In 1962, the International Olympic Committee made a powerful condemnation of Apartheid by expelling South Africa. Half a century later, the IOC may make another powerful condemnation of another form of apartheid by expelling Saudi Arabia.
The BBC reports that the IOC is putting increasing pressure on the government of Saudi Arabia to allow women to participate in sports -- and that the IOC could even tell Saudi Arabia that if the 2012 Games in London don't have Saudi women, they may have no Saudi athletes at all.
That would be a correct -- and long overdue -- step by the IOC. There's no reason that female athletes shouldn't compete in every country, and in every sport. The IOC can't force Saudi Arabia to reform, but it shouldn't abide Saudi Arabia until it does.
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Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
6-14-2008 @ 10:37AM
carl said...
But I thought the Olympics were not the place for politics?
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6-14-2008 @ 11:45AM
Martin said...
And maybe Saudi Arabia responds by stopping oil production. Is having women from Saudi Arabia in the Olympics worth $20 per gallon gas?
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8-10-2008 @ 12:24AM
Kim said...
The United States and no other country has the right to dictate to Saudi Arabia or any other nation. They have their Religion and Social beliefs like we have ours. Many of their women enjoy being respected and protected by their Saudi men. They feel Liberated.
The United States love to make other people do what they say. I am afraid that these tables will one day turn against us soon. We are not as powerful as we think, militarily, politically, and socially.
The Saudis do not have the social troubles of murders, rapings, stealings, adultery, illicit babies with no fathers to support and father them like we have in the U.S. Our nation is in a big mess morally.
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8-14-2008 @ 6:51AM
Georgia said...
You probably are lucky enough not to live in a country where Muslim fanaticism forces you to do many things against your will !
Only this can explain your rather naive opinion!!!would you like to live in a country that does not respect either your religion, nor your gender? I have been living with fanatics for a long time,and believe me you are lucky not to have met them first hand!!!
Advice for the readers of this page : do not confuse Islam with the Muslims !Unfortunately,most Muslims have nothing to do with the Holy Quoran!