We American and British should free Tibet and make it another Iraq. A free Tibet is the best present to celebrate the 5th year of new Iraq, isn't it?

Alex, Leeds,

Dale of Australia

Those who live in glass houses should not throw stones.

Why have you not mentioned the genocide of Australian aborigines at the hands of white colonalists?

hung, kuala lumpur,

Wouldn't it be funny if Taiwan declared independence while all of this mess in Tibet was going on? Would the Chinese start a war five months before their precious Olympics?

Jonny Wolfe, Pullman, Washington

to cindy in london, move to china and try to write a letter to the editor that dosen't sgree with the party line and see what happens to you.

paul, norwood, ohio

John "Free Tibet", Ireland, may I suggest you to team up with your Argentinian mate to free the Falkland Islands first before going to free Tibet?

James, Scotland , UK

It seems to me that there are many Chinese government agents posting on this site. No sane person could ever feel anything other than revulsion for what the Chinese are doing in Tibet.

Ben, Hopatcong, NJ

Anyone with a shred of human decency supports the plight of Tibet. Anyone who disagrees must visit the place to be qualified to comment.

I've travelled there extensively, first time over 15 years ago and frankly am in awe of these fantastic people, especially in the face of such truly disgusting and vindictive oppression.

I saw sights too numerous to catalogue that turn the stomach. It is hard to believe the depths that China will plumb in grinding these defenceless people further into submission.

There is no “two sides” to this argument, China is wrong and the rest of the world is wrong to let them get away this imperialism This is as clear cut as a Mugabe, Mbutu, Amin or any other demonic regime you care to list. Full stop.

Dale, Australia,

Its generous of the Dalai Lama to say China has a right to host the Olympics. Beijng's clenched-fist rule in Tibet constitutes genocide, and no, I do NOT think Beijing deserves to host the Olympics and take a place amongst other nations - as if its violent human rights record was of no consequence. Beijing has poured money into arts propaganda in Western countries, with the international Olympics are incredible opportunity for Beijing to try to win respectability. However sending its performing troupes abroad and paying for performances in Western Concert Halls isn't going to alter the fact that China has committed atrocities in Tibet and has no historical or moral right to rule over a country with which it has nothing in common.

Very sad that the Indian government now considers Tibet to be an integral part of China. This, from the land of Mahatma Gandhi! And Western governments moan about human rights only when it suits them. Time to stand up and be counted at the Olympics.

Danny Friend, London, UK

There are over 50 different ethnic groups living in China. Before the violence started, each group preserve their own culture in a non-violent way. The Han Chinese who live in Tibet also have the right to live according to their own cultural aspirations, for the Tibetans to attack them because their culture is different is wrong.
Many Tibetans also live in other parts of China, such as Sichuan, which is the land of the Han Chinese. If every group were to use force to make another group leave certain areas in which they have a claim to, there will be an endless string of violence that will uproot established communities and turn back progress made by people who had worked together and contributed to society in their own way.

Nikki, Westchester, US

the dalai lama is one of the most amazing personalities in our lifetime. i was blessed to have met him some years back. for the chinese government to blame him for this reveals the true nature of a lying scheming government who wishes to stay in power at all costs.this is the time for the chinese people to rise up against their slave masters. what good is economic success if there is no personal freedom.

philip raviol, allison park, pa

I have much consideration for the plighted communities of Tibet. I hope the surge against chinese rule continues. Go for it Tibet, break the rule of the communist bullies, rid your country of the unwanted vermin that has infiltrated your country. Democracy, and the power of the people will always conquor dictatorships like China. Fight for your freedom, but don't lose any lives!!! Good Luck Tibet!!!

Chevy from that place in China, is your real name Stu???

Frank, Boro,

You have a choice to show you care:

Don't support the Olympics!

Don't buy chinese made goods, however cheap.

Don't go to China, enjoy some time at home and do some DIY and redecorate the house........do some charity work for the local community.

Put a Tibetan flag sticker on your car or if you have to a sticker on your luggage on your visit to China (remember your bags will not look the same and you may not have as much luggage on the way home).

