Job Discussion Forums

[parnett]

A while back, a thread was initiated here which elicited readers' views on the pros and cons of having the 2020 Olympics in Istanbul. I myself felt that it would never happen, and listed the countless reasons why the Olympics could never be hosted there (the main one being the threat of terrorism).
I read today that Tokyo was chosen as the Olympic site in 2020 over Rio de Janiero, Madrid and the aforementioned Istanbul.
My views on the former thread were criticized by many due to the fact that I hadn't lived in Istanbul in 4 years (even though I had previously lived there for more than 15 years).
Everyone is entitled to their own opinion (at least in most countries). However, I was a bit peeved by the responses of teachers who had lived in Istanbul for fewer than 2 years or even those who had never lived there, stating that Istanbul was a virtual lock for the bid and my opinion was outdated.
I was wondering if any of you would care to comment now.

[Dedicated]

Obviously we do not know the reasons behind the decision of the IOC, but it would seem that there are concerns about the serious political unrest in the country and the increasing authoritarian dictatorship of Erdogan, as demonstrated by the events in Taksim Square in July 2013.

The imprisonment of political opponents and journalists is another concern. There are more journalists in Turkish jails than any other country.

There has also been a recent series of doping scandals starting in August among Turkish athletes in which 31 track and field athletes were banned for 2 years.

Then there's the conflict in neighbouring Syria and possible terrorism threats.

It's very sad because Istanbul is a wonderful city.

[sixthchild]

As I recall twas I who started the thread " 2020 and all that" and some healthy debate started and yes parnett, you were the winner, you were right, Tokyo walked away with the honour for the second time, but like many people in this country for just a moment or two Istanbul was in with half a chance, but it was not to be. Maybe you right,perhaps the country is not ready for such an event, but who knows, one day it may just happen! Hope I'm still here when it does.

[parnett]

No congratulations needed, but thanks anyway.
Actually, sixthchild, you should be congratulated for starting one of the better threads at the Turkish forum (or would morgue be a better term?). It seemed that people were coming out of the woodwork to comment. Where are they now?

[PC Parrot]

[sixthchild]

Parnet wrote:


Actually, sixthchild, you should be congratulated for starting one of the better threads at the Turkish forum (or would morgue be a better term?).

yeah true, most of the really good stuff gets deleted!