Grassroots revolt against autocratic regime

CREDIT is due to the protesters in London, Paris, San Francisco and elsewhere who ensured the Olympic torch did not have the smooth run that Chinese officials had expected.

As usual, it was grassroots opposition, and not long-winded politicians, who made the difference. Critics make two points — first, that the Olympic Games are about sport and it is not fair to make a political issue of them.

Yet the games have always been an opportunity for the hosting city or country to showcase its culture — and politics. This has in fact been the aim of the Chinese government. As MSNBC news put it, “the round-the-world trip is the longest in Olympic history and is meant to highlight China’s rising economic and political power.”