Asia Sentinel

Home

Politics

In India, a Tibetan Can Only Wait

Written by Mark Fenn

Friday, 23 November 2007

A beaten and imprisoned former monk cools his heels in Dharamsala. Lhasa seems long ago and far away.

photo by Derrick Chang

monk-tibet Palden, who like many Tibetans goes by a single name, was a teenage monk when he was arrested in 1992 along with 16 others for staging a small demonstration on the main street of Lhasa. It earned him six years imprisonment for committing a “counter-revolutionary act.”

About 18 months ago Palden settled in Dharamsala the northern India hill town that is home to the government in exile established when the Dalai Lama fled Chinese-occupied Tibet. He is 30 but looks 10 years older and is saddled with debilitating health problems that he says were brought on by beatings.

As many as 100,000 Tibetans live in Dharamsala, giving what was to be a way station an air of permanence. Scarlet-robed monks share the narrow streets with traders, tourists and the occasional wandering cow, while restaurants serve traditional Tibetan fare and hundreds of shops display Tibetan books. Although Palden says he is determined to fight for an independent Tibet, it is doubtful when, if ever, he will go home. As Dharamsala has become more Tibetan, Han Chinese now outnumber Tibetans in the remote mountain land itself, according to figures from the government in exile, which estimates that there are now 7.5 million Chinese against 6 million Tibetans.

Palden is hardly alone as a victim of harsh Chinese reaction to such offenses as possessing pictures of the Dalai Lama or audiotapes of his speeches. Some have been arrested for guiding people like Palden across the mountains to India. On November 21, for instance, Reporters Without Borders issued a statement condemning prison sentences of three to 10 years for "espionage on behalf of foreign organizations, putting state security in danger," that were handed down to three Tibetans by an intermediate court in Sichuan province on the Tibetan border. The three had sent abroad photos of demonstrations by nomadic Tibetans at the beginning of August.

In October, Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch called for the release of four Tibetan 15 year olds who were arrested on suspicion of writing pro-independence slogans. Amnesty received reports that electric prods were used on the children, and said in a statement that it had “long-standing concerns about arbitrary detention without charge, trial or judicial review, as well as torture and ill-treatment of detainees in Tibet.”

Dharamsala is the headquarters of the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement of Tibet, which provides assistance for former political prisoners like Palden. It takes its name from the Tibetan words for nine, 10 and three, which stand for September and October 1987, and March 1998. In those months, pro-independence rallies in Lhasa were brutally crushed by authorities, and many protesters were arrested and imprisoned.

Since the Chinese annexation of Tibet in 1951, according to pro-Tibetan groups, around 1.2 million Tibetans are said to have died from executions, torture, hunger and oppression. Thousands of monasteries and monuments have been destroyed in periodic waves of violence, although many have been rebuilt. In a kind of eerie reversal of decapitation, hundreds of ancient statues in Buddhist lamaseries were given new heads after Red Guards and others destroyed the old ones during the Cultural Revolution. While the Potala, the spectacular one-time home of the Dalai Lama above Lhasa, has been refurbished, the environment has been ravaged and millions of Chinese have been encouraged to migrate there, leaving Tibetans a minority. Earlier this month, the Dalai Lama accused China of “demographic aggression” and spoke out against the “cultural genocide” taking place in his homeland.

lhasa-monk “Every Tibetan mind lives with fear and a feeling of terror,” he was quoted as saying at a function in New Delhi to celebrate him being awarded the US Congressional Gold Medal in October.

Although the Dalai Lama is revered by Tibetans, his proposed “Middle Way Approach,” which calls for autonomy rather than full independence, is not backed by all. The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement, for example, wants to see a complete Chinese withdrawal.

“The political prisoners have experienced the torture, the suffering in Tibet. They were not protesting for autonomy, they were protesting for full independence,” said Sonam Dolkar, a Gu-Chu-Sum human rights worker.

The 25-year-old, who was born in Dharamsala to exile parents, dreams of visiting her homeland one day. Now she monitors human rights abuses in Tibet and assisting former and current political prisoners.

Dolkar estimates that there are 103 political prisoners in Tibet, although some put the figure at 116. It is difficult to give a precise number because the group has little information about events in the remote areas. The numbers have fallen as political prisoners like Palden who were arrested in the early 1990s have been freed after long sentences.

