Pelosi: Keep Boycott on the Table

As Tibetan turmoil continues to cast a shadow over China's Olympic preparations, many international leaders are choosing sides. 

German Chancellor Angela Merckel has announced she does not plan to attend the Opening Ceremonies, and many other European leaders share her sentiment.  In contrast, countries including Singapore, Morocco, Bulgaria, and Malaysia have supported China's policy towards Tibet.  

Although President Bush still plans to attend the Olympic Opening Ceremonies, not all elected officials share his sentiment.  House Speaker Nancy Pelosi, fresh off her trip with the Dalai Lama, told ABC News that she does not support an Olympic boycott, but it might be wise for the president not to attend the Games' Opening Ceremonies.

She says she doesn't think "China should have gotten the Games to begin with," and does not believe that China has honored its commitments to open up and improve its human rights.

Many agree with Pelosi's stance, but I don't know that her opinion will necessarily sway Bush towards either attending or boycotting the Games.  Bush seems more intent on taking the approach of asking China and Tibet to reconcile their differences, but seems perfectly happy staying out of the line of fire. 

He spoke with China's President Hu Jintao last week, and according to the White House press statement, he "encouraged the Chinese government to engage in substantive dialogue with the Dalai Lama's representatives and to allow access for journalists and diplomats." 

While trying to stay neutral might be a valid option right now, it could potentially become more difficult if tensions continue to escalate. Chinese leaders have warned that some Tibetan monks might be planning massive suicides in protest of the Chinese. 

There isn't substantive evidence confirming these claims, but this type of demonstration would definitely make an impact.  The Dalai Lama has reaffirmed a commitment to nonviolence, but these statements have not softened Chinese sentiment towards him.

Whether or not these suicide threats come to fruition remain unknown, but it will be interesting to see how China's internal politics influence its international relations.