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The Australian
a day ago
- Politics
- The Australian
PM's Palestine blunder plays to domestic cheer squad
These actions are not likely to have any particular consequence in the Middle East. They're not really concerned with the politics of Gaza City and Ramallah but with Marrickville and Liverpool, Northcote and Broadmeadows. This is about domestic politics, not the Middle East. As Frank Knopfelmacher long ago quipped: Australia foreign policy is often domestic politics by other means. Consider the simple logic. You recognise a state when a state exists. This move would be the equivalent of recognising a Tibetan state. After all, Beijing invaded Tibet and has perpetrated undeniable human rights abuses. The Tibetan government-in-exile claims to be the true representative of the Tibetan people. Are the Tibetan people less worthy of a state than Palestinians? But China is a big power, Israel a small power. Our 'conscience' typically goes quiet with big powers. Australia recognises states rather than governments. If we decline to have diplomatic relations with the Taliban government, we still recognise Afghanistan. International convention, to which Australia subscribes, is that a state must have recognised borders, a clear government in control of its territory and various other attributes, none of which Palestine enjoys. What has happened here is that Israel's military campaign in Gaza, especially in recent months, and the prospect of an intensified campaign in Gaza city are very unpopular. (Incidentally, I strongly support Israel's right to defend itself against Hamas but think in recent months the moral, human and political cost has outweighed any benefit. Therefore it should change the campaign. That view doesn't require early recognition of Palestine.) One way left-of-centre governments are coping with the domestic politics this situation throws up is the empty, symbolic and meaningless gesture of recognition, though the politics of this recognition could be destructive. Russia recognised a Palestinian state decades ago, yet this didn't hasten an actual Palestinian state. As Liberal senator Dave Sharma, a former Australian ambassador to Israel, told Radio National, recognition has 'strengthened Hamas's international position, it's made Hamas less likely to reach a ceasefire. It's made Hamas able to portray itself as making political progress because of its military actions, and that is actually pushing back the resolution of this conflict.' Hamas also credibly claims these moves by Western governments to afford recognition as a huge victory for its violence. Sharma makes the broader point that conflating criticism of Israel's latest military policy with formal recognition of Palestine is illogical and counter-productive. When a new state is established, diplomatic recognition helps legitimatise and normalise it. Thus when what is now the Republic of Ireland broke away from Britain and became the Irish Free State in 1922, international recognition helped underwrite the deal. Similarly when South Sudan became independent. When the former Yugoslavia broke up, the individual nations like Serbia and Croatia were recognised one by one. When Ukraine left the Russian Federation, Moscow and Kyiv negotiated borders and the deal was ratified, among others, by Britain and the US, though Russia under Vladimir Putin later invaded. This move by the Albanese government is more akin to recognising a government-in-exile; the White Russians in the 1920s, for example. Most of the opposition figures who spoke on this were nearly as confused as the government, saying predominantly that the conditions Anthony Albanese mentioned should be satisfied before recognition. The opposition shows its lack of sophistication here. All the conditions Albanese outlined could be theoretically satisfied and it still would be illogical, counter-productive and meaningless to recognise a state that can come into existence only at the end of a complicated negotiation. As has often been stated, the Palestinians have been seriously offered a state on four separate occasions. When Israel and Palestine were first partitioned the Palestinians and the surrounding Arab states refused, rejected the partition and launched a war of annihilation against Israel. Then under the Oslo Accords there were two separate offers to the Palestinians. We needn't rely on Israeli testimony. These are all described at length in the memoirs of Clinton administration officials. Then Israeli prime minister Ehud Olmert made a further offer in 2008. Again, no need to rely on Israeli sources. This was described in Condoleezza Rice's memoirs. In each case the offer was essentially the same: a Palestinian state on almost all the West Bank, about 94 per cent of it, with only the Jewish settlements adjacent to Jerusalem kept by Israel but with compensating land swaps from Israel proper; plus all of Gaza; plus a Palestinian capital in east Jerusalem. In return the Palestinians had to accept that this was the end of all claims against Israel and that they give up the idea that millions of Palestinians living overseas could come back to live in Israel, and of course they had to put an end to terrorism and anti-Semitic incitement in their education systems. But the whole ideology of Palestinianism, as some call it, is that they have been removed from the whole land of Israel, which belongs to them, and that there's no legitimacy to a Jewish state in the Middle East. Therefore they could never finally agree to any possible deal. The extremists among them responded with anti-Israeli terrorism. Not only that, it was clear that any Palestinian leader who made peace on those terms would be assassinated, just as Egypt's president, Anwar Sadat, was assassinated by extremists who objected to his peace with Israel. For