Like Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, I feel the protests will not work. The only effect they will have is to embarrass the Chinese government and, in the process, cause some hurt and anger among young Chinese citizens. Due to the Chinese need to save face and judging from past responses when its policies were criticised, the Chinese government will not change its policies on Tibet because of protests.

The only key factor to effect change for the Tibetans, whatever the merits of their case may be, is the United States government. And the approach taken by the US government is crucial. It must not be the usual open criticism approach American politicians and the media are fond of taking, but a better, behind-the-scenes approach where key issues are discussed out of the limelight. In this instance, I am not sure if the US government regards Tibet as a core issue.

I think the Dalai Lama is well aware of the dynamics of this issue. He quickly decided to distance himself from the protests and I believe, contrary to Chinese government assertion, he is not responsible for them. I believe he knows the best way to effect change is to influence the power brokers in Washington, which he has undoubtedly tried to do via high-profile campaigns involving Hollywood celebrities. But what he needs to do is influence the mainstream media and thus ordinary Americans.

If his hopes do not lie with the present administration, perhaps he should look to the next one and thus the present presidential candidates. He should make it so the media will deem it important enough to ask presidential candidates their stand on Tibet and make it an important talking point among ordinary Americans before they cast their vote. Then, whoever wins the election should be held accountable. The media has an important role in this.

Ta

n Kee Lin