Earthly matters

Spielberg draws the line Steven Spielberg made a bold move last February by formally withdrawing his services as an artistic adviser for the 2008 Olympic Summer Games in Beijing. Spielberg cited his withdrawal from the games as an act of conscience in regards to China’s lack of action in the Darfur region where a five year genocide has seen the murder of over 200,000 people and displaced over three million.

Beijing seems to be attempting to sweep this one under the carpet as officials have still not responded to Spielberg’s move as of press time. The IOC (International Olympic Committee) says they recognize Darfur as a highly complex issue but believe that it is a matter for the UN to resolve.

As Beijing buys more than two thirds of the Sudan’s oil and in turn the Sudanese government buys much of its weapons from Beijing, many are questioning China’s policy of non- interference in the region. China is accused of using its policy of “non-interference” to shield its interests in order to sustain their “balance of power” in the region.

Prior to Spielberg’s move, Prince Charles announced he would not be attending the games in a show of support for the Dalai Lama and the people of Tibet. In a statement Spielberg said, "I find that my conscience will not allow me to continue business as usual.”