much of the period since the Olmert offer the Palestinian leadership has refused to negotiate so-called final status issues with Israel at all. The 'right of return' is the most ridiculous Palestinian demand. Under this, every descendant or blood relative of any family that historically once lived in the territory of Israel would have a right to return and live permanently in Israel. Years ago I interviewed senior Palestinian intellectual Sari Nusseibeh, who told me he thought the right of return was simply completely unrealistic. By now it's probably seven million people who would qualify under the right of return to live in Israel. No Palestinian leader will give this up. No Israeli will ever accept it. Its only real purpose is to offer an excuse for Palestinian representatives to reject any realistic offer of a state. All this rejectionism has moved Israeli politics to the right. Indeed, while ever Palestinian leaders hold these positions a two-state solution is indeed impossible. Yet all of Albanese's blather doesn't even mention any of the three final status issues – accepting the 1967 borders with land swaps, the status of Jerusalem and forgoing the right of return. It is of course inconceivable that even the conditions Albanese claims now accompany recognition will be met. Reform of the Palestinian Authority? Now there's a novel idea. Similarly, what happens if there is an election and, as likely, Hamas wins? Support for an eventual two-state solution has been bipartisan in Australia but not support for early recognition of a Palestinian state. No Australian government can solve the Israel-Palestine dispute. Australian governments can cynically manipulate these issues for domestic political purposes. That's what's happening here. Greg Sheridan Foreign Editor Greg Sheridan is The Australian's foreign editor. His most recent book, Christians, the urgent case for Jesus in our world, became a best seller weeks after publication. It makes the case for the historical reliability of the New Testament and explores the lives of early Christians and contemporary Christians. He is one of the nation's most influential national security commentators, who is active across television and radio, and also writes extensively on culture and religion. He has written eight books, mostly on Asia and international relations. A previous book, God is Good for You, was also a best seller. When We Were Young and Foolish was an entertaining memoir of culture, politics and journalism. As foreign editor, he specialises in Asia and America. He has interviewed Presidents and Prime Ministers around the world.
Yahoo
07-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday as crowds throng his home-in-exile
Thousands of people gathered in India's Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama – a key milestone in the life of the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate known for his message of compassion and his quest for greater freedoms for Tibet under Beijing's rule. Undeterred by heavy monsoon rain and thick fog, crowds dressed in their finery packed the narrow streets from early morning and queued in droves hoping to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama at the Tsuklakhang Tibetan Buddhist complex. Hundreds of hopeful attendees were left waiting to see if they would be allowed into the temple, which reached full capacity before the festivities began and was heavily manned by Indian police and security personnel. Masked dancers in traditional outfits twirled to the sounds of gongs, pipes and horns as the Dalai Lama was led into the complex by two attendants. Indian government ministers spoke at the event, as well as Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter of the Dalai Lama. Singing performances filled the courtyard as the Dalai Lama was served a slice of his birthday cake, topped with fresh fruit and a white lily. The gathering marked the culmination of a days-long celebration that brought supporters and spiritual heads to the small city in India's Himalayan foothills, which has served as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home of the Dalai Lama since he fled Tibet during a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese communist rule. Many had traveled far to join the celebration, such as Namgyal Dorjee Gongpa, from New Jersey in the United States. The 49-year-old, at the celebration with his wife and three sons, told CNN: 'This is a very momentous occasion for myself and my family.' 'Every year, we take trips to India, which is the epicenter of the exile Tibetan setup so that my kids who are born in a foreign country… get back to their roots and learn and live their culture. So this is a great occasion because we can all take part in the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.' In a birthday message on X, the Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of 'achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate.' Woven into his reflections was a pledge to continue promoting human values, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom and Tibetan culture, which 'has so much potential to contribute to the world.' At a ceremony on Saturday, as attendees prayed for his long life, he assured them of his 'great physical condition' and raised his longevity goal to 130, two decades beyond his previous prediction. As he was led out the temple, video showed the Dalai Lama gently swaying to more live music, before continuing outside and leaving on his golf cart. This year's festivities carry heightened significance as a stage for the charismatic leader to address the looming question of what happens after his death. In a video message to religious elders on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama announced that he will have a successor after his death, and affirmed that his office has the 'sole authority' to recognize his future reincarnation. 