Gold finger, Gloucester, Uk

Ken China, in plymouth, you sound like the nazis probably did in the 30's. Im sure most of them felt they were right in going into other countries, brutally occupying and commiting genocide. Should their opinions have been respected? As you say, the opinions of 99% of chinese people, should be respected now!???Why? What about the wishes of the brutalised tibetan population?
Having been to Tibet, and having met tibetan exiles in India, i can say that every tibetan longs for the Dalai Lama's return, and for a free Tibet. This i think is perfecctly reasonable, I too would want to see my spiritual leader where he belongs and not be the subject of a tyranical power.
Not one of the tibetans i have met ever gave off the slightest impression that they would feel enslaved by living under the Dalai Lama, infact the very opposite.
I know every tibetan i have met would love, and probably every day prays to go back 60 years to the time of peace and freedom under the Dalai Lama.
Free Tibet Now!

John "freet tibet", Ireland, Bariloche, Argentina

The Chinese peope will say what their government wants them to say, including that Tibet is part of China, esp. if that is what they have been taught in schools for years. If you asked the people of tibet, I bet 99% would demand their independence and they should have it. Why should they have to live under an oppresive dictatorship if they want something else? Just because the UN recognizes China as ruler of Tibet doesn't make that right (given the corruption at the UN, looking to it for legitamacy is like looking to the devil for spirtual guidence).
As far as the US and human rights, the people in Guantanamo bay where captured in warfare and are therefore POWs until the end of the conflict. As for the death of innocents in Iraq and beyond, look to Al queda published works on using bombs to create interal strife.

JD, Miami, USA

The world can help the Tibetans by boycotting the Chinese olympics and all Chinese made products.
Vigils should be held at all Chinese embassies around the world.

James, Marbella, Espana

How tragic that Tibet, one of the most peace-loving nations on earth, should be subjected to this. Compare with the aggressive stance of some Islamic nations; despite being a threat to democracy itself we buckle to them out of cowardice and their oil wealth.

Violence and aggression must NOT win. The Tibetans deserve all the support the civilised world can muster, including a mass boycott of the Games.

Howard, Cambridge,

It's no doubt Tibet is part of China, though the culture and traditions are very different, but yet China is a huge country with something about nearly sixty ethnic minorities who all have different cultures, sometimes even different languages. This riot in Tibet has never been a peaceful one from the beginning, I would not be surprised at all there are foreign influences in it, it's Olympic year and there are certain people in this world who just hate China and its progress, pure and simple, who have planned and stirred up this trouble. People who support this rioting and looting have to remember that they are not legal anywhere else in the world, and simply must be stopped.

Cindy, London,

The Chinese Communist have bought such a large stable of U.S. politicians they can rest assured they'll never be held to account, no matter what they do.

"Each People has exactly the Government they deserve" said Benjamin Disraeli, former PM of England.

The environs of Tibet, unwilling to resist Chinese domination until they'd gained the upper hand, are the architects of their own misfortune.

The term "sheeple" was invented to describe such. In prior ages, "peasants", "serfs", etc. was used to identify them.

British subjects have intermittently been similar -- and having allowed the ruling politician rulers to disarm the population, they're headed that way again.

The United States, on the other hand, periodically slays a politician or two, and puts even more in prison.

Thomas Jefferson put it best when he said that "the rulers must always be a little fearful of the People."

Mike Lee
Jacksonville, Fl
"Law abiding, heavily armed, Citizen".

Mike, Jacksonville, Florida/ USA

This is so enlightening. I just love seeing the posts here by these hypocritical white 'westerners'. Its shows that deep down they view all non-whites in the same light, whether good hard working industrious Chinese and Indians, or bad terrorist muslims and criminal blacks.

White 'Americans' and white 'Australians' dumped their indigenous peoples in reservations consisting of sand and solid rock. Those areas are plagued by high unemployment and alchohol abuse. The respective governments couldnt care less because they are not white. Then they have the nerve to be critical of the Chinese.

Ricardo Sanchez, Caracas, Venezuela

i live in china, and i can't tell if it is ture. you who live in cthers country ,how can u know what happend? how can u know who are right?

chevy, guangzhou,

I don't think China is a healthy place to be - for whatever reason..

