The latest legs of the torch relay through Argentina, Tanzania, Oman, Pakistan and India faced few disruptions. The implementation of increased security presence and scaled down routes prevented further scuffles. In Islamabad, Pakistan, the torch never left a sports stadium. In Delhi, India, no exact times for the relay were given, roads were closed off, and office-workers were told not to look out their windows.
Western correspondents in these countries have described the atmosphere as “hostile”, claiming that the mutilated relays left no-one entirely satisfied and the Olympic spirit rather tarnished. Despite still facing criticism from the West, Chinese officials will be relieved that tensions have died down with just under half the international destinations of the relay remaining.
Nevertheless, the big Western media organisations are still taking a fervent interest in the matter. The likes of CNN and BBC have come under sharp criticism from Chinese audiences around the world for what they call biased reporting. A group of Chinese media watchdogs have even started Anti-CNN, a site on which inaccuracies in Western media reports are spotted and pointed out. Under increasing pressure, CNN has attempted to convey the Chinese perspective on the issue:
