The Tibetan Struggle for Independence

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The Tibetan Struggle for Independence

Throughout history, struggles for land, and battles for independence have all been fought via the hand of war. Winners are decisive and quick, and disputes are fought and won at the cost of many deaths. War is gruesome, ugly, and never predictable. Does struggle have to always involve death and fighting? For more then 50 years one country has found a way to maintain a non-violent independence struggle. The people of Tibet have implemented non-violent tactics in the fight for independence, even after years of atrocities inflicted on them by the Chinese. For some they are a model, and to others they remain a joke. Many people wonder how a country with such a large populous of people, has managed to keep their freedom struggle non-violent for so long? Part of the answer lies within the ability and personality of their leader, the Dalai Lama, and his firm belief in Buddhism. His uncompromising attitude towards violence and his unquestioned moral authority among the Tibetan people have prevented people in Tibet and in exile from taking up arms. The other part lies within the knowledge of the Tibetan people, who know that any attempt to fight for independence would be considered an act of insanity, and certainly suicide. Still everyday the Tibetans continue their fight for independence using non-violent means. Recently however, a new idea has emerged amongst younger Tibetans. After more then 50 years of non-violent struggle to gain their freedom, some Tibetans believe that a new approach with more action is necessary for the revival of a free Tibet. Tibetans, in exile and in Tibet are not content to wait for their independence; they are ready to claim it now. These peop...

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...Jefferson: McFarland and Co.

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