The fact that the Dalai Lama's political failures are of his own making is a little-known fact expertly highlighted in this well-reported story against the background of the widespread frustration and fury of Tibetan exiles in India.

The most important part of this honest, poignant piece is the ending: "The best gift that Israel's friends here could give this gallant, embattled democracy on its milestone birthday would be returning the United States to its leading role in active diplomacy to end the conflicts in the Middle East -- and help a secure, thriving Israel find a permanent, accepted home among the community of nations." The phrase "permanent, accepted home" is particularly telling because in the forseeable future at least some nations -- almost all of them in the Mideast -- will be loath to accept Israel's existence as a nation state. The reason lies in the mists of history: Israel and Pakistan are the only two nations founded on the basis of ... More »

This interview, with leading Sinologist and UCLA Political Science Professor Richard Baum, offers a highly informative, perceptive and readable account of some of China's key social and political problems, particularly regarding the nation's turbulent relationship with Tibet and the Dalai Lama. The interview is conducted by a seasoned Asian-affairs journalist and it answers some highly relevant questions about China, such as why the nation's leadership has failed to redress Tibetan grievances about China's dictatorial rule in Tibet.

This is journalism at its best by a brave and seasoned reporter close to the subject. Townsend's "epiphany" at the end of the review offers readers an important take-away message not just as it applies to religion but just about every aspect of life: What we see, read or hear must be critically evaluated "against a larger truth."