Rodney Barker, Lincolnshire, England UK

Don't remember anyone condeming France when they used the same force against the muslim rioters in France! Anyway, if you read some history then you will know than although Tibet did have some independence time in its history, it has always been part of China, or ruled by China or had authonomy. If Dalai Lama cares about his citizens then he should live in Tibet. And, by the way, why is the spiritual lider involved in politics? The fact that Richard Gere is a budhist and a good friend of the Lama, doesn't mean they are right...
Talking about human rights violations, lets remind ourself of the US human rights: we can begin with Guantanamo, Irak and Afghanistan...

Tijana, Belgrade, Serbia

If you ask any one of the Chinese people you can meet in the street, I would be very surprised if you can find one who might support Tibet independence. At least 90%, if not 99%, of the population in China, which is over a billion of them, have not even a slightest doubt that Tibet is part of China. Should the opinions of these people be respected? I’m sure you agree with me it should because you are grown up in the democratic country. Each of them should have the same right as each of you lots does, nothing more and nothing less. Any Chinese government, whether communist or capitalist as you wish to call, won’t be in a position to accept the Tibet independence as this is against the wish of its people.
The fact that Tibet is part of China is also recognised by all the countries in the world and the UN. So what are all these fusses about? Dalai Lama has his own dream -to restore his dynasty. Will he has any chance to succeed? I doubt it. China has over 5000 years of civilisation history. Dynasties came and go, but no one had managed to come back, for a simple reason -history only moves forward. If you were one of the ordinary Tibetans, are you prepared to go back 60 years and to be Dalai Lama’s slave again?

Ken China, Plymouth, UK

I wonder if the leftie "anti-war" protesters who march against the "occupation" of Iraq (which we are doing with the consent of the elected Iraqi Government) will be out next week calling for the freeing of Tibet! I bet not, because they occupiers here are socialists rather than "neo-cons" they'll be quiet. Just like they've kept silent about the thirty three year occupation of the Republic of Vietnam by North Vietnamese invaders.
Mind you Tibets, got no oil, nor free spending socialist president like Saddam, so nothing to gain from protesting!

Paul, Stourbridge, England

Messrs. United States and EU,

Don't you think Tibet is far more unique than Kosovo? If there is a country that should be helped, it is Tibet. But, you won't TWO reasons: China is too big and there is money to be made. So much for moraltiy.

Subramaniam, Paris,

tibet was never part of china it was a compleatly seperete country.the only people who would be able to stand up to china is the EU they could survive because they could produce it in the EU . tibet never had an army whatsoever . china's economy survives on cheap goods we need to stand up to them.

yurumin , kathmandu, Napal

There seems to be a over reaction to this if you consider that when people riot in any country with the looting of shops and destruction of property the government of any nation will try to stop it as quick as posible. The L.A riots the riots in northern Ireland in the 60s and 70s. Then look at Paris only a few years ago, all these people felt surpressed and that anger had been there for years as the people felt downtroden and all these are western democracys. But if you cant see that how about when the denver broncos won the super bowl the city went crazy and the police came out to crush the people who in there eyes did nothing but enjoy a home team win, so its not the the ideology that brings controll of situations its the fear of loosing control and thats the same in democracy so lets look at the reaction of our own governments before we find things wrong with others.

Faisal Salim, milton keynes, bucks

Tibet’s area is 1,228,400 km² - more than Texas and California combined. Do you expect that the Chinese just going to pack and leave? As long as I know the communist rulers boycott of the Games and the Chinese goods is the only thing that can scares them.

Vihren Karaytchev, Houston, Texas

Can we have the same reaction to free the people of palestine. Any one using peaceful religion as a political tool ends up killing more people look at the effort in Iraq are we going to ban America from the games and more people have died in cars this weekend yet we all drive like idiots. Read the facts and between the lines and visit before condemning China the people may have more freedom than yourself

James Hendry, Adelaide , Australia

Shame on China that has oppressed Tibetans for so many years economically and in human rights. Shame on IOC to ask not to boycott Olympics to guard the billions that's at stake. There is no dollar amount that can compare to human lives. I appreciate all the righteous voice to ask China to stop its slaughter. As a Chinese, I am more than shocked to read from "jcheng" to claim that the armed force from Chineses government is necessary evil to deal with local unrest resulted from China being "pool" (misspelling).

