Tibet casts a shadow over the Olympics

Emotions are running high in Tibet's capital, Lhasa

Just as the Chinese authorities seemed to be getting the situation in Tibet under control, a managed tour of the capital by journalists was disrupted by another demonstration.

It was the first visit by foreign journalists to Lhasa in a week. They were there to inspect the aftermath of the riots that rocked the Tibetan capital.

The trip was strictly controlled by the Chinese government and the BBC was not invited.

However Calum MacLeod, Beijing Bureau Chief of USA Today was there.

Listen Listen to Calum MacLeod (4 mins 16 secs)

President Bush has already called upon his Chinese counterpart, Hu Jintao, to begin a dialogue with Tibetan leaders, including the Dalai Lama, about the crisis.

That's not enough for Democratic Congressman, Neil Abercrombie. He is spearheading an effort to boycott the Olympics in China this summer.

Listen Listen to Congressman Abercrombie (2 mins 21 secs)

The games will need a lot of financial support from corporate sponsors and their Olympics-related marketing budgets.

But is the Olympic brand in danger of becoming a liability rather than an asset?

Chris Renner is president of the sports marketing firm, Helios Partners China. He represents some of the corporate sponsors of the Olympics, including Volkswagen.

Listen Listen to Chris Renner (2 mins 16 secs)

First broadcast 27th March