Iraq Banned From 2008 Beijing Summer Olympics

Iraq will not be going to the Beijing Summer Olympics. Athletes from the whole country have been banned from competing. Fortunately, only 8 such athletes exist, but they're said to be extremely disappointed by the decision handed down from the International Olympic Committee.

The gist of the argument is that the Iraqi government has interfered with the IOC. The IOC said they sent letters to the appropriate parties letting them know.

"We sent a letter to the Iraqi government today saying that as the situation stands today it is unlikely to have Iraqi athletes at the Beijing Games," said Emmanuelle Moreau, IOC spokesperson.

"This morning we were informed of the final decision of the International Olympic Committee to suspend the membership of the Iraqi Olympic Committee," said Hussein al-Amidi, the general secretary of the Iraqi Olympic Committee.

Of course the decision was a blow to Iraqi athletes.

"I swear those athletes who have been training - they phoned me today and they were crying and were very upset," al-Amidi added.