K-Swiss: Ban Iran From The World Cup

Dear Readers,

I'd like to introduce TheSolidSurfer.com's new Washington, D.C. correspondent "K-Swiss". K-Swiss currently works on government contract projects, and has previous experience both as a congressional aide and on the team of a highly prominent lobbyist. He brings a key insider perspective on global politics to TheSolidSurfer.com, and we welcome his exclusive guest commentary.

K-Swiss reports today on an idea for punishing Iran: ban its soccer team from the World Cup.

With each passing day, as the hapless diplomats of the EU negotiate (i.e. trade pleasantries) with the Mullahs of Iran, the Islamic Republic continues to develop its nuclear program with the ultimate goal of producing atomic weapons. While it seems ever more likely that Iran will be referred to the United Nations Security Council, does anyone in their right mind really believe the UN will take action? This is the same UN that stayed silent during the genocide in Rwanda, appointed Libya to chair its Commission on Human Rights, and has proven itself morally bankrupt time and again on virtually every issue relating to Israel.

If the world really wants to get serious with Iran and the ruling Mullahs, an effective way to punish the pariah nation could be to ban it from the 2006 World Cup. This would be a large slap in the face to the dictatorial Mullahs, and a message that Iran can no longer defy international law without penalty. Iran is a soccer-crazy nation of 68 million people filled with national pride. What better way to punish it than to ban it from the ultimate world sporting event?

Some may say politics and sports should not mix, but Iran obviously saw it differently during the 2004 Athens Olympics. An Iranian judo athlete drew as his initial competitor a Jewish wrestler from Israel. Rather than compete against the Israeli, at the behest of his government the Iranian avoided the competition altogether and dropped out of the Olympics.

Banning Iran from the World Cup will not create an economic boycott nor sanctions, and most likely it will not directly end the Iranian nuclear program, but it will certainly hurt the national pride that Iran values so dearly. Although the majority of Iranians do not support the government, these people must recognize the downward spiral into which their leadership is dragging them. Banning Iran from the World Cup (and preferably all international sporting events until it gives up its nuclear ambitions) could help spur popular anger at the regime and become an important step towards a democratic revolution.

In fact, why not hasten things and really drive the Mullahs insane by letting Israel take Iran’s place? That would quickly show the Iranian regime that intimidating the West just won't work anymore.

TheSolidSurfer.com responds: K-Swiss, thank you for the piece and it's great to have you as a member of the team.