Jcheng, I don't know why you are here in the land of the free, and the home of the brave. Since you are here, have sympathy for your own people who are not enjoying any of the freedom or mateiral things or even their lives now that you are enjoying here. Support them to receive the freedom they deserve and the economical growth that China has prohibited them to have. Shame on China. Shame on IOC. Shame on any Chinese who would in anyway condone this ruthless Chinese rule.

Nancy, Los Angeles, CA

I understand that the people (not the "government", officially) are starting a world-wide coordinated effort on the part of all free peoples to avoid purchasing anything "Made In China" or having major Chinese components until at least 3 months after Tibet is once again a free nation and a member of the United Nations as a soverign, not puppet, nation. This is a worthy, non-military, non-confrontational, pacifist method of bringing the tremendous power of the other 5 billion people of the world on the leaders of the current Chinese government. My family has joined this movement the best we are able to help Tibet get and remain free. Why don't you do the same?

tucanofulano, Big Bear, Calif USA

Video and blog describing the 'peaceful' demonstrations. From other pictures, it doesn't appear to have ended well for the motocyclist (Chinese, I think).

Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WYTTMBu9EnQ

Blog: http://kadfly.blogspot.com/

David, Toronto, Canada

Olympics will go on as scheduled even if PRC wiped out half of the Tibetans today! Why?

[1] The entire world, especially USA, kowtows [in a 90-degree style] to the totalitarian regime[PRC] now for a share of its huge market & $600 billions[MOL] foreign reserves. Uncle Sam needs them badly right now;

[2] Ms. Rice even acted like Beijing's spokesperson lately on the issue of Taiwan returning to UN. Now you can see who calls the shot;

[3] The world largest democracy, India, even works for the largest non-democratic Communist regime in blocking the Tibetan exiles from returning home to participate the movement. Who is the boss nowaday?

See the pictures? Market, profits & reality speak louder than the empty slogans used so often by the so-called FREE WORLD which are: "Human Rights, Justice, Liberty, Democracy, Freedom of this, Freedom of that,...."

After the shaky US economy is recover, it's about time that Washington redefines that outdated "ONE CHINA" policy!!!

s klein, Hillsborough, CA.

I am a Tibetan youth in New York and I know that the only reason Tibetan follow non-violence is because our spiritual leader condemns violence of any sort. It is so frustrating since non-violence doesn't get it's credit or the attention and violence is not an option. Whatever little violence you see today in lhasa is today is because of desperation and frustration. 1.2 million Tibetans have died as a direct result of illegal Chinese occupation and the silence on behalf of united Nation for all these years have also contributed in this day to day genocide.United Nation and America takes issues seriously when tragedys like September 11 happens but they do nothing to avoid it beforehand.Tibet is a ticking timebomb and time is running out. I beg global community and China to think with clear mind and give us what we want. Is is too much to ask for Human right and the right to practice your own religion? It's an opportunity for China to show the world that they have heart and wisdom.

tenzin, new york city, united state

This is China's way of sending a message to Taiwan.

Live free or die.

Greg Smith, Atlanta, GA

Please don't use that horrible word "BOYCOTT", please! We will give Wal-Mart, Target, & others another 40% discounts from now on till August 22 on whatever you purchase from us. We also will extend our term of deposits [$615 billions +/-] in your banks to 10-year notes at lowest interests.

Call us any name you want. We will do anything you ask for but let our great leader Viva Hu [not WHO?] say that sentence: ".........Let the Games begin! Viva COMMUNIST!!, Viva CHINA!!!"

Thanx, FREE WORLD.

kl, Beijing,

The Chinese have the right of power. Nobody is going to stand up to them so it is ridiculous to get upset about this. They will do what they want. And make their excuses.

The Tibetians need to be realistic about their future.

randall, Minneapolis, USA MN

Shame on Communist china
Treat the tibetan people with respect.

5000 year old culture. Ha!

Babban Rao, plano USA,

As the world now looks at the iron fist response of the Chicom government the facts shine like the morning sun.

We the people have the right to keep and bear arms.
As we have seen through out history the governments that take this right are able to oppress their SLAVAES at will.

I can only hope that this lesson will echo around the world like the shot that echoed in 1775 here in America.

