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• Obama says drought is historic, seeks aid
• Blackwater settles arms case
• Turks call foul over Obama-Erdogan bat photo
• US frees Iranian woman on Omans mediation
• US consumers borrowing surge by 3pc in June
• Olympics: China looks for gold sweep in table tennis
• Russia beats Turkey 66-63
• WADA urges cycling body to back US Armstrong case
• Unexpected gold for Algerian runner, Aussies get 2
• President expresses concerns over Myanmar Muslims plight
• NA body expresses concern over Pak-Iran border smuggling
• Doctors negligence kills mother, child in Multan
• We do pee in the pool, Michael Phelps admits
• PTIs popularity cannot be halted: Javed Hashmi
• Algerian runner banned for not competing honestly

Obama says drought is historic, seeks aid Posted: The worst drought in half a century is slashing U.S. crop and livestock production, President Obama said on Tuesday as he called on Congress to pass a farm bill that will send disaster aid to more farmers and ranchers.During a meeting of Obamas rural council at the White House, he said the administration will do all it can to alleviate the impact of the drought. It is a historic drought and it is having a profound impact on farmers and ranchers all across many states, Obama said.More than 60 percent of the continental United States, including prime farm and ranch territory, is suffering moderate to exceptional drought. Analysts expect the drought will bring the smallest corn crop in six years. The government will make its first estimate of the fall harvest on Friday.With the U.S. election three months away, Obama said Congress needed to complete work on a new five-year farm bill. Republican leaders in the U.S. House of Representatives, unable to pass a bill in the lower chamber, proposed a $383 million disaster package for livestock producers before adjourning for the summer.The president said he hoped lawmakers get an earful from their constituents during the five-week recess away from Washington and that they reconvene on September 10 prepared to complete work on a farm bill immediately.Food stamps for the poor would see their biggest cut, $16 billion, since the 1990s in the House farm bill. Democrats oppose those cuts and fiscal hawks among Republicans say the bill, which raises crop support prices, needs more cuts throughout. The Senate bill would cut food stamps by $4 billion.Congress needs to pass a farm bill that will not only provide important disaster relief tools but also make necessary reforms and give farmers the certainty they deserve, said Obama in his first remarks on the farm bill in weeks.He complimented the Senate for good bipartisan work, while wading into a squabble between the House and Senate over how to help farmers. The Democratic-run Senate passed its farm bill in June. It includes funding for disaster aid this year. The Republican majority in the U.S. House of Representatives passed a disaster bill that would cut conservation programs by $639 million, including $256 million to reduce the federal deficit. It allows up to $100,000 in aid per operator.Cattle and sheep ranchers would get most of the assistance. Crop insurance will provide a safety net for most row-crop growers but livestock producers have less of a federal cushion. Disaster programs aimed at them expired at the end of 2011.Farmers could collect $15 billion-$18 billion in crop insurance indemnities this year, nearly double the 2011 pay-out, because of drought losses, say analysts. Insurers made money in recent years but this will be the first major loss year since enrollment zoomed and may prompt a shake-out in the industry, said two University of Illinois economists on Tuesday.The House disaster bill and the Senate farm bill offer similar disaster programs for livestock. Its unfortunate that Senate Democrats have blocked this relief package from getting to those in need, Kevin Smith, a spokesman for House Speaker John Boehner, said in a statement.The current farm law expires on September 30 but many of its provisions, including crop supports and food stamps for the poor can run for a while. Farm lobbyists see a low chance of Congress resolving differences in bills before the post-election lame duck session.

