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| Syria-Lebanon-Iran |
| Iran champion in |
| 2004-08-14 |
| 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 An official from the Asian Judo Union confirmed Miresmaili would be withdrawn from the competition.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 |
| #3 This reminds me of Tariq Aziz - former Iraqi FM or PM or whatever, but in any event now awaiting trial in Iraq as a henchman of Saddam. He's a Christian and travelled to Rome shortly before America attacked. He was trying to drum up support against the looming war. He was asked a question by an Israeli journalist at a press conference but refused to answer - more in objection to the questioner than the question - even when an Italian official insisted that he respond. Also reminds me of the statement by Iran's chief terrorist after their recent earthquake: he would accept help from any nation except Israel. No wonder Israeli teams compete in Europe rather than Asia. |
| Posted by: Bryan 2004-08-15 12:35:57 AM |
| #2 What a loser.... |
| Posted by: CrazyFool 2004-08-14 11:27:55 PM |
| #1 A typical Middle Eastern assclown. |
| Posted by: Flamebait93268 2004-08-14 6:46:38 PM |