Duane Rife, Moore Haven, Florida

i'm really enjoying this!! people in the west can offer nothing other than some post here~~i can see why chairman mao wants to develope the nuke in 50s at all cost . also stop trading with China if that makes you feel any better.

kai qiang , york, uk

Some of these comments posted here are hideous. The Chinese response: "Tibetans suffered before 1950". Who cares what Tibet was like pre-1950? For 50 years under China, Tibetans have suffered. What has CHina done for Tibetans? Nothing. "95% were slaves to monks". Give me a break. "Last summer you could see how jealous the Tibetans were of the Chinese." It's not about jealousy. It's about being oppressed in your own land, years of being kicked around, of being tortured for practicing your religion, of being lied to and cheated, of being invaded by an army and now being invaded by immigrants who get a better deal than you. And you have nothing. How can this be called "jealousy". It's like calling a tsunami a ripple. "It is the protesters that went violent". They went violent because they knew their monks and nuns were being arrested and tortured. The Chinese "went violent" first. Tibetans responded in desperation. We are seeing only the images that China is letting slip through the net.

John Smith, Edinburgh, UK

Nations should not boycott the upcoming Olympics. That would contradict the spirt of the Games. And it would punish those young men and women who spent years training and readying themselves for this singular event., However, low television ratings for the events and empty seats at the Olympic events (As well as empty hotel rooms) would deny the propaganda value that the PR China desperately craves.

Thay Minh, HCMC, Vietnam

China have controlled google in the past and they just banned UTUBE in China and even all international climber from any attempts to climb mount everest. What are they trying to hide or rather scared of ? The answer is simple. they are guilty and damn scared and they are making lots of stupid mistakes along the way.
If the people of china have all the right and happiness, why every Chinese is trying to get to the West. Their own people's outflux tells the reality of their government's failure.
Desperation is the key word here rather than hatred like someone has already mentioned earlier.Tibetans followed non-violence for 57 years and all they got is 1.2 milllion death toll.it's time for Chinese people and Tibetan people to rise up together against this communist regime to solve their internal issues with peace and understanding.Even we as tibetan feel sorry for chinese people for having to live without all the right that ordinary people in Democratic naiton enjoy.
Free tibet

tenzin, new york city, united state

A least the Tibetan can still protest.The natives of Amerca are either dead or in reservations or holding the bottle in Australia.No hypocrisy please from the West.Human rights after the natives are subdued.

Federick Lee, Malaysia, Malaysia

Those who are knowledgeable please enlighten me: Did slavery exist in Tibet before 1950? Did the slaves have human rights? Did they have the rights to become a non-slave?

George, Swindon, United Kingdom

As a Chinese, I don't like any person or country, using any reason to oppose 2008 Beijing Olympics. Olympic is a sports game. If you think there are some political elements, fine, we could choose sth. to oppose western influences, such as movies especially directed by Spereberg.

He Ping, Beijing, China

How can revenge be sweet? How can killing bystanders be justified under any law-govern country?

Wayne Yeager, Palo Alto, USA/CA

free tibet

tenzin, new york city, united state

The Chinese communist govnt. is fated to fall as it must, perhaps not tomorrow but at some future time. If the Chinese leadership believe the Dalai Lama to be evil, it must be concluded that they are mad and I see only a bad end for them. Do they really think the world is so utterly stupid as to believe their rantings and ravings about the so-called harmful intentions of H.H. Dalai Lama. Good grief.

Scott Chalson, Middle Village, NY

Please consider: Giving Beijing ANY reason to insert Chinese troops into Lhasa or to justify movement of additional troops into the Tibet Autonomous Region is NOT in the best interests of a free and independent Tibet.

Tibetans, please DO NOT give the Chinese government a legitimate reason to place troops in Tibet, to close monasteries, to arrest anyone else, or allow Beijing to assert its will under the cover of putting down a domestic insurrection.

The majority of the World IS PAYING ATTENTION. Beijing's actions regarding Tibet are being observed by the international community. Take the high road and do not provide China with a plausible and defensible reason for taking further actions against the Tibetan independence movement!

Plead your case in the international media. Do not give Beijing excuses to take further action. The World IS OBSERVING!! WE AARE keeping faith with you!!

Have faith. The World IS WATCHING !! HAVE FAITH!!

Scott, Durham, NC, USA

Wish it were that easy Mr Connolly. Have you ever lived in China or talked with a Chinese person who lives there? Their reaction might surprise you. You will see during the Olympics just how passionate Chinese people are about their country.