The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement sends money to serving political prisoners and campaigns for their release. It also documents human rights abuses, publishes biographies of former prisoners, and gives financial support to those who need it.

Around 70 former political prisoners currently live at its premises in Dharamsala, where they receive subsidised medical care and have access to education and employment opportunities. Several work in a popular Japanese restaurant on the premises, and there is an internet café and a tailoring workshop where ex-prisoners make traditional Tibetan clothing. They can also study computer skills, English and Tibetan at the group’s learning centre.

Palden studied for more than a year but was unable to continue because of kidney problems, which he attributes to the torture he received in prison. In addition to the beatings, he says, prisoners were made to stand on broken ice for long periods of time as punishment for breaking rules. Now he is supported by the Gu-Chu-Sum Movement, and stays at its premises.

Speaking through Dolkar, who translates into English, he says he feels helpless but consoles himself by saying it’s no use hating the prison guards. “He feels that if he gets angry towards them, he is hurting himself,” says Dolkar.

The story of Palden’s arrest and imprisonment is fairly typical of former political prisoners. After police broke up the rally, he says, the protesters were taken to a military camp and severely beaten for half an hour. They were then taken to a detention centre and continuously beaten on the way, and again during interrogation.

Chinese prison guards used electric prods and rubber batons, and the prisoners were made to stand naked in the sun for many hours. He says they were also made to give blood two or three times each, for use in transfusions. After five months in the detention center, Palden was sentenced and served the rest of his term in Lhasa’s Drapchi Prison. Here, political prisoners were kept away from the rest of the inmates, in the innermost building, to prevent their escape.

There were 12 political prisoners to a cell, he says. The food they received was poor – one dumpling and black tea for breakfast, boiled vegetables and rice for lunch, porridge for dinner. Once, after refusing to denounce the Dalai Lama, Palden was put in solitary confinement for 15 days and beaten. When he had first protested he expected to be killed, and when he wasn’t, he says, it felt like a blessing of His Holiness the Dalai Lama. After a while, the torture and beatings didn’t scare him any more, as he considered it his fate.

Dolkar says many former political prisoners believe this, and it helps them to accept what has happened to them. “I think it is the power of Tibetan Buddhism, that it has subdued their minds,” she added.

A week before Palden’s release in May 1998, there was an uprising in Drapchi Prison. At a May Day ceremony in the prison grounds, officials raised a Chinese flag and the political prisoners protested in response. In the violence that followed, says Palden, four monks and five nuns were killed. He was severely beaten. Upon his release a week later, Palden was taken to various police stations, and finally to one in his village, near Lhasa, where relatives came to collect him. At first, he was not allowed to leave the village as authorities were afraid he might spread the news of the prison uprising.

Palden had worked as a carpenter before his imprisonment, but as a former political prisoner he found it hard to hold down a job. As part of his sentence, his political rights were suspended for two years after his release. During Chinese festivals, he wasn’t allowed to stay in Lhasa and had to return to his village. Employers would realise he was a former political prisoner, and he would have to find another job. He says this happened often, and he changed jobs many times. In addition, the authorities constantly monitored his movements. Although he hadn’t at first intended to go into exile, it became increasingly difficult to survive so eventually he left for India.

Palden believes that “non-violence and truth are the main weapons” in the fight for a free Tibet. When he and his colleagues first protested, he says, they thought about killing Chinese people but decided not to because this was against the wishes of the Dalai Lama.

The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement works hard to highlight the struggle for independence. It is one of several groups backing the “Team Tibet” initiative in the run-up to next year’s Beijing Olympics. Organisers hope to recruit a team of Tibetan athletes, as well as celebrity supporters and members of the public, to publicise their cause.

Dolkar says the Olympics have put China in the spotlight, and she considers this a great opportunity for campaigning. In October, monk and independence activist Ngawang Pulchung was released from jail six months before the end of his 19-year sentence. The Gu-Chu-Sum Movement says he was released early “as a gesture by the Chinese government to the world to maintain [its] phony image” before the Olympics. Dolkar says the Chinese authorities are also being more lenient with political prisoners who have families.

