President Barack Obama passes on a visit with the Dalai Lama outraging many human rights supporters around the world. Interestingly enough in the *Dalai Lama Camp they are not as miffed, in fact they welcome the warming of U.S. China relations. Top aid and negotiator for the Dalai Lama, Lodi Gyari defended Obama’s “snub” and embraced this action noting that the Dali Lama was always supportive of U.S. engagement with China.

According to Gyari the Tibetan people took a “broader long-term perspective” on this turn of events. In a statement Gyari said;

“Our hope is that the cooperative US-Chinese relationship that President Obama’s administration seeks will create conditions that support the resolution of the legitimate grievances of the Tibetan people,”

With all that said it would behoove others not to second guess the Dalai Lama since it is clear President Obama has his blessings. It would appear the Dalai Lama is looking at the bigger picture in establishing a qualitative and productive dialogue with China. Open discussing rather than pointed barbs does yield better results where showing face is an equal part of any negotiations in Asia. Does President Obama get a “pass” on this issue? No, on the contrary this places Obama under the microscope of worldwide public opinion since now there are billions of witnesses.

Outrage, disappointment and anger prevail throughout the globe by this “snub” and have placed the US president on the same level as pond scum with many ardent human rights activists and Dalai Lama supporters. The ramifications of this action have rippled throughout the diplomatic communities around the world as well, especially nations who’ve already engaged his holiness the Dalai Lama. More hinges on what transpires on Obama’s visit to China then he may realize for his credibility is at stake. And if Obama can pull off a positive Tibetan solution he will stop the downward spiral of his popularity. If this visit is all about money the downward plunge will continue with a vengeance as he alienates more of his core supporters.

Like they say, “the opera ain’t over till the fat lady sings”. Whether I agree with this latest presidential action or not is of no consequence since it is still the Dalai Lama’s call. His camp has embraced this engagement with China with promise and great hopes for the future. I look at this turn of events with great skepticism but I will follow the Dalai Lama’s lead and bite a hole in my tongue. I will not hold my breath though. And I pray that my gut feeling on this turn of events is nothing more than gas.

Your Devil’s Advocate

Buffalohair

* http://www.phayul.com/news/article.aspx?id=25656#