Ron Van Zandt, Washington, DC

According to some comments, if i am a british guy, i should let Northern Ireland go indenpendent for the sake of 'freedom'. if i am an American guy, i should also never invade Iraq and stay there , again, for the so-called 'freedom'. Uhhh...There is no such thing 'Right' in the world as far as the 'Interests of country' is concerned. Man, you are just optional blindly.

Kevin, york,

Surely the only reaction to this situation is for all nations to cancel the Olympics, no maybe, no if, no pleas for decency just a RESOUNDING NO OLYMPICS IN BEJING

denis Allen, Belfast, U.K.

The Brown government should blow upon its last dying embers of intestinal fortitude and denounce the Chinese government's criminal slaughter. The Tibetan people deserve our wholehearted support!

Mickey, San Francisco, California

Free Tibet!!!
Remember Tiananmen 1989
China is commiting cultural genocide in Tibet.
The Chinese government is brutal to its own people and cares nothing for Tibetans. The world needs to stand up against the Chinese Communists for the good of the Chinese people and all people in the world. Boycott 2008 Olympics in Beijing. Athletes will damage their bodies by breathing some of the most polluted air in the world.
Free Tibet!!!
Remember Tiananmen 1989.

Jon Walker, Mamaroneck, NY

All nations of the free world should boycott the olympics whenever it is held in a fascist state whether it be Iran, Venezuala, China, or Cuba.

Ted, Passaic, USA

If anyone really wants to stop this, quit buying Chinese products. By supporting Chinese businesses, you fund the largest standing army in the world.

So, rather than just whining as you make your way into Wal-Mart and Target and whoever, look at the labels of what you are purchasing and stop buying Cinese goods.

David J. newland, Bellaire, USA/Michigan

Now is THE time for the world to take a stand against the Chinese. But instead, the US is actually backing down and has already taken China off the list of countries with terrible human rights situations and the rest are following suit. Aren't we clearly telling the Chinese that they can go right ahead and do whatever they want? I agree with Rick: poor countries get the short end of the stick, as far as the so-called "advanced " countries are concerned. 60 years of oppression and massacres in Tibet and no reactions from the rest of the world. Instead, the US says that China is "just" an authoritarian country. What a laugh!!!!!

Jyoti, Bombay, India,

I am so desolated by all this - Tibet is not Chinese - so why is China even there 'laying down their law' ??

v, morecambe,

It is ironic that the Chinese have suppressed Buddhist practice in Tibet. Had they supported Buddhist practice, violent outbreaks such as this might not have occurred, as Buddhist practice teaches patience as the antidote to anger. By suppressing Buddhism, the younger generations are not taught the practice of nonviolence and skillful means, and are left to become angry and violent. This causes additional suffering on both sides. I am deeply saddened by the continued suffering in Tibet and China, as well as the suffering of the many other places in the world where compassion is not practiced.

Ruth, Austin, Texas, US

In this moment of sorrow of Tibetans, we request the world to speak for us. A peaceful and non violent nation is destroyed by brutal force. An Independent country's demand for autonomy is not an irrational one.

Lobsang Dhoden, toronto, canada

This is an opportunity for the democracies of the world
to back the Tibetans in their just call for autonomy. If
the Kosovans can gain freedom from Serbia with the
help of the EU and Western NATO forces...surely the
least we can do is help the Tibetan people to have
the same freedoms...the Chinese will buckle under
if they see a United Front; especially when they so
want a secure Olympic Event.

Dr, Peter Elliott. , Victoria , Canada

Wonder what the "world reaction" would be if Tibet had rich oil resources?

Rick, London, UK

Hatred... I don't think that's the correct word for your headline. How about "desperation".

Sandra Bauer, Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Consider for a moment how the Nazi's used the 1936 Olympic Games for propaganda purposes and ask your self, " Would you have participated in those games if you had known what was to come"? Given China's past and current tactics, rampant abuses against humanity, blatant disregard for human rights and the fact that all foreign journalists are banned from Tibet, why would you even countenance for a moment supporting these Olympics? I'm with Richard Gere. These Olympics will never be non-political.