'No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' the Dalai Lama said in his recorded message. The statement sets the stage for a struggle over his succession between Tibetan Buddhist leaders in exile and China's atheist Communist Party, which insists it alone holds the authority to approve the next dalai lama. The Dalai Lama's announcement was welcomed by many Tibetan Buddhists, who had been waiting for his decision on whether the centuries-old institution would end with his death – a question he had earlier said he would re-evaluate around his 90th birthday. Speaking from the crowds, Tenzin Nyidon, 26, originally from Odisha, eastern India, told CNN she holds his reincarnation 'with deep respect' and raised concerns over China's 'attempts to politicize' this process. 'I feel that he has thoughtfully considered the future and made it clear that the decision will be guided by the Tibetan people and Buddhist traditions and not by any external political interference,' she added. 'At the same time, like many Tibetans, I do have concerns about China's attempts to politicize the reincarnation process by potentially appointing its own dalai lama… Their appointment of a dalai lama would not only be a distortion of our faith but also a strategy to undermine Tibetan identity.' Tibetan Buddhists believe in the circle of rebirth, and that when an enlightened spiritual master like the Dalai Lama dies, he will be able to choose the place and time of his rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer. But the religious tradition has increasingly become a battleground for the control of Tibetan hearts and minds, and experts expect that Beijing will seek to establish its own dalai lama after the current one – part of the Comunist Party's campaign to 'sinicize' religion to ensure it aligns with Communist Party leadership and maintain its tightening grip over Tibet. The Dalai Lama has previously stated that his successor will be born in the 'free world' outside China, urging his followers to reject any candidate selected by Beijing. Asked about the Dalai Lama's latest statement on his reincarnation, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reiterated Beijing's long-held stance that the spiritual leader's reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws and regulations, with search and identification conducted in China and approved by the central government. Beijing has long sought to discredit the Dalai Lama and claims he is a dangerous 'separatist.' Since the 1970s, however, the Dalai Lama has maintained that he no longer seeks full independence for Tibet, but 'meaningful' autonomy that would allow Tibetans to preserve their distinct culture, religion and identity. His commitment to the nonviolent 'middle way' approach has earned him international support and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. As China's political and economic clout has grown, however, the Dalai Lama's global influence appears to be waning, especially as old age makes it difficult to sustain his extensive globe-trotting. The spiritual leader has not met a sitting US president since Barack Obama in 2016, after numerous visits to the White House since 1991. On his birthday, however, heartfelt messages poured in from world leaders, politicians, lawmakers and artists in a video played at the event and compiled by Tibet TV, run by the Tibetan government-in-exile. Obama wished a 'very happy birthday to the youngest 90-year-old I know,' and thanked the Dalai Lama for his friendship. 'You've shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk,' he added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement on X which was read at the event : 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. 'He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.' In an official statement, also read at the event, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for efforts to preserve Tibetans' heritage, 'including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.'
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Dalai Lama marks his 90th birthday as crowds throng his home-in-exile
Thousands of people gathered in India's Dharamshala on Sunday to celebrate the 90th birthday of the Dalai Lama – a key milestone in the life of the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate known for his message of compassion and his quest for greater freedoms for Tibet under Beijing's rule. Undeterred by heavy monsoon rain and thick fog, crowds dressed in their finery packed the narrow streets from early morning and queued in droves hoping to catch a glimpse of the Dalai Lama at the Tsuklakhang Tibetan Buddhist complex. Hundreds of hopeful attendees were left waiting to see if they would be allowed into the temple, which reached full capacity before the festivities began and was heavily manned by Indian police and security personnel. Masked dancers in traditional outfits twirled to the sounds of gongs, pipes and horns as the Dalai Lama was led into the complex by two attendants. Indian government ministers spoke at the event, as well as Hollywood actor Richard Gere, a longtime supporter of the Dalai Lama. Singing performances filled the courtyard as the Dalai Lama was served a slice of his birthday cake, topped with fresh fruit and a white lily. The gathering marked the culmination of a days-long celebration that brought supporters and spiritual heads to the small city in India's Himalayan foothills, which has served as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home of the Dalai Lama since he fled Tibet during a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese communist rule. Many had traveled far to join the celebration, such as Namgyal Dorjee Gongpa, from New Jersey in the United States. The 49-year-old, at the celebration with his wife and three sons, told CNN: 'This is a very momentous occasion for myself and my family.' 