In the next 24 hours it is likely the Chinese government will sanction their police force to crush protests in Llasa.
In an interview with His Holiness The Dalai Llama in Dharmsala today quoted by the New York Times in an article by Somini Sengupta and Hari Kumar:
Asked if he could stop Tibetan protesters from flouting Beijing’s deadline to surrender by midnight on Monday, the Dalai Lama, 72, replied swiftly: "I have no such power."
He said he had received a call on Saturday from Tibet. "‘Please don’t ask us to stop,’" was the caller’s request. The Dalai Lama promised he would not, even though he said he expected the Chinese authorities to put down the protests with force.
"Now we really need miracle power," he said, and then laughed. "But miracle seems unrealistic."
Liberals need to voice their concerns urgently to their representative to demand a strong, clear message from Washington before it is too late. There are many other responses to this situation the PRC can make to enhance its image in the world. This atavistic use of power and might to crush the rights of the Tibetan people to protect their cultural and religious aspirations will undo all the attempts the PRC has made to enter the international community. The symbolism of the Olympic flame being carried through the smoking ashes of Tibet in 2 weeks is something we need to help prevent.
Please call or write your representatives.