IOC takes out insurance in case Olympics are cancelled.

For the first time, the IOC has taken out cancellation insurance on the Olympics -- a $170 million policy to cover the risk of the Athens Games being called off because of war, terrorism, earthquakes or flooding.

The Athens Olympics will be the most heavily guarded in history, with a security budget nearing $1 billion -- more than three times the amount spent on protecting the 2000 Sydney Games. NATO has agreed to help provide security in Athens.

IOC president Jacques Rogge told The Associated Press today that coverage for full and partial cancellation of the Aug. 13-29 games had been signed with a syndicate of London-based insurance companies.

It's the first time the International Olympic Committee has insured any Olympics against cancellation.

The policy does not protect corporate sponsors of the Olympics or television networks, which have billions of dollars riding on the games.

The policy covers a "whole range of issues such as terrorism, earthquake, flooding, landslides, things like that," Rogge said by phone from Lausanne, Switzerland.

He said the move represents "standard prudent judgment" and does not reflect any lack of confidence in the Athens Games.

Las Vegas Sun.

wil.

No way would I attend. That place is dangerous without all the focus on it. I can't see an attack not happening during the event.

Lakerfan - that is exactly how I feel. Hope I am very wrong, but I have a terible premonition
of something bad happening this summer in Athens. Its just a strange feeling about the games.


wil.

There's something happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear.

The terrorists instead of losing steam appear to be gaining momentum. Strap a bomb on. Live forever in paradise. Many, most with not much to live for, are buying into the deal.

Sheik Ikrema Sabri, Jerusalem's top Muslim cleric.

"The issue is decided," Sabri said in an interview. "Muslims believe in the Day of Judgment and that dying as a martyr has its reward -- going to heaven -- and that a martyr is alive in the eyes of God."

Men like the Sheik are fueling the deal bigtime.

I have been reluctant to say this but I agree. Greece has done a poor job on domestic terror let alone the major international target the Olympics will present. If I were a athlete from a country likely to be a target I would have reservations.
That having been said does that mean terrorist win and life is forever changed? If so sad day for us all.