International Relations

[MetDream]

Not being a political person, I don’t pay too much attention to international relations except for when they are in the headlines. Thus I forget how seep some feeling in the more patriotic can run. I was reminded of this fact last weekend while at a surprise birthday party for my uncle and his friends. As usual when a bunch of guys get together the talk turned to sports and eventually the world cup finals. My uncle and his friends had all rooted for Italy to win, for no other reason than the political fallout between the US and France during the Iraq war. Nothing that has anything to do with the game whatsoever.

This Monday I was at the dentist and as par for the course, had along wait. The magazine selection in the waiting room was slim. I found myself settling for a copy of the National Geographic. In it was a special on "The Beautiful Game". A series of articles by different authors discussing the marriage between politics and soccer in several different countries. It was a very interesting and enlightening read. It also helped me understand my uncle's attitude.

This morning on my news page I saw this headline: US and France Back Plan to End Fighting in Lebanon
Story

I hope this political union between the countries begins to change the attitude of some of the more disgruntled Americans.

[Doin]

If only soccer could play more of a role in international relations in so far as countries settling disputes on the soccer pitch.