Let me start by saying that I love the Dalai Lama and AFAIK everything he stands for spiritually...

... but does his spiritual connection really have to be tied into his political one?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7410745.stm

This link presents an excellent political arguments IMO but it doesn't change my personal opinion that the Dalai Lama -- and thus Tibet -- are unique and should be preserved as is, theology, philosophy, geography, and all.

My fear is that if the Chinese are given free reign in Tibet, all of the above will crumble and we will be worse for it.