“I’m positive because I think if big changes happen in China, then automatically there will be an effect on Tibet as well,” she said. But given the way China has swallowed Tibet, it is difficult to say when either she or Palden will see the streets of Lhasa.

Set as favorite

Bookmark

Email This

Comments (20) Add Comment

Subscribe to this comment's feed

TO OUR DEAR TIBETAN BROTHERS AND SISTERS
written by HELEN, November 23, 2007

TO ALL OF OUR DEAREST TIBETANS LIVING IN TIBET AND IN EXILE IN INDIA,AND IN OTHER PARTS OF THE WORLD. PLEASE TAKE HOPE IN THE FACT THAT THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY IS BECOMMING INCREASINGLY AWARE OF YOUR CIRCUMSTANCES AND CONCERNED FOR YOUR WELL-BEING. I, AND MANY THOUSANDS OF OTHERS AROUND THE WORLD ARE CAMPAINING HARD FOR YOUR CAUSE, FOR YOUR FREEDOM, AND WE WILL NOT GIVE UP. I PRAY THAT YOU ALL AGAIN WILL ONE DAY WALK THE STREETS OF LHASA AS FREE CITIZENS, WITH OUR PRECIOUS DALAI LAMA AMOUNG YOU. PLEASE DON'T GIVE UP HOPE.
BEST WISHES AND PRAYERS, AND PRAYERS FOR THE LONG LIFE OF HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA "KUNDUN"
OM MANI PADME HUM

What About All Those Western Crimes Committed In History?
written by Anti Propagandalist, November 24, 2007

This is another piece of politically motivated propaganda s**t from some CIA/Western so-called benevolent NGOs/sympathiser groups posing as samaritans/saviours for the poor Tibetans. We Chinese will therefore take these s**ts as a grain of salt. Strangely, these Western bastards(decendants/beneficiaries of those who murdered/enslaved thousands of natives Americans, African Blacks, colonised & wiped out wholesale indigeneus cultures/languages across the world especially in North America, Australia, Canada, New Zealand etc) still continue to terrorise the world posing as benevolent evangelical crusaders labelling those who dare to stand up to resist their brand of human rights, democracy etc as axis of evil/rouge states. The world must unite to smash all these hypocritical White, Christian crusaders & bring about a more just world.

China and its wellwisher have no rights to stop feeling of sympathy and support towards Tibet and its people.
written by Christina, November 24, 2007

Hey you china's dog, before you write such a bad language in this comment line. you should know that you are not the king of the world, who you try to censor their feeling even. It is not google or yahoo, that helps you censor your citizens right to information.

I have nothing special to say that. Tibet was an Independent country and British knew it, when it has shared bordered with Tibet. But, time will be there for the truth one day and you will also witness that. World is not China. It is free and democratic unlike China.
Sweet dream.
Christina.

All Tibetans have the right to REAL religous and cultural freedom, as do all Chinese and people from all races around the world.
written by Helen, November 24, 2007

Dear Anti Propagandalist, firstly thank-you for your response to my original comment. It is good to hear your views, I wonder how many others feel the same and as strongly as you do, and would love to hear from them. You yourself certainly have a lot of hatred in your heart and that is very dangerous for your health so I'm glad that I gave you the opportunity to get some of that off your chest, you must certainly be feeling much better now, so that is good. Now I haven't the time to respond to your comments in full at the moment but I will some time soon. Just one thing; What on earth made you think that I am white or Christian? The fact that you jump to such a conclusion fascinates me. You were right, I am white but not Christian. I suggest my friend that for the sake of your health you should calm yourself and try not to harbour such deep feelings of anger, hate and prejudice(both racial and religious). If you re-read your comment you will hopefully be able to recognise that your words are overflowing with prejudice. In my comment however I voice my ongoing concern for people that I care deeply for, as I care for you also. There is neither anger, hate nor prejudice in my comment. These emotions are at the root of all evil and suffering in our world. We all need to work together to make our world a better place, the last thing we should be doing is fighting with one another. I urge you to please reconsider.
Again I say, Best wishes and prayers, and prayers for the long life of His Holiness The Dalai Lama "Kundun".
Om Mani Padme Hum

How long do we still have to wait?
written by Lhaktse BanakShol, November 24, 2007

May 23th,1952, Tibet was officially become a part of China. China was not that powerful but non of the so-called democratic,world power players even said a word(except India) to china's groundless sovereignty claim over Tibet to my knowledge. Now, China has become so important for the world. The U.S. and some other countries,on one hand, they blame how bad china's humanrights records are and how poor the quality of made in china goods, on the other hand, they are the main partenrs of China's inter-trade. They don't see their pushing forward of globalization became china's most effective tool for barying non-chinese cultures like Tibetan culture.

