With the 2nd Test between India and South Africa wrapped up there have been many calls from commentators and officials concerning India's lackluster performance. The Indian team, government and perhaps even the public seem to be very uninterested in this series and if Motera wasn't a wake-up call, Graeme Smith will have to call upon some racist taunts to get some attention.
South Africa, on the other hand, has been determined to have a good showing. The Bangladesh tour prior to the tournament would have been a great opportunity to try out some new talent; as Norman Ardense, head of South African cricket, recommended. But No! South Africa's coach was determined to make the Bangladeshi tour a dress-rehearsal for India and on began the jousting over transformation policy. (To read more on my thoughts visit http://helensgamble.blogspot.com/)
But India have been distracted. Since day one in Chennai, they have looked deflated and tired. Their eyes and ears (and pockets) have been directed more at the IPL than any international fixture in the future. But by blaming the IPL for India's horrible performance is unfair and dangerous. They have under-estimated the Proteas already... repeat that notion at your own peril.
The issue here is, strangely, a form of over-confidence. "We lost at Motera because of the pitch... We lost because of the IPL... but now we are going to win because for Kanpur, it's going to be a dustbowl and South Africa will struggle."
South Africa learned quickly from their mistake in 2006 - when the Indian pacers (Lead by Sreesanth) demolished their line-up in the first test at Johannesburg. India, it seems like, have not. Already putting the blame plainly on the pitch and IPL, they are falling to look deeper within and address what exactly is going on. The South Africans will do well to keep silent and be confident - they are at the threshold of a great series win... but it's not over yet and judging by the signs - they know it.
Tuesday, April 8, 2008
Saturday, April 5, 2008
Cricket: Proteas Rising?
I waited months for this serious... The one Steve Waugh so eloquently labeled "the final frontier," well at least for Australia. In the last few months people have been consumed by India's tour of Australia and the emergence of Twenty20, the ICL and now the IPL... but in the midst of all the media generated hype, my eyes were focused on a re-surgence in the trough of Africa that the media ignored and the world took no notice.
I first saw Graeme Smith play against Pakistan in 2002-3 season against a good Pakistan attack just before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. I felt he should have no only been included in the squad but played during the tournament... it wasn't the most finesse or daring innings I had seen - an impressive debut nonetheless; but there was something very different. I told my-self and my brother I recall... He'll be something great someday... lo and behold, a couple of months later he was named South Africa's youngest captain. The ride has been up and down; Agonizingly denied a first test series win in England at the Oval, Stephen Flemings mind games in a ODI series drubbing and that hopeless streak where they lost 12 out of 13 games or so... but the performances improved - although there was still enough inconsistency to label them second tier.
After the World Cup blunder of 2007; a feeling Graeme Smith described as one of his worst moments... the Proteas began to rebuild and formed a new policy - unfortunately at the expense of their greatest wicket-taker Shaun Pollock - of three quicks supported by a spinner. This was the formula to success, no bits and pieces, medium-pace all-rounders etc. The emphasis was clear and then the missing link! South Africa's success in the 90's was thanks to their pace-bowling line-up lead by Allan Donald. No successor for Donald had been found since that fateful day he was assisted off the pitch against Australia. Pollock was consistent, Ntini had a great season or two, Nel gave his heart out... but there was no Donald! No equivalent to "White Lightning" until a young understudy with raw pace, took on a maturity and consistency that was unmatched in World Cricket.
All the talk was on Brett Lee, leading Australia's attack against Sri Lanka and India... but at the other end was Dale Steyn - knocking batters over in Pakistan, eliminating (anihilating, demolishing... no word would tell you just how glorious the slaughter was) Kiwis and then taking out the West Indies - one at a time (The most amazing feat was in the 2nd test, when he put aside his 145 kph deliveries to stick to 130 kph swinging-Pollock like deliveries to pick up 4-for... all because of a slight injury). This boy was not all pace and although Brett Lee faced a tougher challenge, Steyn was showing the confidence and importantly, maturity that had taken Lee years to develop.