David Bromwich, Calgary, Alberta, Canada

No one ever talks about the British Invasion of Tibet in 1904 when ancient ties with China that go back as far as the 7th century were severed to create the illusion of Tibetan independence. Do your homework and study about how the Monks kept 95% of Tibetans as slaves before Mao freed them from a feudal system that makes the Vatican bankers look like Boy Scouts. The Tibetan independence movement is just another ploy to make more money for war profiteers who seek to lever off another basecamp for their rogue activities like what takes place in Taiwan. Sell more guns, bombs and bombers to make the world safe... Have Mercy!

Stephen Kastner, Fish Creek, USA/WI

Chinese should respect Tibetan's.

World should support Tibetans by boycotting olympics and put pressure on China to withdraw its troops from Tibet.

Tibetans are struggling and suffering for their independence for 49 years.

Shame on China....Chinese government is very cruel in this world.
Next disastrous to the world will be from China.
Long Live Tibet and Dalai Lama.

Rocky, Newyork, USA

The Dalai Lama is one of the most important spiritual leaders of the world. He speaks consistently around the world of peace, harmony and peaceful co-existence of all races and religions.
A notable quote at this stage, 'In the practice of tolerance one's enemy is the best teacher.' It must be hoped that his people can find the forgiveness in their hearts to practice this lesson.
In an ideal world the Chinese Olympics would be banned until Tibet is free.
In reality I suspect that far too many dollars ride on the whole thing for this to happen.
Perhaps every person who travels to China has a duty to teach and demonstrate humanitarian values and speak of freedom wherever they go. When the people lead the politicians will follow.

Wendy Daniel , Sydney, Australia

The last bastion of Communism left is ready to fall. This is reminiscient of the last years of the USSR. The 21st century will be a new age of freedom and democracy for the east. Now if we could only stop the EU from becoming the next USSR...

charley Johnson, Cleveland,

Your article mentions 'an orgy of violence and looting' that was 'undoubtedly racial' and talks of how some Chinese have faced 'the utter loss' of their 'meagre livelihoods' and the 'admirable restraint' of the security forces.
Give us a break. When China violently took over Tibet 50 years ago, it is estimated that half a million poorly armed Tibetans were slaughtered and several thousand monasteries were destroyed while a conscious effort was made to destroy the indigenous culture. I dread to think what will happen to the poor Tibetans, who have been brave enough to stand up against the Chinese. If the Chinese are willing to kill hundreds of their own students by running them over with tanks and torture and imprison thousands of Falun Gong practitioners, what will they do to these Tibetan protesters ?

Ben, Hopatcong, NJ

What is the difference between Tibet and Gaza ?
The similarity is the US supports both China and Israel to
commit genocide towards it's people. The US will posture but in the end will do nothing since Tibet offers no resource the US desires. The same could be said for Israel but they are the biggest recipient of foreign aid for a country of 6 millon.

Joy , Redding, California USA

Why use the word "hatred" to describe what the Tibetians are doing? How does "joy and liberation" all of a sudden become hatred? Why not, say, anger? And wouldn't the Chinese government's reaction also qualify as "hatred"?

And why is only the Chinese government's reaction referred to as "predictable"? Isn't what the Tibetians are doing also predictable?

John Gorentz, Battle Creek, Michigan, USA

China, the prison of nations.

R. Doggo, Nittedal, Norway

Doesn't the Chinese people understand that they are essentially ruled by people who they even don't want?
By the way, this spontaneous reaction is a natural response for all the pent up anger, frustrations and emotion of the last 5 decade. In the worst of circumstances, even the unexpected explode.
China used the word "Chingtrol" (liberation) when they captured tibet in 1950. What?? Liberation into hell ???
Its time get out while you can gracefully.

pasang, ottawa, canada

What a gross double standard! When people riot in Iraq, they are called terrorists and killed, but when they riot in China, they should just be allowed cause destruction? Besides, there is not even any evidence any rioters are killed. The casualties are shop owners and bystanders. Clean up your own act American and Britain!

alex, Chicago,

I wonder if this will get the attention of advertisers, the IOC and the international olympic community. Why should we support a nation that has made little changes in their human rights record. Boycott the Olympics Now!!!

Dave, Columbia , SC

If he practices what he preaches, Dalai Lama should condemn the violence against the Ethic Chinese in Tibet, instead of his gentle reminder of appealing to end the violence.