...
written by beWay, November 24, 2007

As a neutral person, what's wrong with Tibet under the rule of China. Maybe the problem is likely due to the altitude of the Tibetans themselves who refuse to accept realities of life.

Insighter
written by NevereN, November 24, 2007

Spirit of freedom:

As long as there are humans, the urge for survival, the need for food, the will to be free and the pursuit for happiness will be there. No matter how mighty the nation or government or regime is, it is the people that will endure for the long run. In human history we all see many empires, tyrants, kings/Queens and Dictators come and go but the people still moves on and survive. True China is emerging as a major power at world stage so are the groupings like EU, ASEAN and so on. The world we know of today is vastly different from the world we know 100 yrs ago. Of course it takes time, lots of time. The time itself is the enemy of tyrants and dictators alike for no one ever survive for ever not to mention nothing is permanent. It may happen in our generation or our children’s generation or grand children generation and so on but it is for sure the survival of the people will prevail. No doubt about it. To be more realistic China is a nation that’s make up of annex territories that actually does not belong to them. Of course China will claim this/that creating delusional deceptional pros and cons but the truth remains the same. Many of the provinces that China claims today does not exist as Chinese millenniums ago. Tibet was once an independent nation, so is inner Mongolia etc. These territories are swallow and blend into Chinese by force. China is still aiming on Taiwan or the entire Mongolia or even Burma/Myanmar. Taking advantage of the weakness of those territories that does not belong to China making China the fourth largest nation on earth by annexing. Although China may be rising, in my perspective, it is Brazil (fifth largest nation on earth) that has the potential to become world power in the future for she has the resources, the circumstances to become the next world power nation of the world. Of course it will take many decades or even Centuries but Brazil is not like China annexing territories to make it big. Concerning with continental powers, Yesterday was Europe, Today may be Asia but tomorrow will be America (North/Central & South) for the world is changing.

A nation that builds on forced rules and regulations not to mention annexing territories does not, can not, will not last for long. When I say long, I mean really long, a Century (100 years) and up. It is proven and if one looks back at 100 years from now 1907 the world is much much different from what we live in now 2007. Does it not? What will the world be like in 2107? It is “greed” that makes it bigger and bigger and it is also “greed” that will make it end in demise. A balloon can be puff to make it bigger and bigger and in the end it will burst. No balloon can go on for ever puffing and puffing without bursting. No way!

One thing is for sure and realistic. China is increasingly dependent on energy (either for food/feed Billions or fuel/feed their growing industrial) and thus energy wars are more likely to emerge. Hopefully it does not explode to nuclear wars for technology can create mini “restricted” nuclear wars in the future. A competition that China must face the other giants (major powers) like EU, US, Brazil and India.

Regards,

NevereN

ACTION NOW
written by rajan, November 25, 2007

Coming year will determine the chinese peoples willingness to fight for freedom and democracy.The whole world will be watching China's run up to the Olympics.This is the pivotal moment in history to mobilise the world to take action on the atrocities that is going on in China such as Tibetan issues,Manchurian cultural death,basic human rights abuses,inappropriate usage of death penalty etc.It has to be done to the run up to the Olympics as a matter of URGENCY STARTING NOW

Different yardstick
written by Revisionist, November 26, 2007

If China were to be measured based on the alleged annexation, then other countries must be measured by the same yardstick too. Otherwise, where is fairness? I am from US. I think many activists are hypocrites. And that makes me sick to be honest. We live comfortably in the wide expanse and rich land of US, Canada, Brazil, Argentina, Australia and New Zealand. Yet, we criticize China. Why? Because we know we are wrong and the best thing to do is to point the finger elsewhere. That way, the world will focus on China and not on our history of brutal slavery and colonization. I bet many of you don't know how white people in the US south used to lynch black people and hang them. Argentina is almost 100% white. Canada exercises various forms of discrimination in the past. It's all about shifting blame and power. If you are powerful, nobody will dare to mess with you. Please spare me this moral argument. Makes me really ill. Childish game at the highest level. If you really want to be fair, let's start at you.

