People and Politics - Countdown to the Olympics - Germanys Expectations - 01.08.2008

The Summer Olympic Games in China begin in just a week. Even before Beijing was selected to host the games, critics denounced the notion of allowing an autocratic country to put on the event. After the Chinese government's crackdown on Tibet earlier this year, there was again widespread criticism of China's Communist leaders. Tensions have since subsided, but what expectations do Germany's athletes and political leaders have going into the games? What lasting impact will the Olympics have on China?