'Every year, we take trips to India, which is the epicenter of the exile Tibetan setup so that my kids who are born in a foreign country… get back to their roots and learn and live their culture. So this is a great occasion because we can all take part in the celebration of His Holiness the Dalai Lama's 90th birthday.' In a birthday message on X, the Dalai Lama emphasized the importance of 'achieving peace of mind through cultivating a good heart and by being compassionate.' Woven into his reflections was a pledge to continue promoting human values, religious harmony, ancient Indian wisdom and Tibetan culture, which 'has so much potential to contribute to the world.' At a ceremony on Saturday, as attendees prayed for his long life, he assured them of his 'great physical condition' and raised his longevity goal to 130, two decades beyond his previous prediction. As he was led out the temple, video showed the Dalai Lama gently swaying to more live music, before continuing outside and leaving on his golf cart. This year's festivities carry heightened significance as a stage for the charismatic leader to address the looming question of what happens after his death. In a video message to religious elders on Wednesday, the Dalai Lama announced that he will have a successor after his death, and affirmed that his office has the 'sole authority' to recognize his future reincarnation. 'No one else has any such authority to interfere in this matter,' the Dalai Lama said in his recorded message. The statement sets the stage for a struggle over his succession between Tibetan Buddhist leaders in exile and China's atheist Communist Party, which insists it alone holds the authority to approve the next dalai lama. The Dalai Lama's announcement was welcomed by many Tibetan Buddhists, who had been waiting for his decision on whether the centuries-old institution would end with his death – a question he had earlier said he would re-evaluate around his 90th birthday. Speaking from the crowds, Tenzin Nyidon, 26, originally from Odisha, eastern India, told CNN she holds his reincarnation 'with deep respect' and raised concerns over China's 'attempts to politicize' this process. 'I feel that he has thoughtfully considered the future and made it clear that the decision will be guided by the Tibetan people and Buddhist traditions and not by any external political interference,' she added. 'At the same time, like many Tibetans, I do have concerns about China's attempts to politicize the reincarnation process by potentially appointing its own dalai lama… Their appointment of a dalai lama would not only be a distortion of our faith but also a strategy to undermine Tibetan identity.' Tibetan Buddhists believe in the circle of rebirth, and that when an enlightened spiritual master like the Dalai Lama dies, he will be able to choose the place and time of his rebirth through the force of compassion and prayer. But the religious tradition has increasingly become a battleground for the control of Tibetan hearts and minds, and experts expect that Beijing will seek to establish its own dalai lama after the current one – part of the Comunist Party's campaign to 'sinicize' religion to ensure it aligns with Communist Party leadership and maintain its tightening grip over Tibet. The Dalai Lama has previously stated that his successor will be born in the 'free world' outside China, urging his followers to reject any candidate selected by Beijing. Asked about the Dalai Lama's latest statement on his reincarnation, a spokesperson for the Chinese Foreign Ministry on Wednesday reiterated Beijing's long-held stance that the spiritual leader's reincarnation must comply with Chinese laws and regulations, with search and identification conducted in China and approved by the central government. Beijing has long sought to discredit the Dalai Lama and claims he is a dangerous 'separatist.' Since the 1970s, however, the Dalai Lama has maintained that he no longer seeks full independence for Tibet, but 'meaningful' autonomy that would allow Tibetans to preserve their distinct culture, religion and identity. His commitment to the nonviolent 'middle way' approach has earned him international support and the Nobel Peace Prize in 1989. As China's political and economic clout has grown, however, the Dalai Lama's global influence appears to be waning, especially as old age makes it difficult to sustain his extensive globe-trotting. The spiritual leader has not met a sitting US president since Barack Obama in 2016, after numerous visits to the White House since 1991. On his birthday, however, heartfelt messages poured in from world leaders, politicians, lawmakers and artists in a video played at the event and compiled by Tibet TV, run by the Tibetan government-in-exile. Obama wished a 'very happy birthday to the youngest 90-year-old I know,' and thanked the Dalai Lama for his friendship. 'You've shown generations what it means to practice compassion and speak up for freedom and dignity. Not bad for someone who describes himself as a simple Buddhist monk,' he added. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said in a statement on X which was read at the event : 'I join 1.4 billion Indians in extending our warmest wishes to His Holiness the Dalai Lama on his 90th birthday. 'He has been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline. His message has inspired respect and admiration across all faiths. We pray for his continued good health and long life.' In an official statement, also read at the event, US Secretary of State Marco Rubio expressed support for efforts to preserve Tibetans' heritage, 'including their ability to freely choose and venerate religious leaders without interference.'
