The “Journey of Harmony” Olympic Torch relay could not have been more ironically named. The travels of the Olympic Torch are traditionally marked with parades and acclamations – the carrier of the torch treated with great respect and admiration. However this year’s controversial location of the Summer Olympic Games in Beijing, China has sparked mass protests in many of the countries it has visited.
According to the Olympic Charter, the goal of the Olympic Movement is “to contribute to building a peaceful and better world by educating youth through sport practiced without discrimination of any kind and in the Olympic spirit, which requires mutual understanding with a spirit of friendship, solidarity and fair play.” Unfortunately, many have observed that China’s human rights record, its strained relationship with Tibet and its friendly ties with Sudan stand in direct contradiction to the purpose of the Olympic spirit. Consequently, activists see the “Journey of Harmony” with its international coverage as an excellent opportunity to express protest over China’s policies.
The International Herald Tribune reported that roughly 3,000 police officers – on foot, horseback, rollerblades, motorbikes and boats in the Seine – were deployed in an attempt to prevent a repeat of the scenes played out in London. Not easily discouraged, protesters determinedly trailed the torch as it made its way through France. The crowds could nearly be described as riotous as the eternal flame was intentionally snuffed repeatedly before being whisked by French police onto a bus for the rest of the route. In San Francisco, the Torch route was kept hidden as demonstrators played a frustrating version of “where’s Waldo?” via internet postings and text messaging. Dogged by protestors from London to New Delhi, the torch’s “Journey of Harmony” has become am increasingly delicate issue for diplomats world-wide.
When all is said and done, the “Journey of Harmony” relay will have crossed five continents and stopped in over 100 places before finally reaching Beijing in August.
Many pro-democratic countries strongly disagree with China’s human rights policies and its actions in Tibet. On the one hand, lawmakers from each of the countries on the Torch route have actually participated in protest demonstrations while some leaders are abstaining from attendance at the Opening Ceremonies. A handful of countries including France, Belgium and Norway, as well as the president of the European Union’s parliament, have discussed the consideration of a boycott as a symbol of displeasure over China’s handling of the Tibet protests.
Yet the Olympic Games are part of a world-wide tradition and despite the controversial policies endorsed by the government of the host country, the Olympic Games are not typically considered a political forum. Hence, the leaders of many countries, including Germany, Denmark, the United Kingdom, and Cyprus have clearly stated their determination to attend.
China has responded to the situation with a mixture of conciliatory remarks and mild offense at the insinuations proffered by the rest of the world. 
While vehemently defending their sovereignty over their policies and honor as the host country, Chinese officials have issued a regulation which guarantees reporters the right to travel to all parts of the country, including Tibet, and pledged to honor their commitment to improvement of human rights within their country.
Should the Olympic Games be treated as a political forum? China’s human rights track record and her macabre treatment of Tibetans should not be permitted to slip by without notice. Yet the very fact that China is willing to undertake the arduous task of playing host to hundreds of representatives from countries who oppose Chinese policies is clearly a diplomatic step in the right direction.