Coming to India was never an easy task. Australia had their troubles and surprisingly, South Africa have been a more successful unit in this end of the subcontinent and with no world-class spinner. Many gave the Proteas a chance at drawing the serious - already the Indian Government had decided this "battle for number 2" wasn't worth covering for public audience. Of-course, India was bubbling in their successes down-under, basking in the media and millions of $$$ of the IPL, over-confident, unaware and out of focus - much like many Indian teams that are NOT playing against Australia - for its clear that only the Aussies call for any attention.
Many friends who knew of my Protea-stripes were ranting and calling for my head at the end of day 3 in Chennai. I was un-fazed because I knew this team was made of sterner stuff... and it would take more than a statue walling a club on a dead bed (or an ent stuck to its roots swinging at naked goblins and ur-kai) to destroy their resolve. The next day the champions immerged! Cutting down the Indian batting line-up to pieces and batting resolutely. Batting out the final day at Chennai was an achievement and nothing in test cricket can be taken for granted - especially for touring sides in the sub-continent.
And then came Ahmedabad and complains of the pitch. Indian captain Anil Kumble, with three seamers on a greenish pitch, won the toss and decided to bat and then begun one of the most unbelievable sessions of cricket I have witnessed in my 12 years of absolute coverage. I am not a big Twenty20 fan but this was the greatest session of Twenty20 I had ever seen! Steyn, Ntini and Morkel turned in stellar performances and were aided amply by the Indian batters to demolish the home side for 76. Not even the fair-weathered Kiwi batters could out-do such a performance. South Africa's response was severe, professional and nailed, no, engraved the result of the 2nd test. Three days later, lying in bed, watching the final moments of a ruthless display by the bowlers, batsmen and fielders, it was fitting that India and the world finally took note.
With one more test to go, India have the time, talent and importantly - home advantage, to square the series but many who didn't give this team a chance at winning or even drawing, today stand rebuked. I thought Gerald Manjola's comments of Graeme Smith and his boys thumping Kumble's team were ... too dramatic and unrealistic: a close dogfight sure... but a thumping? With the 3rd Test a few days away, both can recuperate and prepare for a dog-fight. Determination has been the key so far; it remains to be seen if Smith's teams' determination and skill will be enough to put the final cuts on series that the Proteas and myself had been waiting for all this time.
I first saw Graeme Smith play against Pakistan in 2002-3 season against a good Pakistan attack just before the 2003 World Cup in South Africa. I felt he should have no only been included in the squad but played during the tournament... it wasn't the most finesse or daring innings I had seen - an impressive debut nonetheless; but there was something very different. I told my-self and my brother I recall... He'll be something great someday... lo and behold, a couple of months later he was named South Africa's youngest captain. The ride has been up and down; Agonizingly denied a first test series win in England at the Oval, Stephen Flemings mind games in a ODI series drubbing and that hopeless streak where they lost 12 out of 13 games or so... but the performances improved - although there was still enough inconsistency to label them second tier.
After the World Cup blunder of 2007; a feeling Graeme Smith described as one of his worst moments... the Proteas began to rebuild and formed a new policy - unfortunately at the expense of their greatest wicket-taker Shaun Pollock - of three quicks supported by a spinner. This was the formula to success, no bits and pieces, medium-pace all-rounders etc. The emphasis was clear and then the missing link! South Africa's success in the 90's was thanks to their pace-bowling line-up lead by Allan Donald. No successor for Donald had been found since that fateful day he was assisted off the pitch against Australia. Pollock was consistent, Ntini had a great season or two, Nel gave his heart out... but there was no Donald! No equivalent to "White Lightning" until a young understudy with raw pace, took on a maturity and consistency that was unmatched in World Cricket.
