Security at WC 2010

[mvblair]

This at least seems more legit than 2004, which was mostly paranoia. I hope nothing extreme comes from the incident in question, but you never know.

The people who complained in 2004 about security just didn't want to play.

I don't really think this is a story. Some writer just needed to write something and thought he could make a story out of the flotilla thing, so he made a phone call to Jerry Colangelo for a quote.

[Gytaz]

I thought Turkey was in Near East but you're right.

Actually, those are different names for more or less the same place. Both are correct for Turkey.

[Fedfan]

I thought Turkey was in Near East but you're right.

[Levenspiel]

There's a risk always in any major tournament. But in Turkey it won't be any higher than in Berlin or Paris. I know the security image of Turkey is not the best one, but that's mostly a misconception.

[Gytaz]

It's not like Turkey is in the Middle East.

In fact, it is. But that doesn't really change anything, it should be safe in Turkey.

[JGX]

There isn't any more risk than there was a week ago.

[Fedfan]

come on this is paranoic too.Istambul is a very safe city for them,and this current incident is not going to change this-esp by the time the championship comes.
It's not like Turkey is in the Middle East.

[Dtown]

This at least seems more legit than 2004, which was mostly paranoia. I hope nothing extreme comes from the incident in question, but you never know.

[sinobball]

Several of our Asian friends have expressed disappointment of FIBA's decision to let Yemen host the Asian U18 tourney this year.

Stereotype or legitimate concern? I don't know exactly, but it does seem like there are people who are genuinely afraid that they would not let their children to attend. When this happens it is a serious loss to the game.

[Franz]

was there any competition in past years where us didn't brig security fear in media

This one is a bit different, being that Turkey is so close to the Middle East.

[pohani komarac]

was there any competition in past years where us didn't brig security fear in media

[rikhardur]

U.S. to monitor events after incident

LOS ANGELES -- The United States plans to play in the world championships. Safety will come first, though.

USA Basketball chairman Jerry Colangelo said Wednesday that the Americans expect to participate in the event in Turkey later this summer, but players wouldn't be put in harm's way.

"Right now we're not doing anything but planning to be there," Colangelo told The Associated Press. "If world events cause us to have to take another look at, we will, but I think it's too early to speculate on anything like 'what if.'"

Relations between Turkey and Israel were seriously strained after nine people were killed Monday when Israeli commandos stormed a six-ship flotilla in international waters. About 700 activists -- including 400 Turks -- were trying to break the Israeli and Egyptian naval blockade of Gaza.

The U.S. team is scheduled to play in Istanbul at the tournament that runs from Aug. 28-Sept. 12.

"Let's wait and see what happens," Colangelo said. "If there's a reason that would change our, if something happens that really would change our position, then we'd have to do what we have to do. So I think it's too early to project. We're always looking out for the safety of our people, let's face it."

The Americans were plagued by player withdrawals before the 2004 Olympics in Athens. Some players cited security fears following the Sept. 11, 2001, terrorist attacks on New York and Washington as a reason for pulling out.

So Colangelo is aware that players may have concerns, even if it's far too early to think about that now.

"So far nothing has really happened that would deter us," he said. "If there are developments that cause us to take stock and have to reconsider, then we have to do that. But so far I would say no."

http://sports.espn.go.com/oly/olybb/news/story?id=5244895&campaign=rss&source=NBAHeadlines

Are there reasons for concern?
Please not that for the "conflict" in question there's the appropriate thread in the UN section