Democracy Dies in Darkness

Olympic ceasefire calls lay bare the scale of global conflict

The U.N. and IOC are asking for a pause in wars, an ancient Olympic tradition, amid the Winter Games. Athletes from countries beset by violence are set to compete.

The statue of the Virgin Mary on the top of the Duomo cathedral in Milan is seen through the Olympic rings ahead of the upcoming Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. (Luca Bruno/AP)

With the Winter Games set to begin this week, the United Nations has called for a 52-day pause on all wars, invoking a centuries-old tradition to ensure the safe passage of athletes and officials attending the events in Italy.

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