The travesty of the World's handling of Tibet

[tw]

Originally Posted by Riddil

If, however, the world were to follow the Dalai Lama's suggestion... to push for a "more autonomous" Tibet (one that would allow their cultural preservation, and greater personal freedoms), then you have an attainable goal. And if that can come to pass then the rest of Chinese might start standing up for themselves, since they can see what is possible.

About two years ago, the Dalai Lama and Chinese government officials negotiated a deal to do just this. It was a deal that could have averted the current standoff. Unfortunately, top Chinese leadership was not ready to make 'concessions'. It is said that the deal was quashed somewhere inside that top Chinese bureaucracy - so secret that details are not available.

Shame that this confrontation could have been averted to the benefit of all. But too often, even among so called 'smart' leaders, their emotions get the best of them.

Chinese are incensed against the West over the perceived "attack" on China.

That only suggests that their attitudes have become more entrenched. But again, Chinese top leadership is a very closed and secretive group. Much of what is known comes only from analysis of history. For example, General Secretary Zhao Ziyang may have lost his job only because he tried to avert Tiananmen Square. But again, we don't really know. It was his last official act - and then he was removed.

So what happened after the Dalai Lama and Chinese negotiated a workable solution? Not entirely clear other than a solution was not implemented. And so a flame suffers from demonstrations and civil unrest.