CTV News
06-07-2025
- Politics
- CTV News
Dalai Lama, a global symbol of Tibetan culture and resistance, turns 90
Tibetan spiritual leader the Dalai Lama, in yellow robe, is helped by attendant monks as he arrives to preside over an event during which Tibetan exiles prayed for his longevity, a day before his 90th birthday, in Dharamshala, India, Saturday, July 5, 2025.(AP Photo/Ashwini Bhatia) DHARAMSHALA, India — The Dalai Lama turned 90 on Sunday surrounded by thousands of followers, who thronged the Himalayan town of Dharamshala, where the spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism has been living in exile since fleeing Chinese rule in Tibet in 1959. Sitting before a packed audience that included hundreds of red-robed monks and nuns who braved incessant rain to see him, he said: 'When I look back on my life, I see that I have not wasted it at all.' 'I live my life in the service of other sentient beings,' he added. Dressed in a traditional robe and a flowing yellow wrap, the Dalai Lama was escorted to the temple courtyard by a group of monks, as Tibetan artists beat drums and played bagpipes while senior lamas struck cymbals in his honor. The head of the democratically elected Tibetan government-in-exile, Penpa Tsering, raised the Tibetan flag as the musicians played the Tibetan anthem. Recognized worldwide in his red robes and wide smile, Tenzin Gyatso, the 14th Dalai Lama, describes himself as a 'simple Buddhist monk.' But millions of Tibetan Buddhists worship him as living manifestations of Chenrezig, the Buddhist god of compassion. Celebration capped a week of birthday events The birthday party capped a week of celebrations, during which the Nobel Peace Prize winner said he plans to reincarnate after his death, ending years of speculation that he might be the last person to hold the role. He also said that the next Dalai Lama should be and recognized as per past Buddhist traditions. On Saturday, the Dalai Lama said he hoped to live until the age of 130. In the past, the Dalai Lama has said his successor will be born in the 'free world' — outside China. Many exiled Tibetans, however, fear China will name its own successor to the Dalai Lama to bolster control over Tibet, a territory it poured troops into in 1950 and has ruled ever since. China, which views the Dalai Lama as a separatist, has repeatedly said that it alone has the authority to approve the next spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhism. It also says it will reject anyone chosen without Beijing's consent. World leaders and celebrities sent wishes Dignitaries including Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio, sent their wishes to the Tibetan leader. Modi said the Dalai Lama has 'been an enduring symbol of love, compassion, patience and moral discipline,' while Rubio said the Buddhist spiritual leader 'continues to inspire people by embodying a message of unity, peace and compassion.' The celebration was also attended by hundreds of followers from around the world including Hollywood movie star Richard Gere. 'He is the most extraordinary man to ever walk on this planet,' said Gere, as the crowd broke into a rapturous applause. In a birthday message on his website on Saturday, the Dalai Lama reiterated that he was 'just a simple Buddhist monk' and that he will 'continue to focus on my commitments of promoting human values religious harmony.' Celebrations were also held in Kathmandu, Nepal, where hundreds of Tibetan refugees, monks and foreign diplomats marked the day with Buddhist prayers, chanting and dances. The Dalai Lama was thrust onto the Tibetan throne in 1937. Soon after, Chinese troops swept into his homeland in the 1950s and crushed a failed uprising, forcing him to escape with thousands of his followers to India where he established a government in exile. Since then, he has spent more than seven decades in exile and sustained a nation in exile by managing to build a community that's kept the Tibetan culture and identity alive. The Dalai Lama has also become one of the world's most recognizable figures while leading a Tibetan diaspora through their struggle for autonomy and opposition of China's control of Tibet. Sheikh Saaliq, The Associated Press
CNN
06-07-2025
- Politics
- CNN
See celebrations for Dalai Lama's 90th birthday in Dharamshala
Thousands gathered to celebrate the spiritual leader and Nobel Peace laureate's birthday in Dharamshala, which has served as the seat of the Tibetan government-in-exile and home of the Dalai Lama since he fled Tibet during a failed 1959 uprising against Chinese communist rule.
