More than 10,000 of the world-s most gifted people from 202 countries are gathering in Athens. Opening ceremonies of the Summer Olympics will be held Friday night, and competition begins on Saturday. But only half the tickets have sold so far, as construction delays, doping scandals and questions about security have diverted attention from athletic competition and international good will. Warren Olney previews the sports and the spectacle with journalists who cover the Olympics for the LA Times, NBC and the Chicago Tribune. (An extended version of this program was broadcast earlier today on To the Point.) - Reporter's Notebook: International Observers to Monitor US Presidential Election
This year, for the first time, America-s presidential election will be scrutinized by an official team of international observers. Congressional Democrats asked for observers from the UN, and the Bush administration compromised by inviting the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe. Andrew Buncombe, who reports from Washington for the Independent of London, has more on monitors' purpose and their powers.
Organization of Security and Cooperation in Europe
Global Exchange's Fair Election campaign
Buncombe's article on international monitors for US elections