Blackwater settles arms case Posted: The international security contractor formerly known as Blackwater has agreed to pay a $7.5 million fine to settle federal criminal charges related to arms smuggling and other crimes.Documents unsealed Tuesday in a U.S. District Court in North Carolina said the company, now called Academi LLC, agreed to pay the fine as part of a deferred prosecution agreement to settle 17 violations. The list of violations includes possessing automatic weapons in the United States without registration, lying to federal firearms regulators about weapons provided to the king of Jordan, passing secret plans for armored personnel carriers to Sweden and Denmark without U.S. government approval and illegally shipping body armor overseas.Federal prosecutors and law enforcement agents said the company, which has held billions in U.S. security contracts in Iraq and Afghanistan, repeatedly flouted U.S. laws.Compliance with these laws is critical to the proper conduct of our defense efforts and to international diplomatic relations, said Thomas G. Walker, the U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of North Carolina. This prosecution is an important step to ensuring that our corporate citizens comply with these rules in every circumstance.Blackwater was founded in 1997 in Moyock, North Carolina, by former Navy SEAL Erik Prince, but the company rose to national attention after winning massive no-bid security contracts from U.S. government at the beginning of the Iraq War.In 2004, Iraqi insurgents in Fallujah ambushed two SUVs, killing the four armed Blackwater contractors and hanging their bodies from a bridge. In 2007, Blackwater contractors guarding a U.S. State Department convoy in Baghdad opened fire on civilian vehicles in an intersection, mistakenly thinking they were under attack. Seventeen Iraqis died.In 2010, the company reached a $42 million settlement with the Department of State as part of a settlement of violations of the Arms Export Control Act and the International Trafficking in Arms Regulations. The company changed its name to Xe before being sold in 2011, becoming Academi.Documents unsealed in federal court Thursday say prosecutors brought 17 criminal charges against Academi following a 5-year investigation. Under the terms of the deferred prosecution agreement, the company acknowledged responsibility for the conduct in the 17 alleged violations and settles all charges with the government in exchange for payment of the $7.5 million fine and assurances the company will reform its conduct. The agreement also requires future monitoring and audits for full compliance with federal firearms laws.In a statement issued immediately after the settlement was made public, however, Academi officials denied they admitted any guilt for what was termed a legacy matter. The agreement, which does not involve any guilty plea or admit to any violations, reflects the significant and tangible efforts that Academis new ownership and leadership team have made, the statement said. The company is fully committed to this agreement and looks forward to successfully fulfilling its obligations on this legacy matter as we continue to lead by example in our regulatory and compliance efforts.Academi spokesman John Procter later clarified the companys position. There is a distinction between an admission of events taking place and an admission of guilt, he said. A clause in Academis settlement with prosecutors bars the company from making any public statements contradicting any aspect of the agreement. Any such statement could allow the government to nullify the settlement, the agreement says.Justice Department spokeswoman Robin G. Zier declined to comment Thursday on whether Academis media release violated the terms of the settlement. The first two criminal counts unsealed Tuesday allege Blackwater illegally exported encrypted satellite phones to Sudan in 2005. Counts three through six involve numerous arms exporting and trafficking violations, including providing a security services and a threat assessment to Sudan, providing military training to Canadian military and law enforcement personnel without a required U.S. license.The company is also alleged to have provided technical and engineering data relating to the construction of armored personnel carriers to Sweden and Denmark from 2006 to 2008 without required State Department authorization. In 2004 and 2006, the company exported ammunition and body armor to Iraq and Afghanistan without first obtaining a U.S. government license, according to the documents.Counts seven through 12 allege violations of various federal firearms laws as the result of the companys possession of unregistered automatic weapons at its rural North Carolina training facility. Counts 13 through 17 allege involve a Bushmaster M4 carbine, three Glock handguns and a Remington shotgun given as a gift to Jordans King Abdullah II and his traveling entourage during a 2005 visit to Moyock.For an extended period of time, Academi/Blackwater operated in a manner which demonstrated systemic disregard for U.S. Government laws and regulations, said Chris Briese, Special Agent in Charge of the Charlotte Division of the FBI.Todays announcement should serve as a warning to others that allegations of wrongdoing will be aggressively investigated.

Turks call foul over Obama-Erdogan bat photo Posted: A photograph of U.S. President Barack Obama holding a baseball bat while talking on the phone to Turkish Prime Minister Tayyip Erdogan was intended to show their close relationship, a White House spokeswoman said, after the photo caused a stir in Turkey.The two leaders spoke on Monday to discuss the crisis in Syria, after which the photograph of Obama seated at his desk, talking on the phone while holding a bat autographed by black-American baseball great Hank Aaron, was released by the White House.

