So many Olympics have been blighted by war and boycotts. Now the global context is economic depression and growing bitterness. I wonder: Have top heads of state missed a chance by largely staying away? There's a major feel-good factor here, the games are a metaphor for all that's good about globalization. A lost opportunity? Surely this is a better forum than rushed and overcrowded summits.

— Ian Phillips — Twitter http://twitter.com/phillipsian

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EDITOR'S NOTE — "Eyes on London" shows you the Olympics through the eyes of Associated Press journalists across the 2012 Olympic city and around the world. Follow them on Twitter where available with the handles listed after each item, and get even more AP updates from the Games here: http://twitter.com/AP_Sports