Can spirituality feed you?
written by michael, November 26, 2007

What some people seem to think is that if Tibet is independent than all the people will live better lives. People will not survive on spirituality alone. Do they know that in the last few decades, Tibetan literacy rate, life expectancy, and per capita GDP has gone up? China is slowly pulling it's people out of poverty and that includes the western region of Tibet, Qinghai (23% Tibetan population), and Sichuan (1.5% tibet population). Tibet is the new western frontier for Chinese investors who didn't get a state in the eastern coastal region and regardless of whether you are a Han or Tibetan, everyone will benefit from a growing economy.

Insighter
written by NevereN, November 26, 2007

If you calculate with percentage, with Chinese population within China itself stands for 1.3 Billion, boy! Chinese can be the majority race in the entire Asia easily swallowing the entire ASEAN nations. Calculating in % making it look like “majority” is layman’s (or laywoman’s) insight. As for the development of Tibet, no matter what the developments are, costing even in Billions of dollars are no match for the price of “freedom” for freedom is “priceless” and the Tibetans’ way of life no matter how primitive it may be is irreplaceable and should be categorized as “endangered” culture. Of course the “infiltration” of Chinese can make the native Tibetans as “minority” so as all South East Asia nations like Burma, Singapore, Laos, Thailand and so on. No development is worth while in exchange for the native peoples’ freedom.

The primitive and the genuine way of life of Tibetans itself is the most attractive incentive for all tourists around the world to explore and understand and do the thing called “preserve” and “research”. Please do not forget that there are “negative” effects of modern development in any place of the Globe including mainland/portion part of today's China geography of annexed territories.

Regards,

NevereN

...
written by Anzu Ruth, November 27, 2007

LET'S HEAR THE PROTAGONIST'S VIEW:
Dalai Lama spoke on TV a couples of weeks back stressing specifically that he is not seeking independence for Tibet but an autonomous region within China. He also spoke as a matter of fact that Tibet could not be on its own without China. I think none of us is as qualified and as knowledgeable as him to know the situation that well. Let's respect his view.

Prober
written by Cyberyc, November 27, 2007

Knowledgeable or not I honestly don’t think Dalai Lama represent ALL Tibetans not to mention he is old, out of the country for so long and newer, younger Tibetan Generation (21st Century Tibetans) have emerge. How do you measure one person represents another person let alone all? Do I represent you and all other writers in this page? Freedom is universal and it is birth right to humans since birth. No one, I repeat no one should not can not represent others and say this that just because he is a monk or a president or a preacher or a professor. Being knowledgeable is one thing, knowing the minds of other human beings are another thing. Let’s say President Bush is President of America (knowledgeable) and is elected legally does not mean what ever he had done or is doing is agreed or accepted by ALL Americans? We all know that many Americans disagree with him (Bush). This is the true essence of democratic values. Just because Bush is the leader doesn’t mean he “knows” the minds of all his fellow citizens, does he? I respect Dalai Lama and his position, BUT…………..just that, “his” position. Freedom is the birth right of all humans and does not need to be dictated by someone whoever that someone is and how ever knowledgeable or educated he or she may be.
By the way “autonomous” can be the first step towards Independence. Who knows?

Chickens and eggs
written by Arthur Borges, November 28, 2007

You can argue Tibet's independence prior to 1952 or any other date either way. In 1911 or so, Sun Yatsen put down on paper his plans for a railway to Lhasa: whatever the post-WW2 government had been, it would have moved to in the same direction with regard to Tibet.

Yes, "primitive" culture has a certain charm for us overdeveloped Westerners, but it isn't necessarily that much fun to have a short life expectancy and remain isolated from the general trend into more intense person-to-person contact across national borders, seas and oceans.

Finally, an independent Tibet would be economically unviable: there is only so much international demand for Buddhist prayer wheels and incense; it would have to call in foreign investment to develop its mineral resources, and tourism is too precarious an economic sector (e.g. if meningitis breaks out in Kolkata, the international media report "Meningitis in India", which causes cancellations of trips nationwide).

