Two things we can add to a possible U.S. presidential visit: Given the already tightly-stretched security situation here in Athens, his presence would probably not be a welcome sight for those entrusted with the complex security operation already in place here. Despite their warm feelings for the American people, polls in Greece show a wide majority of the Greek population do not approve of president Bush, his administration and its policies. Probably meaning, added and extraordinary security measures would be needed.
Second, and perhaps more pointedly, the Iraqi soccer players, the supposed focus of this surprise visit, have been outspoken in calling on president Bush to stop using them as election-related fodder. Said one Iraqi mid fielder, "Iraq as a team does not want Mr. Bush to use us for the presidential campaign. He can find another way to advertise himself." The Bush campaign has run ads in which the flags of both Iraq and Afghanistan appear and the narration mentions that two more free nations are participating at these Olympics.
