Asia as a power?

I do not think that Asia is finally recognised as a power to be reckoned with the world. Initally I thought otherwise. But after seeing the effects of the Olympics Games being held Beijing, I started having doubts.

Take the Torch Relay as an example.

The relay started on March 24 2008. It travelled across Greece to Athens, then to Beijing on March 31. From Beijing, the torch travelled to every continent (except Antartica). The international portion of the relay was a problematic tour that saw wide-scale protests against China's human rights abuses and crackdown in Tibet. There was several attempts to put out the flame. The flame was extinguished in Paris.

Many said that Beijing hosting the 2008 Olympics has catch many attention of the other countries. Yes, INDEED. With all the problems with the torch relays, it will be hard to be the centre of attention. Being looked upon by other countries does not mean that we are in power.

If Asia IS recognised as a POWER to be reckoned with the world, why is there so much problems with just the torch relay?

Therefore, I disagree that Asia is a power to be reckoned with the world.

(Out of point? T.T I dont understand the topic!)

Jolene