All the talk was on Brett Lee, leading Australia's attack against Sri Lanka and India... but at the other end was Dale Steyn - knocking batters over in Pakistan, eliminating (anihilating, demolishing... no word would tell you just how glorious the slaughter was) Kiwis and then taking out the West Indies - one at a time (The most amazing feat was in the 2nd test, when he put aside his 145 kph deliveries to stick to 130 kph swinging-Pollock like deliveries to pick up 4-for... all because of a slight injury). This boy was not all pace and although Brett Lee faced a tougher challenge, Steyn was showing the confidence and importantly, maturity that had taken Lee years to develop.
Coming to India was never an easy task. Australia had their troubles and surprisingly, South Africa have been a more successful unit in this end of the subcontinent and with no world-class spinner. Many gave the Proteas a chance at drawing the serious - already the Indian Government had decided this "battle for number 2" wasn't worth covering for public audience. Of-course, India was bubbling in their successes down-under, basking in the media and millions of $$$ of the IPL, over-confident, unaware and out of focus - much like many Indian teams that are NOT playing against Australia - for its clear that only the Aussies call for any attention.
Many friends who knew of my Protea-stripes were ranting and calling for my head at the end of day 3 in Chennai. I was un-fazed because I knew this team was made of sterner stuff... and it would take more than a statue walling a club on a dead bed (or an ent stuck to its roots swinging at naked goblins and ur-kai) to destroy their resolve. The next day the champions immerged! Cutting down the Indian batting line-up to pieces and batting resolutely. Batting out the final day at Chennai was an achievement and nothing in test cricket can be taken for granted - especially for touring sides in the sub-continent.
And then came Ahmedabad and complains of the pitch. Indian captain Anil Kumble, with three seamers on a greenish pitch, won the toss and decided to bat and then begun one of the most unbelievable sessions of cricket I have witnessed in my 12 years of absolute coverage. I am not a big Twenty20 fan but this was the greatest session of Twenty20 I had ever seen! Steyn, Ntini and Morkel turned in stellar performances and were aided amply by the Indian batters to demolish the home side for 76. Not even the fair-weathered Kiwi batters could out-do such a performance. South Africa's response was severe, professional and nailed, no, engraved the result of the 2nd test. Three days later, lying in bed, watching the final moments of a ruthless display by the bowlers, batsmen and fielders, it was fitting that India and the world finally took note.
With one more test to go, India have the time, talent and importantly - home advantage, to square the series but many who didn't give this team a chance at winning or even drawing, today stand rebuked. I thought Gerald Manjola's comments of Graeme Smith and his boys thumping Kumble's team were ... too dramatic and unrealistic: a close dogfight sure... but a thumping? With the 3rd Test a few days away, both can recuperate and prepare for a dog-fight. Determination has been the key so far; it remains to be seen if Smith's teams' determination and skill will be enough to put the final cuts on series that the Proteas and myself had been waiting for all this time.
Wednesday, March 19, 2008
Transformation Policy: Two Careers in Crisis
So, where has transformation lead us to? The possible end of two promising performers, one white and the colored. I say possible more in the light of "hope" because I admire both Langeveldt and Nel, and don't wish to see them end their careers on such a tragic note.
While they contemplate their futures and CSA officials find out the root cause of this mess, Monde Zondeki has been chosen (as predicted by this blogger in the early hours of 4 am - I think). According to CricInfo's article, Zondeki has been in red-hot form and considering it is a 3 test series in the subcontinent, will get a game on two. For CSA officials, they would hope he makes the most of it... to ensure that CSA CEO Gerald Manjola's comments (on South Africa thumping India) don't backfire on them. But even if Langeveldt played and succeeded, or Zondeki for that fact, it doesn't change the problem, the root.
I am against most quota systems (most that I can think of). South Africa have hundreds of talented colored kids growing outside the cities, who don't get the exposure to cricket that they should. That is the real crime... CSA funds and policies should go about in bring quality players to the top... not merely rant on every mixed player they jam into a squad as a "Success" for the system or South African cricket at large.
Readers will be happy to notice I've eliminated many of my "trois points" ... It can be very contagious.