Independence would be the fastest way to turn Tibet into another IMF basket case.

But yes, every Tibetan who can afford it is trading in his yak for an SUV, just like the cowboys of Texas and Montana. Who wants dung in their driveway?

1992 Lhasa Riots
written by Arthur Borges, November 28, 2007

There were riots all over China in the early 1990s and they protested that explosive mix of massive inflation and stagnant wages. I saw one such riot in Hangzhou in early 1993 -- only a small affair: construction workers on a building site had gone unpaid for months and finally beat their foreman to death in a matter of minutes after he clobbered one of the angry workers on the head with a hammer.

The 1992 Lhasa riots were triggered by economic issues. Then independence activists grafted themselves onto it and this when the police intervened. Were they real independence activists or agents provocateurs sent in undercover to give the authorities a pretext to shut down the rioting? I don't know. I suspect it was a mix of both, but I'm afraid the issue is not as romantically black and white as some believe. I met some such Westerners in Lhasa -- they railed against the Chinese but got there on a Chinese airline that landed at a Chinese-built airport, that took them down 70 km of Chinese-built road into town, that has Chinese electricity and imports their Coca Cola in Chinese trucks on Chinese-built roads. And when their 35mm cameras ran out of film, they stocked up locally on Chinese-made Kodak.

Given that the only real 100% Tibetan products they consumed were the prostitutes and "momo" dumplings, they'd've lasted about 48 hours in a "free"and "primitive" Tibetan backwoods village.

CrisisCrissCrosser
written by Nyinway, November 28, 2007

Life expectancy of Tibetans are short during their independent era is not acceptable depends on the choice of the Tibetans themselves and not others to decide. Let the Tibetans chose their own destiny poor or rich, sickness or in health. Seeing a poor “Independent Tibet” is more dignified than seeing a “rich enslaved, oppressed Tibet”. To those who worship money of course do not see it this way. All they see is money, money and even predicted Free and Independent Tibet will be a burden to IMF shoulders. What a sight. So? does it mean China is the ONLY savior of Tibet by annexing this poor defensive land lock nation? I certainly do not see it this way. Why China? Why not India? Why not Russia? Why not USA? Cannot India help Free Tibet? If Tibet is a free and Independent Nation, there are many nations that can help Tibet stands on her own. I had no doubt about it. Look at Mongolia for example. A land lock poor nation but free. True, China is annexing many territories and watch, China will be disintegrated when the right time comes at the right place. Who makes China rich? It is the west that makes China rich. If the west is not careful with Communists than one day they too will regret what they had done and it will be too late.
Personally I will not visit the so called “Great Wall of China” even if they give me free round trip air tickets, boarding and lodging for I will not waste my time visiting the massive “tomb wall” where innocent poor Chinese lives have been lost building a stupid wall to keep out Mongols and Tartars which in fact it did not work out at all. All it left is a stupid wall sacrificed by poor workers that builds this wall of detention.
Do I have to belief that Tibet is part of China because the Chinese Communist Party says so? I do not trust the Communists in the first place let alone to believe what they said. They are mostly back stabbers.

...
written by Anzu Ruth, November 28, 2007

... : Anzu Ruth
LET'S HEAR THE PROTAGONIST'S VIEW:
Dalai Lama spoke on TV a couples of weeks back stressing specifically that he is not seeking independence for Tibet but an autonomous region within China. He also spoke as a matter of fact that Tibet could not be on its own without China. I think none of us is as qualified and as knowledgeable as him to know the situation that well. Let's respect his view.

Additional emphasis below:
... I think none of us is AS WISE, AS QUALIFIED and AS KNOWLEDGEABLE as his HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA to know what is good for Tibet and the Tibetians.
His HOLINESS is afterall the DEFACTO SPIRITUAL LEADER of all Tibetians. His ROOT is in Tibet. I saw that particular broadcast and was moved by the SINCERITY of his speech. I have NO DOUBT his HOLINESS has THE TIBETIANS'INTERESTS AT HEART.

I RESPECT and SUPPORT HIS VIEW.

