Rev. Danny Fisher

The major news about the Tibet situation today is that His Holiness the Dalai Lama has said that he will resign as political leader of the Tibetan government if violence worsens. The Associated Press reports:

The Dalai Lama, speaking to reporters, urged his countrymen to show restraint.

He said that “if things become out of control” his “only option is to completely resign.”

Later, one of his top aides clarified the Dalai Lama’s comments.

“If the Tibetans were to choose the path of violence he would have to resign because he is completely committed to nonviolence,” Tenzin Taklha said. “He would resign as the political leader and head of state, but not as the Dalai Lama. He will always be the Dalai Lama.”

The recent protests in the Tibetan capital Lhasa, led by monks, began peacefully March 10 on the anniversary of a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese rule. But they grew increasingly violent, culminating Friday with widespread street violence. Chinese officials say 16 people were killed, but the Tibetan government-in-exile put the toll at 80.

While the situation inside Tibet remains unclear, much of the violence appears to have been committed by Tibetans attacking ethnic Han Chinese, the majority ethnicity in China. In the days since then, worries have grown that Chinese troops trying to reassert control over Lhasa were exacting retribution against the Tibetans.

The Dalai Lama also called on Tibetan exiles beginning a six-month march from India to Lhasa to stop their march at the border.

“Will you get independence? What’s the use?” he said.

The Guardian also offers an excellent timeline of events. And the Washington Post has a spectacular photo gallery of protest and crackdown images from Tibet, China, India, and Nepal.

In addition, my friend Georgios sent me this video of Greek police breaking up a Tibetan demonstration in front of Ancient Olympia in Southern Greece.

Finally, Avaaz.org is circulating a petition to Chinese President Hu Jintao about the situation. The text of it reads:

As citizens around the world, we call on you to show restraint and respect for human rights in your response to the protests in Tibet, and to address the concerns of all Tibetans by opening meaningful dialogue with the Dalai Lama. Only dialogue and reform will bring lasting stability. China’s brightest future, and its most positive relationship with the world, lies in harmonious development, dialogue and respect.

You can add your name to petition here.