I think people are missing the point. The article does not say forget about the China/Tibet situation or even that the American students did the wrong thing. I think the American students hearts were in the right place but they probably didn't think through what might happen - if you poke a stick at a snake then you are going to make it angry. China *is* touchy on the subject of Tibet and very nervous about appearing in good light for the Olympics - this is not news. Did the students think about what might happen to the agency that gave them the permit? They would probably have given their business to a Tibetan agency.... and I would expect that the Chinese would go after the agency that issued the permit and shut them down at the very least...who knows what other punishment they might mete out. This is a very difficult situation and one that has to be handled with delicacy...no one is calling for Tibet to be ignored. If China closes Tibet to foreigners, is this a good thing?

KC, Lhasa, Tibet,

hi Tom Watkins,

I really agree with you !! the world would be definitely much better place if we close our eyes to all that is unpleasent, why should anyone bother to speak for others plight, and definitely its no ones buisness to poke nose into other people's affairs unless its your buisness, right !! so forget darfur, forget somalia, forget kosovo, forget bosnia, and surely forget TIBET. I wonder why millions fought for Britain or rest of the world during WW II. So what if Hitler & co had his way . Thanks for such an enlightening thought. Ostrichs of the world unite !!!

ashok , New Delhi, India

Dear Tom Watkins
At least the Americans had the courage to stand up and speak out for what they believe in. This is not a case of spoiling things for the rest of the world, but speaking out for basic civil liberties for the Tibetan people. Open your eyes and your heart and see the truth of what has been happening in Tibet for the last 50 years. I know there are many places in the world that have their troubles and civil strife, but I think China has many reasons to feel embarrassed about it's actions in Tibet and the sensitivity of the Chinese Government about any form of challenge on the Tibet issues is the typical reaction of any bully when challenged. People have a right to express their feelings and in that statement I include the feelings you have expressed on this site. The Tibetan people do not have that basic right and they need those who care enough about their plight to speak out for them.

Wendy, Hull, UK

well done america! you are still a beacon of freedom and democracy, despite the poor execution of the Iraq war. Down with all dictatorships in the world! Freedom for all people! Tom Watkins you should give up your british citizenship and become chinese citizen if you like the chinese government dictatorship!

rangzen, tibet,

Its about time the world paid attention to the plight of the Tibetan people and stopped paying lip service to a brutal Chinese policy that has murdered over 1 million Tibetans over the last 40 years. The people of Tibet are long overdue some support, and the best way that the Chinese can wake up to the reality that the world will no longer idly stand by, is to embarres them. Let this be a wake up call, next time a monk or nun is murdered or tried and jailed for no reason, the world is watching you China, you cannot hide your shame forever. Free Tibet. Free China. Free yourselves.

lex, london, UK

Visited Tibet, right after the Sept 11 attack and we flew from Nepal. Visiting the monasteries, meeting the monks and watching them was the most humbling experience I have ever experienced. Upon landing in Lhasa, my copy of the Economist was confiscated. Everywhere, one can see that the Tibetans are treated as second rate citizens. Witnessing that creates an overwhelming negative emotions towards the Chinese even more aggravated by the sights of the ruined and bombed monasteries. The hotel television is manipulated by continous video of Chairman Mao. Tibetan children are being educated with the chinese doctrine and the teaching is done in the middle of an open land, so if one is travelling early enough, one can witness "teaching in progress" and the children enthusiastically greets you, curious about the gadgets you have on your hand. Many of us feels sad for the Tibetans but the behaviour of those Americans produced results which will not be productive to the Tibetans themselves.

Sheen O, London,

Dear Tom Watkins

Ever heard of mis-placed anger?

Norman Specter, London,

well done america! ruin the world for the rest of us. You just go around the world causing havoc, anger pain and now this. Sticking your nose where its not welcome. Hope you are proud

tom watkins, london, uk