It is good to hear that the ban on Iraq competing in the Beijing Olympics has been over-turned.

The bad is news however, is that only two of the seven athletes will be competing: Haidar Nasir in the discus and sprinter Danma Hussein, with the other athletes missing the qualifying deadline.

“We look forward to seeing the Iraqi flag in Beijing,” said IOC president Jacques Rogge.

“I commend the government of Iraq for reaching an agreement that serves the long-term interest of Iraqi athletes.

“We have said all along that we want to see Iraqi athletes in Beijing.”