Harold Mandel, "Dr Sangay wants "concrete action" from Obama administration," Examiner, 11/7/11

The author of this article does little to provide background information for their reader audience. This poses a problem for those who are not avid followers of current events. It is especially observable in my demographic that spending time on current events in not a part of the daily hectic routine (unless imposed upon them by the looming assignments of a crazy world religions prof). When Mandel discusses the need for US support, he briefly brushes over the self-immolations that have headlined recently. Furthermore, his discussion is completely lacking in any educative information on the current situation in Tibet. Through these 'looming assignments imposed upon me by my crazy world religions prof' I am familiar with the situation. Yet despite my educated viewpoint, I was still left to question the role Dr. Sangay plays in the situation. It is implied that he is an influential leader in Tibet or in the Buddhist faith but Mandel does not even give him a few word description. Admittedly, a short news update can not be exhaustive on the background material, yet in order to allow readers to be informed there needs to be a balance between efficiency and comprehensiveness in presenting material in the media.