US frees Iranian woman on Omans mediation Posted: An Iranian woman, jailed by the United States for attempting to export military equipment to Tehran, has been freed and arrived in Oman on Tuesday, the government in Muscat announced.A foreign ministry spokesman thanked the US government for releasing Shahrazad Mir Gholikhan on humanitarian grounds and following efforts made by Oman, Omans state news agency Ona said.This humanitarian initiative will serve the interests of both countries and stability in the region, the spokesman added. Surrounded by members of her family, who had travelled to Oman, Gholikhan on arrival at Muscat airport late Tuesday thanked Sultan Qaboos bin Said for mediating her release. She said she was happy to be free again ... and to start a new life, Ona quoted her as saying.A US State Department official said Gholikhan completed her prison sentence and left the country, noting that during her incarceration Gholikhan had access to both legal counsel and consular officers.Gholikhan, who was 31 at the time, was convicted in December 2008 and sentenced to five years for attempting to export military equipment to Iran.US authorities said she was prosecuted for trying to send 3,000 military night vision goggles and other items to her homeland. She was arrested after a joint investigation by the Immigration and Customs Enforcement authorities and the US Defense Department.In an earlier mediation between Iran and the United States, Oman received two US hikers in late 2011 after they spent more than two years in Iranian jails for spying and illegal entry. Oman had posted bail for the pair.A third US hiker, arrested alongside the two by Iran in July 2009 on espionage charges, was freed on bail, also paid by Oman, in September 2010 after 14 months imprisonment. All three consistently maintained that they innocently strayed into Iran while hiking in Iraqs northern Kurdistan region.

US consumers borrowing surge by 3pc in June Posted: Americans cut back on credit card use in June, a sign that high unemployment and slow growth have made some more cautious about spending.Still, total consumer borrowing increased as many kept taking out loans to buy cars and attend school. Consumer borrowing rose 3 percent in June from May to total $2.58 trillion, the Federal Reserve said Tuesday. Thats just below the all-time high reached in July 2008.Auto and student loans rose 7 percent to $1.71 trillion in June. Credit card debt fell 5 percent to $865 billion. Thats only 1.6 percent above the post-recession low reached in April 2011. Americans have been relying less on credit cards since the 2008 financial crisis and Great Recession.At the same time, student loan debt has steadily increased. It has risen 54 percent since mid-2008 to total $902 billion as of March this year, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of New York. Student loans now accounts for roughly 35 percent of all consumer debt, up from less than a quarter four years ago. That makes it the biggest source of consumer debt outside of mortgages.The increase partly reflects high unemployment, which has led many Americans to seek better education and skills in a more competitive labor market. We are probably witnessing a shift in consumers attitudes towards debt, said Paul Edelstein, an economist at IHS Global Insight. Households may be willing to take on debt to pay for cars and education. But other forms of consumption will come increasingly from current incomes.Overall, Americans have been steadily paring debt since the financial crisis. Household debt, including mortgages and home equity lines of credit, has declined for 16 straight quarters to $12.9 trillion in March, according to the Fed. Thats down from $13.8 trillion in March 2008.Some of that debt has been removed by defaults, such as foreclosures. A Commerce Department report last week showed that consumers are more frugal. They spent no more in June than they did in May, while their incomes rose at the fastest pace in three months.The flat pace of spending was likely because hiring has been weak and confidence low. Employers added 163,000 jobs in July, the most in five months. But hiring for most of this year hasnt been enough to lower the unemployment rate. The rate ticked up to 8.3 percent in July from 8.2 percent in June.Consumer confidence increased in July for the first time in five months, the Conference Board said. But it remains well below healthy levels. The economy is growing too slowly to boost confidence or hiring. It expanded at a 1.5 percent annual pace in the April-June quarter, down from 1.9 percent in the first quarter and 4.1 percent in the final three months of 2011.Unless job growth picks up, consumer spending could weaken more and drag down economic growth further.The Federal Reserves borrowing report covers auto loans, student loans and credit cards. It excludes mortgages, home equity loans and other loans tied to real estate.

Olympics: China looks for gold sweep in table tennis Posted: China has taken three gold medals in table tennis at the London Olympics and the mens team is an overwhelming favorite to deliver the fourth the final one and the sweep.China faces South Korea in Wednesdays final, which ends play in table tennis with singles gold medalist Zhang Jike and silver medalist Wang Hao leading the way. The third player is Ma Long, who may be the best of the three.Most fans believe the real final was in the semifinals on Monday when China struggled early, but held on to beat Germany 3-1 probably the strongest mens team in the tournament after China. It is unfortunate how the draw worked out, but we felt that was the final, said German player Timo Boll, regarded as the games best non China-born player.Germany faces Hong Kong in Wednesdays bronze medal game and, in effect, will be facing China again. All three Hong Kong player were born in mainland China, but failed to make the China team and moved to Hong Kong.Hong Kong is a special administrative region of China and has its own Olympic team, and a separate political and legal system based on its long history as a British colony.German coach Jorg Rosskopf suggested there may be very few openings against China. Always against the Chinese you get a small, small chance, but it is a long, long way to beat them, he said.China has won 23 of 27 gold medals since pingpong entered the Olympics in 1988. The men can make it 24 of 28, the kind of dominance thats expected back home where table tennis is the national pastime.South Koreas best known player is Ryu Seung-min, who upset Wang Hao of China in the 2004 Olympics to take singles gold. It was the first of three straight losses for Wang in the gold-medal singles final, including this years final.It is so difficult to beat the Chinese, Ryu said. I think back then (in 2004) players felt they had a chance. But I have the feeling now that players go into matches thinking they are already beaten.

