South Africa Denies Visa to the Dalai Lama

The Dalai Lama has been denied a Visa to attend an international peace conference in Johannesburg this week by the government of South Africa.

Thabo Masebe, the head of South Africa's Government and Media Liaison, said that it was not in his country's best interest for the Dalai Lama to attend, citing concerns that his presence would shift focus away from the 2010 World Cup - which is scheduled to be held there. "We cannot allow focus to shift to China and Tibet," said Masebe. Fellow Nobel laureate Desmond Tutu said he would boycott the event if the Dalai Lama continued to be excluded.

Oddly enough, South Africa has gained quite a bit lately from its trading relationship with China. Make of that what you will.

Free the Shministim

The Shministim are Israeli high school students who have been imprisoned for refusing to serve in an army that occupies the Palestinian Territories. Show your support by contacting the Israeli Minister of Defense. Israeli peace activists will hand-deliver your message on December 18th, the Shministim Day of Action.

[tip 'o the hat to the Jewish Voice for Peace]