[9] The decision follows the Iraqi government's suspension of the National Olympic Committee of Iraq in May 2008,[10] citing the lack of sufficient members for quorum and the consequent risk of corruption as concerns.

[10] The former chairman, Ahmad al-Samarra'i, the secretary-general and several other members of the committee have been missing after being kidnapped when attending a public meeting in July 2006.

[9][10] Seven members of Iraq's team had qualified for the Olympics,[2] and received sympathy from the United States after the ban was upheld.

On July 29, the IOC reversed their previous decision, ruling that Iraq could now participate in the Olympics, but only the two track and field athletes would be allowed to compete, as the others missed the deadlines for their respective sports.

In the wake of the initial ban, despite being consoled by her coach, Abdul Rahman, who assured her that she could compete in the 2012 Olympics, Hussain noted "In this horrible situation, who can say I'll even be alive in 2012?