Russia beats Turkey 66-63 Posted: The San Antonio Silver Stars guard scored 19 points, including the go-ahead basket with 13 seconds left, to lead Russia to a thrilling 66-63 victory over Turkey and into the semifinals of the Olympic womens basketball tournament.It was win or go home and we made some plays down the stretch, Hammon said. Thats the most important thing, we hung in there and stuck it out.Hammon, 35, is playing in her second Olympics for Russia. She became a Russian naturalized citizen before the Beijing Games. Because she hadnt played for the United States in any major FIBA-sanctioned international events, she is allowed to compete for Russia in the Olympics.The 5-foot-6 South Dakota native helped Russia win the bronze medal at the Beijing Games. This is the third straight Olympics that Russia has reached the semifinals. The Russians also had to settle for the bronze in Athens falling to the U.S. in 2004 and 2008.After finishing third in their pool at the London Games, the Russians avoided a potential matchup with the Americans until the gold medal game if both teams advance. It means a lot to us, it was our goal not to match up with the U.S. team in the quarters or semifinals, said Russian forward Anna Petrakova, who had 10 points and seven rebounds. Weve done our best in the group to make sure we dont match up with them early it makes it easier. Its going to be a battle with either the Czech Republic or France in the semifinals.The U.S. plays Australia in the other semifinal on Thursday. France played the Czechs in the last quarterfinal game on Tuesday.Russia hasnt won a gold medal since 1992 when the country was known as the Unified Team. The loss ended Turkeys impressive run in its first Olympics.Five years ago our goal was to make Turkish people to be proud of us, Turkey coach Ceyhun Yidizoglu said through a translator. Partially we made this. I really hope in the future well do great things in the Olympics.Hammon opened quarterfinal play in the same fashion she started the Olympics. In her first game at the London Games, she scored eight straight points down the stretch to help Russia rally from double-digit deficit in the fourth quarter to beat Canada 58-53.With the game tied at 62 on Tuesday, Hammon got the ball and drove down the lane, scoring with 13 seconds left and drawing the foul. She missed the free throw and Quanitra Hollingsworth got the rebound.The U.S. born Hollingsworth, who became a naturalized Turkish citizen in May, was fouled and made one of two free throws to make it a 1-point game.The Russians couldnt put the game away, hitting only two of its four free throws in the final 12 seconds giving Turkey one last chance, but Birsel Vardarlis 3-pointer from the wing bounced off the rim.

WADA urges cycling body to back US Armstrong case Posted: The World Anti-Doping Agency has urged cyclings governing body to support United States anti-doping officials and provide documents to help their case against Lance Armstrong.WADA said it wrote to International Cycling Union President Pat McQuaid on Tuesday, asking him to withdraw a request to take jurisdiction of the Armstrong case from the U.S. Anti-Doping Agency.WADA said it reminds the cycling body that the agency which discovered the violation must have results management authority in a case.Armstrong could lose his seven Tour de France titles if he is found to have doped throughout his career, as USADA alleges.WADA says there is no provision within its rules that allows the UCI to interfere with the USADA case or demand to see the American agencys evidence.The three sports groups have engaged in a testy exchange in recent days just as Armstrong prepares for a federal court hearing in Austin, Texas where he will as U.S. District Judge Sam Sparks to block USADA from pursuing its case. He argues that UCI has proper jurisdiction.In a statement released last week, UCI complained that USADA has refused to share its evidence not only with Armstrong but with the UCI itself. USADA chief executive Travis Tygart responded by saying UCI has an interest in covering up corruption in cycling and alleged performance-enhancing drug use by Armstrong and members of his teams.USADA has accused Armstrong of performance-enhancing drug use throughout his career, from his Tour de France victories from 1999-2005 through his comeback a few years ago. Armstrong vehemently denies the charges and says the USADA arbitration process is unfair.The cyclist also points to a clean record throughout his career when it comes to drug testing. An Armstrong spokesman declined comment Tuesday.Armstrongs attorneys have raised the UCI jurisdiction claims in their court filings. They say that blood and urine samples cited in USADAs allegations belong to UCI and that emails from former Armstrong teammate Floyd Landis outlining alleged doping on Armstrongs teams were first sent to a USA Cycling official, who falls under UCIs jurisdiction.

