Tibet Violence casts a shadow over Beijing Olympics

--By Sagar Satapathy, Editor-in-Chief

The continued violence in Tibet, has put the Beijing Olympics 2008 in real danger. While the foreign countries are building up pressure on China to immediately stop violence in Tibet, the Chinese government blamed spiritual leader Dalai Lama of colluding with Uighur terrorists in Xinjiang to create anti-Chinese sentiments in the West.

The violent protests Buddhist Monks in Tibet, which began on March 10, has claimed officially claimed 18 lives so far. However, unofficial sources put the death toll at 130, as Chinese security forces have launched a massive offensive against the protesters. Since Media is not being allowed inside Tibet, it has become difficult for the world community to know what exactly is going on there at this moment.

Germany has already threatened to pull out of the Olympics Games if the violence in Tibet does not stop. Many Western countries have demanded to know the real situation in Tibet. In another development, the EU has asked the world community to put pressure on China to stop violence by threatening to boycott the Olympics Games if required.

In the past, the Chinese Government had never buckled under pressure and did whatever it wanted. The West has so far failed to dictate its terms when it comes to Chinese affairs. But now they have an opportunity. Certainly, China cannot afford the boycott of Olympics, as it would lose billions of dollars, which will cause a damaging impact on its Economy. Also, the country would lose its stature on the global arena.

It would be interesting to wait and watch the developments regarding the Olympics 2008. But it is necessary to restore peace and order in Tibet at the earliest, which is the need of the hour.