But I'll let this issue rest here and hopefully, I won't have to write articles highlighting the careers of Nel and Langeveldt soon, but spend more time on International politics and the scrumptious outcomes of a Proteas pace-battery against the Fortified batters of India.
While they contemplate their futures and CSA officials find out the root cause of this mess, Monde Zondeki has been chosen (as predicted by this blogger in the early hours of 4 am - I think). According to CricInfo's article, Zondeki has been in red-hot form and considering it is a 3 test series in the subcontinent, will get a game on two. For CSA officials, they would hope he makes the most of it... to ensure that CSA CEO Gerald Manjola's comments (on South Africa thumping India) don't backfire on them. But even if Langeveldt played and succeeded, or Zondeki for that fact, it doesn't change the problem, the root.
I am against most quota systems (most that I can think of). South Africa have hundreds of talented colored kids growing outside the cities, who don't get the exposure to cricket that they should. That is the real crime... CSA funds and policies should go about in bring quality players to the top... not merely rant on every mixed player they jam into a squad as a "Success" for the system or South African cricket at large.
Readers will be happy to notice I've eliminated many of my "trois points" ... It can be very contagious.
But I'll let this issue rest here and hopefully, I won't have to write articles highlighting the careers of Nel and Langeveldt soon, but spend more time on International politics and the scrumptious outcomes of a Proteas pace-battery against the Fortified batters of India.
Tuesday, March 18, 2008
Cricket: CSA Transformation Policy Making Waves...
It's always sad when politics and other *news* overshadow the game... cricket in this case. Here, I am... just recovering from the Andre Nel affair and awaiting a cracker of a series with India... and Cricket South Africa's transformation policy does it again! (Read bottom for background and definitions)
Poor Charl Langeveldt... Poor Andre Nel... both victims of an unpopular quota system which is threatening the growth and expresion of fine sportsmen... fast bowlers. Who's to blame? Norman Ardense? CSA? Gerald Manjola?
A motley crew of incidents...
Firstly, one the subject of Langeveldt over Nel? CL is definitely in the future plans of CSA. He's proven himself to be their ultimate ODI bowler... smart, swinging the ball away from the right-hander... and tight (plus Shaun Pollock's exit leaves a HUGE pair of shoes to fill). Yet was he the best choice for the tour of India? Let's take a quick look at the others in the pace-battery. We know Dale Steyn will take center stage... he deserves a few 100 blogs himself... Morne Morkel is promising and will definitely become along side Steyn, the Greats of the Future. Ntini is experienced, never gives up but unfortunately isn't quite in sync. So? You have a Legend climbing the ranks... a Legend of the Future... and a Master... who has been fading in the last few months. Soo, who fills the vacuum? the smart, tireless, hearty former prison warden... or the tireless, aggressive, eccentric big man?
My Answer
Nel for my 2 cents worth is the better test bowler... especially when there aren't conditions to work with... Some might argue he's too much like the other 3 (in pace) and what is needed is someone to hold the fort. Those critics might be forgetting Nel's series down-under, where he was amazing! He was unhittable and troubled the Aussies at everystage... with a bit of luck the Proteas should have tied that series 1-1. But Langeveldt can be seen as a nagger and the type of fast bowler who can work in the Indian conditions... which also holds water. He might get some reverse swing and grip off the pitch and offer a different challenge to Steyn and Ntini (or Morkel).
So? Where to next?
Well, that paragraph didn't solve anything did it? India is suseptible to pace. How much pace will be on offer is another question all together but if the batsmen can grind the runs... the pacers could knocked Kumble and Co. off the roost... even more knock the public of the roost after a successful series down-under.
Back to the issue at hand... Nel get's upset that he's left out and considers quitting... ? He has every right to feel upset... but Langeveldt doesn't want to go to India with the tag - racial quota - or in other words... "awwww pity" and He's right. So who's wrong? Well the system to begin with but let's not go there... that's an issue that has to be handled on its own.