Unexpected gold for Algerian runner, Aussies get 2 Posted: The home nation continued its Olympic gold rush on Tuesday, Australia regained some of its shine with two wins and an Algerian who didnt want to run the previous day managed an unexpected 1,500 meters victory.Runner Taoufik Makhloufi was first in the mens 1,500 meters one day after he was disqualified and then reinstated after track and field officials ruled he didnt try hard enough during a heat. The disqualification was later overturned after a medical officer reviewed the evidence, and Makhloufi made his second chance count, winning the 1,500 title in 3 minutes, 34.08 seconds.It was the will of God. Yesterday I was out and today I was in, Makhloufi said. I dedicate this to all the people of Algeria and the Arab world. The chill, dank day began with one former Olympic champion Liu Xiang lasting only a few meters while another Usain Bolt jogged gently down the track in his first steps towards a second straight golden sprint double.Earlier, Australias Sally Pearson set an Olympic record in the 100-meter hurdles final and gave her country its fourth gold medal of the games and second of the day after cyclist Anna Meares was first in the velodromes high-profile sprint.Pearson had to wait several seconds after crossing the line in the main stadium before the big screen showed she had beaten defending champion Dawn Harper of the United States by just .02 hundredths of a second. She screamed and dropped to the ground, finally getting Olympic gold after finishing second four years ago.In other track and field competitions on Tuesday night, Ivan Ukhov of Russia won a gold medal in mens high jump, and Ilya Zakharov of Russia won Olympic diving gold medal in mens 3-meter springboard. The track and field finals completed a day during which Britain played the role of greedy hosts, piling on four gold medals with wins in cycling, triathlon and dressage to achieve its highest gold medal total in 104 years.Britain ended Germanys domination of equestrian team dressage by winning the gold medal at Greenwich Park, adding to its first team show jumping gold in 60 years that it won a day earlier. Alistair Brownlee won the triathlon his younger brother Jonathan took bronze and British cyclists Chris Hoy won the keirin and Laura Trott the womens omnium.It took Britains gold total to 22, easily surpassing the 19 they won in Beijing. Its the countrys best gold total since it won 56 golds in 1908 the first time the games were held in London. Brownlee won the mens triathlon in a time of 1 hour, 46 minutes, 25 seconds on a picturesque course through Hyde Park and The Serpentine lake.Australias Meares stopped the British gold rush at the velodrome when she beat Victoria Pendleton in the sprint. It was Meares who ended Pendletons run of four straight world titles in 2011, and who Pendleton eliminated in the semifinals in May to regain her championship. It was the British veterans final race before retiring.In news away from the competition, Cameroons Olympic chief said seven of the countrys Olympic competitors were missing from the athletes village, prompting concern they may attempt to seek asylum in Britain.David Ojong, head of mission for Team Cameroon, said the seven all hold visas which would allow them to remain in Britain until at least November. He said that five boxers, a swimmer and a football player had disappeared from the village, at the Olympic Park in Stratford, east London.On the final day of gymnastics, Chinas Deng Linlin won gold on balance beam, upstaging teammate and reigning world champion Sui Lu. It was the second gold of the day for the Chinese, following Feng Zhes title on parallel bars.Epke Zonderland won gold on high bar. American Aly Raisman took a gold on floor exercise, about an hour after getting a bronze on balance beam.Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina extended Russias domination of synchronized swimming with an Olympic gold medal in duet. They havent lost an Olympic synchro event since the 1996 Atlanta Games.

President expresses concerns over Myanmar Muslims plight Posted: President Asif Ali Zardari has expressed deep concerns over the loss of life and property of Rohingya Muslims during the ethnic clashes in the State of Rakhine‚ Myanmar.In a letter addressed to the President of Myanmar‚ the President called for hastening the process of rehabilitation of Rohingya Muslims so that they can return to their homes and lead a safe and secure life.He said that Government and the people of Pakistan are saddened to learn about the losses of the Muslims and deeply concerned about their plight.Underlining the importance of peaceful co-existence of various communities for strengthening of democracy in Myanmar‚ the President said that the communal harmony is imperative to reap the fruits of democracy.

