC rescinded and allowed two track and field athletes to register - though five other Iraqis have missed their chance as the registration deadline for their sports has passed. It would have been sad indeed for Iraq to miss out. At the Athens Olympics in 2004, team Iraq was 25 strong - and its football (soccer) team reached the semi-finals to the surprise and delight of Iraq's citizens. As the article points out, sport has the potential to bring people together and offer them hope even when life is at its harshest. And for the athletes concerned, many of whom train outside Iraq for their own safety, Olympic competition is a rare reward for their significant efforts. Not something to take away lightly... (Photo of Iraq's Olympic team in Athens from AP/Al Jazeera.)