November 27, 2007

CrisisCrissCrosser
written by Nyinway, November 28, 2007

You can respect with all your heart to Dalia Lama but don't tell others or dictate to do the same. Each and every one of human beings has their own belief, opinion and view. All I want is "truth" and "justice" for Tibet and for Tibetans for Tibet is an Independent nation once before the occupation and the truth can never be changed or altered. Of course China will try her best to change or alter the truth creating deceitful tactics. Temporary, China holds Tibet but how long? The world sees the disintegration of the Communist Soviet Union which rule their empire (union) for so long, with iron fist. The disintegration of Communist China will be worse than Soviet Union for one day China will be left smaller than Burma. Do you know Yunnan Province (now in China) was once belong to Burma/Burmese King? Even Beijing once belong to Mongolia. China is chipping away Mongolia too. Their ambition is to swallow the entire Asia, at least by their population or check book. I am not surprise by this move for in the Bible it is "fore told" (Book of Revelation) that a "dragon" will emerge as a powerful attractive factor and sway a lot of people of the world using its deceitful tactics as "good" in fact it is "evil". A goat with the sheep skin scenario. Who stands for the symbol as "dragon"? The Bible also mention about the "Eagle" for balance. Now who stands for "Eagle"? I think I don't need to clarify what these symbols and meanings stand for. I will not let China off the hook as long as she is not sincere nor good, annexing lands that is not theirs and oppressing native people. America already suffers dealing with China for China made "toxic toys" kills or hurts American children who are the future of America. America is learning the lesson of trusting the Communists in the hard way. Fighting for freedom never come cheap nor easy. I will not travel half way around the globe just to take a picture of a "wall". I am not that stupid. Of course every person had the right to be stupid too and take pictures of the "wall". As for the survival guy who mention that Tibet cannot survive without the help of China I think he better learn about "West Berlin" during the Soviet Union Empire era where East Germany was a Communist state and West Berlin was surrounded, isolated by communists thus Western nations particularly US, have to airlift supplies and support to survive West Berlin for many decades. Now not only West Berlin is free and the "wall" that seperates East and West Berlin came tumbling down but the entire Germany is free and democratic. Do not under estimate the power of freedom! History teaches us many good lessons and don't forget History also repeats itself and China can become a land of warlords with many sectors govern by their own leaders just like in the old days. History can repeats itself for fact.

...
written by Anzu Ruth, November 29, 2007

I am glad you seem well-read in History and Theology.

The web has presented tremendous opportunities for everyone to share his/hers opinion on whole lots of subjects ever conceivable by the human minds.

With every article, there will be comments that add value to the content of the published article.

While posting comment, there will be protocol.

I have a choice, I choose to be and strive to be as objective as possible, as unbiased as possible and as OVERT as possible on things I observed, without fear or favor.

It is not easy, would never be easy and at time could never be easy but I will do it consistently. Being pragmatic, I do not expect others to do so as this touches on the basic human integrity and the human soul.

I respect your view but CHOOSE TO DISAGREE with what you had presented.

TO HIS HOLINESS THE DALAI LAMA, I RESPECT AND SUPPORT HIS VIEW.

PS: Happy is the man that have not walked in the counsel of the wicked, nor stood in the way of sinners, nor sat in the seat of the scornful,

Might and Right
written by Iron Fist, December 15, 2007

China's sovreignty over the province of Tibet is established with both Might and Right 500 years ago. Check this out: this map is made way before 1951 by a third party that is neither Chinese or Tibetan Seperatist. Solid concrete evidence, no hear-say or wishy washy b.s.. In fact China's sovreignty over tibet was established as far back as the 1600's during the Ching Dynasty.

http://www.lib.utexas.edu/maps/historical/asia_1892_amer_ency_brit.jpg
http://www.c-ref.de/gallery/albums/maps/historical/Qing-Empire1.jpg

Self-determination is not an universal principle. It is in fact arguably a previlage within any political system. Because no political system can survive if it partitions anytime a minority feels slighted or overruled. Just as freedom is never guaranteed by any government (US included) but liberty is -- look it up on the definition if you care to actually pipe down on the rhetorics and actually start thinking rationally.

If you want to argue human right, autonomy, economics or preservation of culture or or what have you. These are all legitamate topics to take up and complain about. And yes I agree that China has much work to do on these fronts (not just within the province of Tibet). But you are a historical revisionist if you claim that China does not have legal sovereignty over Tibet.