It is ironic that when the deprived Africans rioted in France or when the African-American rioted in Los Angles, the media and the "free Tibet" movement were not so sympathetic to them. The tone is obvious: any violence against the Chinese is good, while any riots against the Western establishment is bad. If this is not double-standard, I don't know what is.

When whites swamped Hawaii to wipe out the Polynesian culture, it is called the Melting Pot. When Chinese went to Tibet, it is called destroying the unique Tibetan culture. I wonder how much effort Richard Gere puts into preserving the culture of native American and native Hawaiian.

Kevin, San Francisco,

People from the US and Australia where whites have racially murdered off the indigenous peoples are complaining about Chinese and Tibetans, both Asian peoples?

Can we say racist hypocrisy?

Traveler, boston, USA

Most westerns do not know the difference between this and Tiananmen. The two are very different on the scale, the initiatives, the way it occurs and they way it is handled.

The Tiananmen was a very large scale riot started from Beijing and echoed all around the country. The government acted brutally because the scale is so large and it was afraid of being overthrown. The Tibet incident is a very small incident comparing to that, also it is the protesters that went violent. This time the government was doing what it supposes to do --- maintaining order. It also did so rather peacefully this time.

China is a very pool country and social unrest is very common. Mostly originates from economy interest instead of ideology conflict. For example, real estate tycoon takes the peasant’s land, they riots. To ultimately solve the problem, the economy has to develop. Until they are there, this kind of things do happen and it's naive to just blame the Chinese government for it.

jcheng, Coral Springs, FL

I was in Lhasa and Shigatze just last June. The towns seemed peaceful, however, you could see the jealousy of Tibetans directed at the Fujian traders. Han Chinese are moving to Tibet in record numbers- likewise in Xinjiang province. They seemed to be the ones making money off of the tourists with Tibetans doing the menial work. There is a large amount of PLA military north of Shigatze. I don't believe that the Tibetans are going to win this one. The mineral wealth and border security is far more important to the Chinese than world opinion. That said, the Chinese are pretty wily (like a fox). I see them beginning negotiations with the Tibetans, dragging it along until after the Olympics and then the real crackdown will begin. I have lived and traveled throughout China, Mr. Connolly has a very "american" view of the Chinese group mentality. They see themselves as an ascending economic force and Tibet (along with Taiwan) belongs to them. It's a family issue with no outside help needed.

Ron Horton, Tulsa/Beijing,

I take exception to your description of the protesters in Tibet as the "losers of Lhasa". It is the morally bankrupt Chinese Communists who are the "losers", not the Tibetans who are oppressed in their own country.

Longchenpa, New York, NY

When Buddhists must protest this forcefully, you know something is terribly wrong. Tibetians have been driven to absolute desperation by the Chinese government.

China has shown itself to be the ruthless totalitarian government it is. If the world has any sense of justice and decency, pressure must be put on the Chinese government to give control back to the Tibetian people, and restore their power to control their own lives.

Bill, San Diego, CA

Who knew the tibetan's would go off like that? Go Lama!!!!

brad burklow, Eldorado,

I don't fancy myself as an political activist, and I only see myself as a good buddhist at the core. As a citizen of this world, there's so much for us to improve. Self, groups, communities, nations, and our mother earth. So as an struggling individual, on path to improve myself. I have nothing to say, rather a reminder that injustice everywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.

Tenzin Gelek, Richfield, United States / Minnesota

All Chinese yearn for the day when they are free. The government reaction to Tiananmen Square protests was like breaking the infants nose who cries, but the infant is growing up, and there comes a time when it will overcome its fear and strike back a mortal blow- a mortal blow for justice and freedom. Once the Chinese population realize that acting in tandem, there is nothing that can stop them, the military will eventually refuse to kill their own, and will also turn on the leeches that have been controlling them for so very long. Long live freedom! Long live all Chinese and Tibetan aspirations for liberty!

David E. Connolly, Jr., New Orleans, Louisiana

shame china shame .. long live the dalai lama ....

paddy jacobs, bacchus marsh, australia

And what is the reaction of the Brown government be? 'Oh, please, please stop, we don't think you should be doing this.'

Paul Downes, Milton Keynes, Bucks