"The Dalai Lama’s second-oldest brother, Gyalo Thondup,
helped the C.I.A. train Tibetan guerrillas in Colorado,
among other places, and parachute them back into Tibet."
This link has more details: http://www.historynet.com/cias-secret-war-in-tibet.htm
As does Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/CIA_Tibetan_program
I wonder what will be thought of articles such as https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/middle_east/iraqis-thin... a decade or two in the future.
http://www.smithsonianmag.com/arts-culture/why-ai-weiwei-bre...
But Tibetians are much more numerous and they've lost their independence much more recently, making their case incomparable to that of Cherokee. Your parable is shaky.
You seem to think that Dalai Lama issue is either solely about annoying China, or solely about self-presentation. It is not. People are genuinely interested in Buddhism because it looks elegant and less stained than other major religions.
Your last statement confuses me. What does Dalai Lama have to do with Buddhism? The Dalai Lama is not the head of Buddhism but the head of Tibet, which is a tribe seeking a political state. Tibetan Buddhism is a sect of Buddhism practiced beyond Tibetan borders. Much like a great many Shia Muslims live in Iran, but we would not confound Iranian political independence with Shia Islam. Let's not forget Buddha was "born" in present-day Nepal. Certainly, the Dalai Lama is no fool and uses his religion for his political agenda, seeking to perhaps to conflate the two. By your post it seems he is succeeding.
Because it was basically invented by white folks in the last 150 years and designed to appeal to those with scientific mindset. I'm not saying that's bad, but it's a little propagandistic not to acknowledge it.
Correct me if I'm wrong, but as far as I know the majority of Tibetans were before the Chinese slaves in an absolutist monarchy/theocracy that used extremely cruel torture and punishments. (amputation of limbs, skinning, cutting off ears/noses)
Let's be honest here, this whole Free Tibet business is just about pressuring the Chinese government and nothing else.
If it advances the US governments strategic goals then they will even support barbarians like ISIS.
Unfortunately for the US the Chinese government is quite resilient.
They are not even trying to stir something in Tibet anymore, that one has failed. Currently they are trying hard in the Muslim Uighur regions, but apparently it doesn't work any better.
The Chinese will just crush any externally supported resistance, they don't give a crap. Nor do the Russians.
It's the typical western response, great pain at the Tibetan peasants overthrow of the Dalai Lama's theocracy in concert with Chinese communists, yet nothing but scorn for the natives and traditions of their annexed territories like Hawaii.
They kind of recognise him, he is free to travel, nontheless they pressure other people to not see him.
Seems like they can't explain what they're trying to do to themself.
Chinese tell you: Do as we wish; or else. If you do as we tell you, nothing changes; otherwise, Things May Happen To You. (In this case, "don't meet Dalai Lama") And the world is happy to oblige. I mean, what will they demand next? As a person, I would never tolerate things like this from third party. You want me to behave how you like? Pay. Countries are just happy to give Chinese something for nothing. If barter will be in place, stakes will eventually rise, but as long as they get free service, no inflation for them!
Pope taking orders from communist party on the other side of the globe under "Or Else" threats is an especial pity. Where's your realm, Pope, in this world or in another one?