This just in from the royal palace. There seems to be a delay in the striking of the clock, and Cinderella's slipper is still on.
Iraq continues to amaze and inspire us with a story that is bigger than this stupid war. With grim determination and resolve, they've accomplished the improbable. Just one more win, and they will return to Bagdad with a shining piece of Olympic hardware around their necks. Two more wins and it should bear the luster that has driven men mad for centuries.
Either way, they will return home heroes.
As much as we debate, posture, ruminate and theorize, we cannot know the incredible hardships that these people have known as a matter of course throughout their lives. We also cannot know the incredible thrill that this taste of freedom and sweet aroma of victory have brought them. Their journey here is well chronicled.
Although I don't believe God plays favorites, I personally wouldn't mind seeing him throw his hand with these soccer players as they face the prospect of doing something that has not been done by any of their countrymen in the lives of any of these players.
This is bigger than soccer. This is about the healing of a once proud nation, ravaged by war and the effects of a power made dictator. It is about every dream and ideal we hold dear. And it is about the children of Iraq, who will grow up emulating these heroes in the hopes that they can dream of doing what these men have done.
When they return home, Iraq will still be Iraq. There will still be fear in the streets, still the ever present, lingering odor of death.
But in that death will be life. And hope. Something no American rebuilding effort could ever give them, no matter how well funded or ambitious.
Iraq, the people of the world are with you. Hold your heads high.