Iraqi athletes to George W. Bush: sure, it’s nice that we won’t be tortured by Uday Hussein if we lose, but don’t expect gratitude, infidel: Political ad upsets Iraqi players. (Hat tip: Q.)

Iraqi soccer players said they are angered that President Bush has referred to their Olympic delegation in a campaign ad and called on him to stop, Sports Illustrated reported Thursday on its Web site.

“Iraq as a team does not want Mr. Bush to use us for the presidential campaign,” Iraqi midfielder Salih Sadir told si.com through a translator. “He can find another way to advertise himself.”

The Bush campaign is running an ad in which the flags of Iraq and Afghanistan appear.

A narrator says, “At this Olympics there will be two more free nations - and two fewer terrorist regimes. With strength, resolve and courage, democracy will triumph over terror and hope will defeat hatred.”

There are no images of Iraqi soccer players in the ad.

Another player was harshly critical of the president.

“How will he meet his god having slaughtered so many men and women?” Ahmed Manajid told si.com. “He has committed so many crimes.”