Go Team

Iraq's Olympic soccer team, who've advanced almost to the semi-finals, have taken issue with GW Bush using their success in political ads. Some choice bits:

"Iraq as a team does not want Mr. Bush to use us for the presidential campaign," Sadir told SI.com through a translator, speaking calmly and directly. "He can find another way to advertise himself."

...

But they also find it offensive that Bush is using Iraq for his own gain when they do not support his administration's actions. "My problems are not with the American people," says Iraqi soccer coach Adnan Hamad. "They are with what America has done in Iraq: destroy everything. The American army has killed so many people in Iraq. What is freedom when I go to the [national] stadium and there are shootings on the road?"

Full article: SI.com - Iraqi soccer players upset about Bush campaign ads using team - Thursday August 19, 2004 4:59PM (Sports Illustrated, pointed to by Salon)