Thursday, February 11, 2010

Obama-Dalai Lama meeting is only option


A Tibet Freedom Movement activist makes a portrait of U.S. President Barack Obama with his blood in Shimla, India as he thanks him for agreeing to meet the Dalai Lama. China again urged Obama not to hold a planned meeting with Dalai Lama (AP/Anil Dayal).

WASHINGTON, D.C. (AP) -- Just a week after enraging China with an arms sale package for Taiwan, President Barack Obama risks more damage to this crucial relationship by agreeing to meet with the Dalai Lama in two weeks. The truth is, he has little choice.

Obama already postponed the visit once, angering U.S. lawmakers and human rights groups. As he struggles to regain his footing after political setbacks, the last thing he needs is to open himself up to fresh criticism that he is kowtowing to China.

So on Thursday, his administration confirmed what had long been expected: Obama will meet with the Dalai Lama when the Tibetan monk visits Washington on Feb. 17-18. More>>

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