As for it being part of China’s success, you seem to be missing the point – this is an integral stage of China’s move to superpower, not just a cherry on the top. International sporting and cultural events have long been used by countries to affirm their status (for good as well as bad – think Tokyo in 1964 as part of Japan’s rehabilitation as a peaceful & democratic country, or the minor ex-Eastern Bloc nations’ joy at hosting Eurovision to help put themselves on the map). Getting as far as being considered worthy (financially and geopolitically) of hosting an Olympics means you’ve come a long way, but it’s by no means the end. The really interesting story is what happens in China after this is all over.

You could argue that it is more benign than a genuine war. But given that the Olympics have in the past provided a vital platform to the likes of Hitler, Soviet leaders, international terrorists and now a pretty questionable Chinese regime, I can’t help but think that the Olympics are not so benign after all.

The point about the Olympics in the context of China’s success economically and politically is an interesting angle, I would agree that this is a valid story to report. But I think people would be talking about it anyway, and it ought not to take Beijing 2008 to realise China’s incredible emergence on the world scene.

And all told, it’s fairly easy to filter it out – just as in the same way I filter out stuff that I have no interest in – whether it be Big Brother, Eastenders or (whisper) Formula One. The time difference means at least the evening schedules are kept relatively clear as well.

Finally, whether it’s more important than a war – what you forget is the Olympics is war, albeit a sanitised version. Writers (most notably Orwell) have long opined on the warlike nature of sport. Many of the events at the Games themselves are based on Ancient Greek war training – from the pole vault (jumping over enemy walls) to the discus (weapon to use on the enemy) – so much so the modern games decided to invent Modern Pentathlon to cover the skills a 20th century warrior might need. In the background you of course have the political controversies, from Berlin 1936 onwards the games have been politicised. Is it a waste of money? Perhaps, but a much more benign waste than the colossal waste of money real wars (especially illegal and unjust ones) are.