Now that's a surprise. Paris was on the odds-on favorite. It would be interesting to know what kind of backroom politicking went on for this one. I'd be cautious about making TOO political an interpretation of this. (Although it's interesting that the city was chosen despite the fact that the U.K. has troops in Iraq.)
Perhaps the committee was impressed by the fact that the London games will help refurbish a rundown part of the city and the transportation network.
Does anyone have any thoughts?
Update: NY Times story on this here. It's a bit New York-centered, but that's to be expected. Update2: If you're not surprised, please explain why.