Posted on 08/13/2004 11:32:37 PM PDT by LifeTrek
This is what we oppose. This irrational hatred will ruin the muslim people. Even at a joyous time like the Olympic Games.
Two unidentified Iranian athletes, blue jackets, stand with their backs to Israel's team as U.S athletes are seen behind, during opening ceremonies of the Olympic Games Friday, Aug. 13, 2004 in Athens, Greece. Iranian world judo champion Arash Miresmaili, unseen, has pulled out of the tournament because he refused to fight an Israeli in his opening round match.(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian) DKK
I guess without his suicide bomb belt, it wouldn't seem sporting.
It looks they are all ignoring the two Iranians to me
Iranian world judo champion Arash Miresmaili, unseen, has pulled out of the tournament because he refused to fight an Israeli in his opening round match.(AP Photo/Hasan Sarbakhshian)
No doubt he prefers the cowardly suicide bomb method to honest competition. Typical.
What's with the US athletes wearing their caps backwards? No appreciation for how they represent our country - the lowest elements of our society now define popular culture.
How can you tell which way is forward when they are made to wear shapeless, ugly... uh... berets?
I wonder what would happen to an Iranian athlete if he lost to an Israeli? We know what happened to Iraqi athletes who lost, and that wasn't even to Israeli competitors, but I don't know if the Iranian regime has similar 'coaching methods.'
But of course the Israeli athletes have their backs to the Iranians also...To take a random photo of folks at the olympics milling around is hardly the thing to make commentary upon...As to the captioning I would suggest that it was for the local arab street and we know that they don't want the truth
I'm not going to totally blame the Iranian athelete here. He comes from a dictatorship so whatever he does is likely dictated from above.
They aren't baseball caps or anything. They are some sort of beret.
Iranian government doesn't recognize Israeli state so their athletes can not compete with Israelis.
They are berets...since when do berets represent the USA...what about a cowboy hat, baseball cap etc.....
Iranian coward before he fled the Olympics.
When asked about it, the lowlife coward admitted, "I ran."
WHAT???????????
Thank You
WHAT'S your problem with IRAN?
it is pronounced EERAAN. Have you finished your 3rd class in high school?
Please see # 10
Iran champion in Olympic protest
Friday, 13 August, 2004
BBC News
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.
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.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/europe/3562808.stm
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