One World, One Dream.

The Beijing 2008 Olympics slogan is supposed to invoke a sense of freedom and liberty. But the treatment of Tibet, and not the upcoming games, is in the spotlight.

In the 1950s, Communist China launched a military assault against Tibet, claiming the region as its own. March 10 was the anniversary of Tibet’s 1959 failed uprising, and on March 14, heated arguments over imprisoned monks led to another uprising.

China blames the Dalai Lama for the recent outbursts, saying he motivates Tibetans to rebel. The Dalai Lama denies this claim, saying the uprising is merely caused by resentment for China, and the communist government is responsible for the oppression of Tibet and, in turn, the riots.

“Tibetans’ resentment of China is deep-seated,” said Yuan-Kang Wang, assistant professor of political science. “Tibetans know they won’t be given total freedom; even the Dalai Lama is just asking for autonomy.”

I’m sure not many people will argue with me that Tibet has the right to be free. All other countries on the planet do.

But, some people still feel the need for control and suppression. It’s every person’s, state’s or country’s right to be independent. Obviously, that’s what freedom is and what it’s for, but the Chinese government seems too blind to realize that Tibetans won’t rest until they’re at least given autonomy. China thinks it is helping Tibet financially and economically, and not unfairly controlling Tibet.

With the recent attacks on the Olympics pre-events, China is making itself out to be the victim, Wang said. Instead of calling this an “uprising,” China is simply calling it a “riot” or “protest” to bring sympathy back to itself.

What Tibet wants is simple: autonomy. With the torch in China, the country has beefed up security and is trying to appear calm amid the embarrassing protests. Tibetans have found an opportunity to rattle some cages and to put China in the decision-making spotlight. Or, they could face more bad publicity. Either way, Tibet now has the attention of China and other countries. It just has to hope China will make a change for the greater good.

“This whole problem is not going to go away overnight,” Wang said. “Tibet has gotten international attention and put pressure on China to change, but China will not give in easily. Tibetans aren’t getting their voices heard. China is using this to their advantage and Tibetans aren’t benefiting.”

Tibet must push China in a direction that will attract media attention. If they can implore others to help fight for the cause, Tibet can depend on supposed allies of free nations to step in and change Chinese policy.