I hope coach Mickey Arthur and Gerald Manjola, CSA CEO, spoke to Langeveldt and tried to deter him from leaving due to the row, but the issue there is Langeveldt probably knows who is Arthur's first choice. The worst thing and unfortunately what looks like the next step is... someone else coming into the squad and no disrespect for Monde Zondeki, but I don't think he's ready for India - the Final Frontier and possibly the 2nd or 3rd most difficult places to tour. I don't know if Nel would like to jump back in either... He must be still upset and doesn't himself want to be included as a political compromise - although he would know he was first choice. So, what does happen next? Most probably someone new will come into the squad... an uncapped bowler? Morkel is inexperienced enough (although many including the Great Allan Donald says he's mature beyond he's years) for the tour... so having two wet earred pacers is not a good idea.
This gives CSA a chance to redeem it-self, try and convince Nel to return to the squad I say... if not Langeveldt.
And for the two of them... don't through your futures away... Langeveldt is South Africa's first choice premiere ODI bowler and Nel is South Africa's premiere All-round bowler... After the demise of Hansie Cronje, the tears of Semi-finals and duckworth-lewis... surely South African cricket has hand its fair share of depressing endings.
Background
For many American viewers who might not be aware of the topic "CSA - Transformation Policy," let me give you a quick preview. Cricket South Africa is the governing body for cricket in South Africa (it's an English game second only to football globally and played somewhat like baseball) and its "Transformation Policy" is an Affirmative Action type system, where players of colour (or color) - (Black) African, Asian or a Mix - must make up a certain chunk of a squad (from which a final 11 is chosen) and team (the final 11).
Why the policy? Basically, these groups weren't given the freedom to represent and participate in the game during the Apartheid era in South Africa (which in turn blocked the national side from world cricket for three decades or so - which in turn made many "Great" South African players from never making headway internationally). So, the system is devised to ensure they are given fair representation.
The latest controversy occured when South Africa's squad for Bangladesh (a minor tour but one that preceeded a MAJOR tour to India) was revealed and a certain individual wanted to include 2 colored players instead of the chosen white players. The coach got his wish and the two colored players weren't added. Ah! But there was another turn in store. In announcing the squad for India, a colored player (Langeveldt) was chosen over a (much favored by coach) white player Andre Nel...
Poor Charl Langeveldt... Poor Andre Nel... both victims of an unpopular quota system which is threatening the growth and expresion of fine sportsmen... fast bowlers. Who's to blame? Norman Ardense? CSA? Gerald Manjola?
A motley crew of incidents...
Firstly, one the subject of Langeveldt over Nel? CL is definitely in the future plans of CSA. He's proven himself to be their ultimate ODI bowler... smart, swinging the ball away from the right-hander... and tight (plus Shaun Pollock's exit leaves a HUGE pair of shoes to fill). Yet was he the best choice for the tour of India? Let's take a quick look at the others in the pace-battery. We know Dale Steyn will take center stage... he deserves a few 100 blogs himself... Morne Morkel is promising and will definitely become along side Steyn, the Greats of the Future. Ntini is experienced, never gives up but unfortunately isn't quite in sync. So? You have a Legend climbing the ranks... a Legend of the Future... and a Master... who has been fading in the last few months. Soo, who fills the vacuum? the smart, tireless, hearty former prison warden... or the tireless, aggressive, eccentric big man?
My Answer
Nel for my 2 cents worth is the better test bowler... especially when there aren't conditions to work with... Some might argue he's too much like the other 3 (in pace) and what is needed is someone to hold the fort. Those critics might be forgetting Nel's series down-under, where he was amazing! He was unhittable and troubled the Aussies at everystage... with a bit of luck the Proteas should have tied that series 1-1. But Langeveldt can be seen as a nagger and the type of fast bowler who can work in the Indian conditions... which also holds water. He might get some reverse swing and grip off the pitch and offer a different challenge to Steyn and Ntini (or Morkel).
So? Where to next?
