Putin Goes For Gold

The opening ceremony of the Beijing Olympics was lauded as the best ever. This is the traditional accolade, but what does it mean? The international 'spirit' of the Olympics often turns out to be highly nationalist, something the Chinese excel in. It was an enjoyable enough spectacle, especially for one essentially about a lot of people walking in a circle, followed by a strangely Mao free display, people running about and the final ejaculation of fireworks, this time aided by CGI.

One can only feel sorry for the organisers of 2012 who witnessed this and may well be having many sleepless nights. But what does the opening ceremony mean? Is it important or just a nationalistic 'look at me' moment? Well, who remembers the opening ceremony? I can't recall anything much about Athens, Atlanta or any others.

As the Olympics become ever more bloated they become increasingly forgettable. Sadly they're a political event, as these games were given to China to assist trade and political ties. China wanted them as a symbol of their status as a near- superpower.

The IOC and the western powers are helpless in the face of China's assertiveness. That is why the atheletes are performing in unsuitable air and it's no mere metaphor that these are the most polluted Olympics ever.

A further demonstration of the West's impotence was provided by the Russian army when they invaded Georgia, a key ally of the US and would be EU member. The US initially blamed both sides and has come round to the belief that the Russians are being a bit naughty, but the 'condemnations' are tepid and mealy mouthed.

The UN Security Council is spending a few days preparing a draft resolution. A prime example of leaping to inaction. In the meantime the war continues. What, precisely, is the point of the UNSC?

Because of the misjudged strategy in the War on Terror and economic pidgeons coming home to roost, the West is now impotent. This is the real legacy of Blair and Bush.