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.