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Tibet Strategy 'Failed': Lama

Leader to meet 600 exiles on Monday; he may relinquish power or take harder stance

By Kevin Spak, Newser Staff

Posted Nov 15, 2008 3:03 PM CST

(Newser) – Nearly five decades since the Dalai Lama fled Tibet, he and his followers are growing restless. Last month, the Lama announced that the “middle way” strategy he pursued for 30 years—an attempt to negotiate autonomy for Tibet rather than pure independence—had failed. “As far as I’m concerned, I have given up,” he said. Experts say China plans to keep discouraging the Lama, 73, until he dies.

On Monday, he will meet with 600 Tibetan exiles to map the movement’s future. Some say the Lama will emerge with a more hardline call for independence. Others fear that would encourage violence from younger dissidents, and further splinter the movement. The Lama may also try to shed some of his decision-making burdens. “We are too dependent on the Dalai Lama,” said one parliament-in-exile member. “At 73, even the head of a family needs some rest.”

[Images (3)]

[Quotes (2)]

The Dalai Lama speaks at a press conference in Tokyo, Nov. 3, 2008. The exiled Tibetan spiritual leader said his "middle way" approach to secure Tibetan autonomy has failed. (AP Photo/Katsumi Kasahara)

In this March 29, 2008 file photo, Tibetan spiritual leader Dalai Lama addresses a press conference where he said Chinese government policy of "demographic aggression" is threatening Tibetan culture. (AP Photo/Manish Swarup, File)

In this Aug. 7, 2008 file photo, Tibetan exiles try to fix a poster of spiritual leader the Dalai Lama which was torn during a tussle with Nepalese police in Katmandu, Nepal. (AP Photo/Binod Joshi, File)

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We've got good PR. But at the end of the day, people are still dying and we are still refugees. The sacrifice has been tremendous but was it worth it? - Karma Choephel, speaker of the parliament-in-exile

If we sit back and hope it’s going to be delivered on a silver platter, that’s not going to happen. - Tsewang Rigzin, president of the Tibetan Youth Congress, which reserves the right to violent protest

« Prev« Prev | Next »Next » Slideshow

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Tibet Strategy 'Failed': Lama