Global Role in the Olympics

Tibetan monks in China have been repeatedly calling for the return of their spiritual leader, the Dalai Lama. Many Chinese authorities believe that the monks and other supporters of the Dalai Lama will use the Olympics to publicize their cause. In response, Chinese authorities have restricted access to Tibet in an attempt to keep unrest at a minimum. China was hoping to use the running of the Olympic torch as a representation of China’s developing economic and political strength. Now, the negative publicity surrounding Tibet and global protests occurring along the Olympic torch route, are negatively impacting the sense of prosperity that China had hoped to gain from the Games. Several European leaders have said that they will not be attending the Olympics. It will be interesting to see what the United States' position becomes in this matter.