NA body expresses concern over Pak-Iran border smuggling Posted: A meeting of National Assemblys Standing Committees on Finance held in Islamabad. Khawaja Sohail Mansoor headed the meeting.Briefing the committee, member customs told that plastic dana was being smuggled from Iran and taken to Lahore while the department concerned faces shortage of staff to control smuggling.The committee recommended changing the customs staff in Lahore after ten day on failing to stop smuggling.The committee also took notice of under invoice worth 8 billion regarding Pak-China trade.

Doctors negligence kills mother, child in Multan Posted: A pregnant woman was admitted to a private hospital for delivery but the woman and her baby died due to doctors’ negligence.The heirs of the woman put the doctors under siege and damaged windowpanes, furniture and fans of the hospital.According to the heirs, they paid the fees in advance to the hospital administration but the doctors’ disappeared during the delivery whereas the nurses attended the patient.Owner of the hospital fled while police locked hospital to avoid any further damage. A case of negligence was registered against the doctors.

We do pee in the pool, Michael Phelps admits Posted: The US swimmer said: “I think everybody pees in the pool. It’s kind of a normal thing to do for swimmers. When we’re in the water for two hours, we don’t really get out to pee.“Chlorine kills it so it’s not bad.”Phelps was responding to comments made by fellow swimmer Ryan Lochte, who caused controversy recently when he reportedly said that he has on occasion relieved himself while in the pool.Lochte has revealed that he peed in the pool while warming up for the London Olympics.The 28-year-old swimming star made the revelation when radio personality Ryan Seacrest asked him, if swimmers urinate in the pool.Of course. We always do, he saidI think theres just something about getting into chlorine water that you just automatically go, he added.When asked if he did that during the London Olympics.Not during the races, but I sure did before in warm-up, he said.His battle with Phelps was one of the big talking points of the Games.Lochte won the 400 metres individual medley, with Phelps finishing fourth.But Phelps got his revenge in the 200 metres event, winning the race, as Lochte finished in the silver medal position.The two were part of the US team that won gold in the 4 x 200 metres freestyle relay.

PTIs popularity cannot be halted: Javed Hashmi Posted: Addressing the party workers on the occasion of Aftar dinner in Lahore, Javed Hashmi said he was struggling for the sake of democracy not for himself.He said the country abounds in resources but the rulers were busy in loot and corruption.Hashmi said if the politician were sincere to the country they would have kept their children in the country instead of London.The PTI president said that Asif Ali Zardari and PPP were conspiring against the judiciary.

Algerian runner banned for not competing honestly Posted: Taoufik Makhloufi, an Algerian who was one of the favourites for gold in the 1500 metres, was ejected over his “failure to compete honestly” in the 800m where he did not finish the race.But on Monday night he was reinstated in the 1500 after the Algerian federation insisted he had a knee problem and that organisers knew about it.The 24 year-old had already won his 1500m semi-final but was forced to run in the shorter two-lap race after he failed to withdraw before a deadline on Sunday.He had wanted to concentrate on his favoured event but was instead forced to line up in heat five of the 800m.During Mondays race, Makhloufi, the African champion in the 800m, started off very slowly and was at the back of the pack almost from the start of the race. He then slowed to a jog before suddenly giving up after barely half a lap. After stopping altogether, he then wandered off the track.Officials took a dim view of his efforts and announced that had been thrown out of the Games for failing to try, becoming the ninth athlete to be ejected.An International Association of Athletics Federations spokesman said: “Makhloufi (bib number 1008) did not finish the race.“The Referee considered that he had not provided a bona fide effort and decided to exclude him from participation in all further events in the competition.”The rule concerns failure to participate, which included failure to compete honestly.But Locog, the London Olympic organising committee, later said the disqualification had been revoked.A spokesman said: “After reviewing evidence provided by a Locog medical officer, the disqualification of athlete 1008 (Makhloufi) from further participation in the athletics competition of the 2012 Olympic Games has been revoked by the IAAF technical delegates. Consequently, Mr Makhloufi is able to compete.Makhloufi had already qualified for the tonight’s mens 1500m final when he won his semi-final in commanding fashion in 3 min 42.24 sec, when he beat defending Olympic champion Asbel Kiprop of Kenya.The exclusion is the latest in a string of incidents at the Games where athletes have not tried to win in order to save energy or manipulate results or draws in their favour.The worst was the badminton fiasco, wherein eight women from China, Indonesia and South Korea were thrown out of the Olympics for playing to lose group matches in order to get a better draw in the knockout stages.The IAAF said the ban would be overturned if he could get a medical certificate from a doctor.

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