Even though certain inherently prohibitive logistics make it impossible for the Dalai Lama to resign from his position as Tibet’s spiritual leader, that’s what he’s threatening to do insofar as he can if the tensions and violence in Tibet continue to escalate.


Times Online:

Prominent radicals, led by the leader of the Tibetan Youth Congress, criticised the Dalai Lama yesterday for advocating non-violence rather than independence or a boycott of the Beijing Olympic Games.

Wen Jiabao, China’s Premier, accused the Dalai Lama of orchestrating the riots in Tibet in a deliberate plot to “incite sabotage” of the Olympics.

The Dalai Lama, who fled Tibet after a failed uprising in 1959, defended his “middle way” of campaigning peacefully for greater autonomy within China rather than independence. “On violence, it’s wrong. We should not develop anti-Chinese feelings. We must live together side by side,” he said. “Independence is out of the question.”

He responded to Mr Wen by inviting him to send his officials to conduct an investigation in Dharamsala. “Investigate thoroughly, so if you want to start investigating from here you are most welcome,” he said. “Check our various offices … They can examine my pulse, my urine, my stool, everything.”

Read more

Wait, before you go…

If you're reading this, you probably already know that non-profit, independent journalism is under threat worldwide. Independent news sites are overshadowed by larger heavily funded mainstream media that inundate us with hype and noise that barely scratch the surface. We believe that our readers deserve to know the full story. Truthdig writers bravely dig beneath the headlines to give you thought-provoking, investigative reporting and analysis that tells you what’s really happening and who’s rolling up their sleeves to do something about it.

Like you, we believe a well-informed public that doesn’t have blind faith in the status quo can help change the world. Your contribution of as little as $5 monthly or $35 annually will make you a groundbreaking member and lays the foundation of our work.

Support Truthdig