Torture? Hardly. A riot is a riot.
The Dalai Lama knew how divisive his role and position could be, and utilized it for political gain.
It’s commendable that he understands the need for peaceful demonstration, but we’re still finding a threshold, finding what priorties are the right step forward.
The Western world really does need to leave China, among other nations, alone to sort out its own problems. how can you accelerate the developing world on the same track as the west, through centuries of colonialism, civil war and industrialization, in mere decades? Sustainability is the objective, fighting poverty and crime. Making a spectacle of human rights is wasteful when it is a luxury to be enjoyed after the people don’t have to worry about carving out their own survival.
What the Dalai Lama should do is to keep the political ideologies alive, but weigh his actions for the long term, if separation and self-determination of Tibet truly is his goal. that way, it won`t bring about the downfall of the Mainland. That way, it`s no skin off Beijing to allow a gradual, low-key separation.
Maybe someday. But not now, and not this.
