Political Tosh

In the dying embers of the 2004 Olympics we see a fine example of political tosh.

It seems that the Iranian government has been greatly pleased by the fact that the Iranian judo champion, Arash Miresmaeili, did not fight an Israeli opponent in the first round of the under 66kg judo competition of the Olympics.

Much like the ostrich with its head in the sand, the Iranians do not recognise Israel. Therefore, by definition, how could they fight a representative from a country that doesn't exist?

All clear?

This, show of "principle", allegedly cost the Iranian a gold medal. To reward him for his "principled" stand, the Iranian government has awarded him $125K; the ceremony was shown on Iranian TV.

However, there is one small problem with this show of "principle"; it seems that Miresmaeili was over the 66kg limit, and would not have been able to fight anyway.

Sometimes the lies and posturing of countries and politicians just make me feel like retching.