Monday, March 17, 2008

Tibet Update (3/17)

Violent demonstrations against Chinese rule have now spread to three neighboring Chinese provinces which house large Tibetan populations. Non-violent demonstrations are also occurring in other countries in the region. Chinese authorities argue that they are showing restraint in quashing dissent, while at the same time they promise to "deal harshly" with those participating in the protests and have issued a deadline for those involved to surrender to police. China is busy cutting off Tibet from the outside world to avoid the bad press that will inevitably follow a harsh crackdown. Protesters in Europe and America are calling for a boycott of the Olympics, but so far government officials are resisting such a move. This article in Time discusses the frustrations of some of those who are calling for Tibetan independence, illustrating how likely it was for the protests to turn into something more.

For all our coverage of the unfolding situation in Tibet, click here.

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