The Current Discussion:Protests over the Olympic torch relay have led to a crackdown in Tibet. Is Tibetan independence a lost cause? If not, what should its supporters do to win it?

I think the protests related to the Olympic torch are false and superfluous. Two Olympic games in my lifetime have been boycotted because of political rivalries. The results were poor—almost ridiculous. Sporting events should be left alone as apolitical games. Let everyone attend and let some win, regardless of the political judgments of the host country.

No country’s independence is a lost cause nowadays. But in every country, it's the people who live there who must fight for that independence. There is not much other people around the globe can do, and nothing for superpowers to do, especially not with their military force.

Call me an incorrigible optimist, but I am sure that sooner or later China will accept it if Tibet wants to be free. China is so big, and has so many inhabitants… They do not really need Tibet. China's politicians consider this a case of prestige. But for the next generation of Chinese politicians it will be more of a practical problem.

Tibetans should strongly unite, protest and fight - who knows for how long. I am sure that’s the only way that might lead towards independence for their country.