|
Iran champion in
Friday, 13 August, 2004, 18:18 GMT 19:18 UK One of Iran's best hopes for an Olympic medal will not be taking part in the Games after he refused to compete against an Israeli athlete. World judo champion Arash Miresmaili said he was proud to withdraw in solidarity with the Palestinians. Iran has a strict policy of sanctions against Israel and forbids any sort of contact with Israeli citizens. Unless it involves spattering them with blood, bone fragments plus assorted nails, ball bearings, razor blades or loose nuts and bolts. Mr Miresmaili had been expected to carry Iran's flag at the Olympic opening ceremony on Friday night. According to the draw at the Ano Liossia stadium, Miresmaili would have had to fight Ehud Vaks of Israel in the first round. An official from the Asian Judo Union confirmed Miresmaili would be withdrawn from the competition. Under international regulations, he may even be sent home. To a hero's welcome, of that we can be sure. Goodbye, good riddance and good luck to your opponents. This is a perfect example of the hidebound mindset that Iran continues to hold at all costs and perfectly exemplifies how their continuing hatred of Israel makes it so important to blast their nascent nuclear weapons program to hell and back again. Posted by: Zenster 2004-08-14 |
| http://www.rantburg.com/poparticle.php?ID=40616 |