Why is the world sitting ducks over Tibet?

Tibetan protests have sprung up globally, and with the exception of the protests in Tibet itself, they have remained by and large peaceful in other parts of the world. All of us know the reason for these protests, but what surprised me was the reaction of governments all over the world towards these protests.

Ironically, while most of the governments praise themselves over the high ideals of democracy, liberty and freedom, they couldn't even show compassion towards the peaceful protests by the people of Tibet. China's human rights record is not clean in China itself, what would be the condition in Tibet, is anyones guess. Information is difficult to come by, and going by the large number of Tibetan refugees in different countries, it doesn't take a rocket scientist to make an intelligent guess over the conditions there. I speak of the number of these refugees as a proof, because people migrate from their country so unwillingly and in such large numbers only when there is a problem. But I am digressing here, let me come back to the topic.

Governments the world over have been more or less silent on China's brutal crackdown on the Tibetans. Though many have come forward to speak against Chinese actions, the words have been largely cosmetic.

The links I am about to put forward next, will mostly be seeds from the newsvine community. The seeds I came across while going through the vine.

India and Nepal have the highest concentration of Tibetan refugees. And both the countries have been quick to suppress any anti-China rhetoric within their boundaries. India, which hosts the Tibetan government in exile, was quick in clamping down on silent protesters who were on a march to the Tibetan border. All people in the protest were arrested and sent to custody for 14 days. India seems to have heeded to advice from "friend" China.

Nepal seems to have gone one step further. Nepal police used brute force on Tibetans, leaving many injured. This link seeded by sirensongs show how Chinese officials actually handled the riots in Nepal, and perhaps even ordered the brutal suppression that took place. The same link also says this about presence of Chinese officials in during a protest in Greece.

The Chinese embassy officials filmed Tibet protestors who symbolically lit a torch as part of a Tibetan Freedom Torch Relay in the buildup to the summer Olympics in Beijing. Tendon Dahortsang, of the Tibetan Youth Association in Europe, told The Guardian, "Greek authorities told us we were not allowed to go in because of our big bags, as Chinese embassy officials stood nearby and watched us." When a BBC reporter challenged the Chinese officials for their involvement in impeding a peaceful protest in a free country, the Chinese officials became angry and shouted at the camera that Tibet is part of China, before telling the reporter that he was 'stupid' and walking away.

The Swiss police decided to use teargas on pro Tibet demonstrators. The IOC, on the other hand, seems to be very sympathetic towards the Chinese. IOC President Jacques Rogge said the Beijing Olympics should not be boycotted because it would 'only' hurt the athletes.

Right Mr. Rogge, we obviously don't want to hurt the athletes. But why does it appear no one gives a @!$# about Tibetan people.

I would also recommend this wonderful article by Marilyn L on Tibetan protests.

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	News Analysis: Tibet protests go global	Marilyn L	Sun Mar 16	12
	Tibetan Youth: "We Want Support & Understanding, Not Pity"	c3sindia.org	Thu Mar 20	1
	Tibetan Intifada? - American Footprints	americanfootprints.com	Mon Mar 17	1
	China's Brutal Crackdown On Ngaba Monastery Protests	Students for a Free Tibet	Thu Mar 20	1
	Hundreds march for Tibet in Chicago	Chicago Sun-Times	Wed Mar 19	1