Don’t know what difference a boycot can make. The result is only: Chinese no longer believe in the Western media, Chinese love their gov ever than more since 89, Chinese are suspecting any human rights criticism as bearing vicious political intention.

Peace, improvements and understanding cannot be achieved by boycotting. Don’t know why many ppl don’t see this point.

There will be 205 countries participating in the Beijing Games. More than ever in Olympics’ history. You can explain otherwise, but one reason is China has been much politically neutural and win the support of many countries in addition to EU and the US. Remember that the world does not consist solely of those countries that are shouting about boycotting.

I am happy that Iraq’s atheletes will be able to participate in the Games, but I don’t care whether Bush will attend the openings. Anyone wants to boycott, go do it - Nobody really cares.

Bush himself did not attend either the games in Athens in 2004, nor Torino in 2006. The question then becomes given this particular tradition, why does he insist on attending the games in Beijing? What’s so different now?

As to the separation between the games and politics, the intended message in leaders not attending the ceremonies even while the athletes of their countries compete is: ‘Even though we find China’s behaviour towards human rights unacceptable, we recognize the noble goal of the olympic games of promoting communication and understanding by finding common ground in the love of sports and recognition of athletes from all around the world, and so see no reason to prevent our own athletes from competing, representing their nation in the said goal.’ . It is also a matter of prestige, as the IOC is a supposedly independent globally recognized body and no nation wants to miss the chance of flexing its own athletic muscle in front of other nations.

While I am sympathetic to the IOC’s ideals in the separation between politics and this event, it is sadly unrealistic. The China government is doing everything in its power to turn the games into a giant PR campaign to its advantage, while other nations and western backed human rights organs and special interest groups -such as those supporting the cause of Tibet- are manipulating the game attendance issue to further their own agenda. It is unfortunate human nature to try and take advantage of such idealistic institutions whatever the cause, so while I can understand the concept that the olympics should be politics-free, the question as to wether they should be or not is rhetorical as it is sadly not possible.