Well, that paragraph didn't solve anything did it? India is suseptible to pace. How much pace will be on offer is another question all together but if the batsmen can grind the runs... the pacers could knocked Kumble and Co. off the roost... even more knock the public of the roost after a successful series down-under.
Back to the issue at hand... Nel get's upset that he's left out and considers quitting... ? He has every right to feel upset... but Langeveldt doesn't want to go to India with the tag - racial quota - or in other words... "awwww pity" and He's right. So who's wrong? Well the system to begin with but let's not go there... that's an issue that has to be handled on its own.
I hope coach Mickey Arthur and Gerald Manjola, CSA CEO, spoke to Langeveldt and tried to deter him from leaving due to the row, but the issue there is Langeveldt probably knows who is Arthur's first choice. The worst thing and unfortunately what looks like the next step is... someone else coming into the squad and no disrespect for Monde Zondeki, but I don't think he's ready for India - the Final Frontier and possibly the 2nd or 3rd most difficult places to tour. I don't know if Nel would like to jump back in either... He must be still upset and doesn't himself want to be included as a political compromise - although he would know he was first choice. So, what does happen next? Most probably someone new will come into the squad... an uncapped bowler? Morkel is inexperienced enough (although many including the Great Allan Donald says he's mature beyond he's years) for the tour... so having two wet earred pacers is not a good idea.
This gives CSA a chance to redeem it-self, try and convince Nel to return to the squad I say... if not Langeveldt.
And for the two of them... don't through your futures away... Langeveldt is South Africa's first choice premiere ODI bowler and Nel is South Africa's premiere All-round bowler... After the demise of Hansie Cronje, the tears of Semi-finals and duckworth-lewis... surely South African cricket has hand its fair share of depressing endings.
Background
For many American viewers who might not be aware of the topic "CSA - Transformation Policy," let me give you a quick preview. Cricket South Africa is the governing body for cricket in South Africa (it's an English game second only to football globally and played somewhat like baseball) and its "Transformation Policy" is an Affirmative Action type system, where players of colour (or color) - (Black) African, Asian or a Mix - must make up a certain chunk of a squad (from which a final 11 is chosen) and team (the final 11).
Why the policy? Basically, these groups weren't given the freedom to represent and participate in the game during the Apartheid era in South Africa (which in turn blocked the national side from world cricket for three decades or so - which in turn made many "Great" South African players from never making headway internationally). So, the system is devised to ensure they are given fair representation.
The latest controversy occured when South Africa's squad for Bangladesh (a minor tour but one that preceeded a MAJOR tour to India) was revealed and a certain individual wanted to include 2 colored players instead of the chosen white players. The coach got his wish and the two colored players weren't added. Ah! But there was another turn in store. In announcing the squad for India, a colored player (Langeveldt) was chosen over a (much favored by coach) white player Andre Nel...
Tibet... timing vs. an empire?
“Timing is everything,” some argue. It is a crucial factor in the success of any plan or revolution; either side of that defining second will result in failure and condemnation – counting your eggs before they hatch or missing the parade (or bus) altogether.
That is why latest protests in Tibet, through a motley collection of reports, withdrawals, and annual celebrations, seem to have hit the nail right on the head.
First and foremost, it marks the 49th anniversary of the uprising that led to the exile of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s struggle for a sense of autonomy is different from other divided hot spots in the world; they are said to desire spiritual freedom before a national identity, and an amicable solution for the Tibetans, according to the Dalai Lama would have close relations with China.
New countries aren’t born everyday and we can’t expect another anytime soon. Barely a month after Kosovo became the youngest country in the world we have another discussion piece from the Himalayas. It is a vital jab of keeping the issue in the minds and media screens of a world audience. And while precedent is a strong ally to a cause, coming second can pay off in global politics. We can remember the monks in Burma, “Ops! Myanmar,” just a few months ago and already there are comparisons. Sanctions and a rebuke from the first lady wasn’t enough to bring a motion picture ending but Tibet has that missed opportunity to jump on.
