Formula One

So once again we have a problem with Bahrain (I'm a poet and don't know it!). Should the Grand Prix there go ahead?  The FIA's stance seems to be that putting on a Grand Prix is no different in essence from a touring theatre company putting on a play, or a circus coming into town and giving a performance. They are simply there to put on a show, and not to make any kind of statement.  The counter-argument is that there is a fundamental difference - the size and scope of the audience means that, like it or not, a Grand Prix is seen as a showcase for the area and indeed for the host nation.  So should the behaviour of the host nation be a determining factor?  After all, we've just held a Grand Prix in China, who are hardly a shining beacon of tolerance and democracy, and I don't recall any major objections being raised to that.  So what makes Bahrain different?  Is it the fact that there is open violence on the streets - nowhere near as much as last year, but still there apparently.  Clearly safety is an issue, but it seems to go further than that - the opposition (always ready with their shovel) are suggesting that British drivers should boycott the race, presumably on some sort of moral grounds, though they aren't spelling out exactly what - it seems they just don't like the regime and how it's acting, and that's sufficient reason.  I'm sure the race will go ahead - it's far too late now to cancel it - but I have no doubt the arguments will go on, and it may well be that in a year's time we'll be having this discussion again.