China and IOC in crisis talks

The Chinese government and the International Olympic Committee are reportedly in crisis talks, after they massively underestimated worldwide ourtage over Beijing’s repressive rule in Tibet.  This report is from the Financial Times:

Beijing officials are to hold urgent talks with senior members of the Olympic movement about the torch relay, as concern grows among International Olympic Committee members over the impact of pro-Tibet protests on the Games.[...]

IOC insiders discounted the prospect of routes being curtailed or cancelled, but one said that in light of recent events, discussions would take place with Beijing about “how the integrity of the torch can be maintained”. One said the backlash against China’s action in Tibet was in danger of casting a “stain on the Olympic movement”.

[...]

Jacques Rogge, president of the International Olympic Committee, made his strongest comments yet on China’s handling of unrest in Tibet, saying in Beijing he was very concerned “with the international situation and what’s happened in Tibet”.

Although he added there was no momentum for a general boycott of the Games, IOC insiders said he and other senior IOC members were becoming increasingly worried about the Olympics movement becoming tainted by the international focus on China’s handling of Tibet.

Note to the Chinese government: Your big coming out party was a bit hasty.  As long as you continue to occupy Tibet, you will never really be accepted in the international community.  In case you didn’t get the memo, imperialism is so 19th century.  Free Tibet, and then you can get the respect you so desperately crave.

Note to the IOC: I hate to say “we told you so,” but what did you expect when you allowed the Chinese government to exploit the Olympics for its own political ends?  OK I can’t resist… we told you so.