DiscussWorldIssues - Socio-Economic Religion and Political Uncensored Debate - View Single Post - Two women athletes represent Saudi Arabia in London Olympics

**ceagstuntee** · 07-16-2012, 10:51 PM

I think this is perhaps a little misguided. They extend these "special invitations" all the time, usually as a way to include nations that want to participate but don't have qualified athletes. Here in Cambodia they not only give out special invitations to the men and women, they also contribute financially to getting them there.

Also while there may have been pressure, I don't think we can say that an Olympic committee "forced" one of the biggest military powers on earth to participate in a sporting event. There may have been inappropriate pressure applied, but they did ultimately still have a choice.

The Saudi government has a habit of bowing to Western pressure, especially if there is enough of it. The king has overturned a few court-ordered hudood punishments in the past, for example. He has even opened up movie cinemas and co-ed universities in spite of the scholars in the country being against these measures. Many government scholars who voiced their opposition were promptly removed from their positions.

07-16-2012, 10:51 PM	#16
ceagstuntee Join Date Oct 2005 Posts 421 Senior Member	I think this is perhaps a little misguided. They extend these "special invitations" all the time, usually as a way to include nations that want to participate but don't have qualified athletes. Here in Cambodia they not only give out special invitations to the men and women, they also contribute financially to getting them there. Also while there may have been pressure, I don't think we can say that an Olympic committee "forced" one of the biggest military powers on earth to participate in a sporting event. There may have been inappropriate pressure applied, but they did ultimately still have a choice. The Saudi government has a habit of bowing to Western pressure, especially if there is enough of it. The king has overturned a few court-ordered hudood punishments in the past, for example. He has even opened up movie cinemas and co-ed universities in spite of the scholars in the country being against these measures. Many government scholars who voiced their opposition were promptly removed from their positions.
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