However, China never approved a single one of those applications. In fact, some of the citizens who had tried to apply for the permits were harassed or detained.

Minky Worden of Human Rights Watch, who edited a book about the Olympics and human rights in China, joins Martin Savidge to discuss the international community’s pressure on China, human rights in China since the Olympics and how the economic downturn is impacting the country’s human rights.

Seen here in Beijing, George W. Bush was the first U.S. president to attend the Olympic Games outside the United States.

As President George W. Bush prepares to leave office, commentators and Bush himself have examined the legacy he will leave behind, both domestically and abroad.

“You may not agree with some tough decisions I have made,” Bush said in his farewell speech, “but I hope you can agree that I was willing to make the tough decisions.”

Though Bush has suffered from low approval ratings within the United States, a handful of foreign countries may view him in a more favorable light. The Los Angeles Times reported that he remains popular in China, where some citizens express fondness for Xiao Bush, or “Young Bush.”

The outgoing president also improved relations with India with a nuclear deal and increased exchange. The Indian prime minister recently told the U.S. leader, “The people of India deeply love you.”

Watch a Worldfocus interview exploring George W. Bush’s legacy.

The “Peking Duck” blog challenges the L.A. Times article, writing that most Chinese react to Bush’s name with scorn and disappointment.

The “Vance Report” blog writes that Bush has been a friend to China, pointing to his attendance at the Beijing Olympics and support of human rights in China.

The “Bits from Bangalore” blog writes that reports of India’s love of Bush are overblown, but that some Indians are concerned about Obama’s protectionism with respect to outsourcing.

During the 2008 presidential race, Obama made a statement that the U.S. should become more involved in trying to resolve the Kashmir dispute — a position which struck a raw nerve with Indians, according to blogger “Myra McDonald.”

Blogger “Daniel Larison” provides an overview of Indian reactions to Obama’s controversial position on Kashmir.

To “Down with Tyranny” blog traces changes in Bush’s approval ratings in various countries, writing that Obama is more favored globally.

President Bush may also retain support in Africa, where he has funnelled assistance to fight HIV/AIDS.

Photo courtesy of Flickr user kk+ under a Creative Commons license.