"2 Tibetan monks burn themselves amid Dalai Lama feud," USA TODAY, 9/26/11

What defines a nation? Surely, an area with a unified political and economic system would be considered a nation. Yet what role do cultural and religious aspects play in determining a nation's identity? How does a nation maintain unity amongst cultural diversity? Tibet emulates the role religious diversity can play within a nation. This article highlights the the problems that can arise when a nation's government neglects to recognize the need for the religious identity of it's citizens. The article discusses the frustrations of many Tibetans as the Chinese authoritarian government dictates who will become their next Dalai Lama. As two monks self-immolate themselves (set themselves on fire) in protest, a Chinese leader points out that past Dalai Lamas have been chosen in a similar manner (never chosen by the Dalai Lama himself). This reflects what seems to be a growing theme in politics, not only in China but across the globe: the desire of citizens to be represented religiously and culturally. The majority of the international conflicts/wars of the post-Cold War era have been fueled by some religious foundation. Whether it be Tibet, Kurdistan, Palestine, or Taiwan, religion surfaces in many of the worlds most heated issues. So how does a nation find peace? Clearly, China is sticking to its guns "as the Chinese government reiterated it will choose the next Dalai Lama" despite protests. In Tibet's pursuit for independence/autonomy, this stance by government officials will only bring further rifts between China and Tibet. Essentially stating "this is how it has been done in the past, so get over it" is no way to bring about national peace. Here we have two burning monks, but I predict (sadly) it will take many more flaming protests until government systems around the world recognize the need to deeply acknowledge religion.