Then there’s the popularity poll on China. World renowned American director Steven Spielberg pulled out of artistic advisor role for the Beijing games over China not pushing their influence on Sudan (one of the current crop of sovereign “bad boys”), a human rights report by the U.S. took another stab and what we all know is a poor Chinese record and then there’s the event the world has been waiting for… the Summer Olympics in August.
While the violence and statistics were played both ways by either side, Tibet’s most powerful spokesman have played China extremely well. They haven’t sat back on comfy sofas and slapped China silly.
Richard Gere’s comments on CNN called China to take steps in being a responsible world power and besides using the “G word” (cultural genocide), the Dalai Lama’s insisted that China is a worthy host for the Olympics; keeping the ball on China’s side of court and if Hu Jintau’s government don’t hit back… match point could come closer than they think.
Yet China is a different creature altogether. They have been successful at blocking media reports and keeping many questions concerning the aftermath unanswered. While this will only draw more condemnation and demand for answers by the international community, China is banking on them switching back to normalcy (we have our own problems to deal with anyway).
China’s clamp down has effectively controlled the wildfire but Tibet has allies around the Western borders of China, namely the other rising global power India. But change will come from far distant shores and Tibet must find ways to prolong the latest embers to spark of enough discussion.
Perhaps the latest row won’t scratch too deep into the surface, but with China’s arrival to the world stage months away; this is unlikely to be the final pin aimed at the red balloon. It will raise new challenges for a giant who’s still hoping to go unnoticed, a parent who has to learn that strict law and order only strengthens the rebellious child.
That is why latest protests in Tibet, through a motley collection of reports, withdrawals, and annual celebrations, seem to have hit the nail right on the head.
First and foremost, it marks the 49th anniversary of the uprising that led to the exile of Tibet’s spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Tibet’s struggle for a sense of autonomy is different from other divided hot spots in the world; they are said to desire spiritual freedom before a national identity, and an amicable solution for the Tibetans, according to the Dalai Lama would have close relations with China.
New countries aren’t born everyday and we can’t expect another anytime soon. Barely a month after Kosovo became the youngest country in the world we have another discussion piece from the Himalayas. It is a vital jab of keeping the issue in the minds and media screens of a world audience. And while precedent is a strong ally to a cause, coming second can pay off in global politics. We can remember the monks in Burma, “Ops! Myanmar,” just a few months ago and already there are comparisons. Sanctions and a rebuke from the first lady wasn’t enough to bring a motion picture ending but Tibet has that missed opportunity to jump on.
Then there’s the popularity poll on China. World renowned American director Steven Spielberg pulled out of artistic advisor role for the Beijing games over China not pushing their influence on Sudan (one of the current crop of sovereign “bad boys”), a human rights report by the U.S. took another stab and what we all know is a poor Chinese record and then there’s the event the world has been waiting for… the Summer Olympics in August.
While the violence and statistics were played both ways by either side, Tibet’s most powerful spokesman have played China extremely well. They haven’t sat back on comfy sofas and slapped China silly.
Richard Gere’s comments on CNN called China to take steps in being a responsible world power and besides using the “G word” (cultural genocide), the Dalai Lama’s insisted that China is a worthy host for the Olympics; keeping the ball on China’s side of court and if Hu Jintau’s government don’t hit back… match point could come closer than they think.
Yet China is a different creature altogether. They have been successful at blocking media reports and keeping many questions concerning the aftermath unanswered. While this will only draw more condemnation and demand for answers by the international community, China is banking on them switching back to normalcy (we have our own problems to deal with anyway).
China’s clamp down has effectively controlled the wildfire but Tibet has allies around the Western borders of China, namely the other rising global power India. But change will come from far distant shores and Tibet must find ways to prolong the latest embers to spark of enough discussion.
Perhaps the latest row won’t scratch too deep into the surface, but with China’s arrival to the world stage months away; this is unlikely to be the final pin aimed at the red balloon. It will raise new challenges for a giant who’s still hoping to go unnoticed, a parent who has to learn that strict law and order only strengthens the rebellious child.
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