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Yshe Rigsal, a monk, and his brother were shot and killed by Chinese security forces this past Thursday as a result of their protests against Chinese rule in Tibet. Self-immolations have steadily continued throughout the past three years, as tensions between China and Tibet cease to be resolved.

Tibet's political status has long been debated. It is currently ruled by the People's Republic of China, but dissident groups want Tibetan autonomy for the region. It has also been alleged that human rights abuses by the Chinese against the Tibetan people have taken place. The independence movement is currently led by Free Tibet, a group based in London.

The continuing tensions between Tibet and China illustrate some of the major domestic problems China faces. Despite its surging economy, China will not be able to reach its full potential without settling matters within its borders. Furthermore, the self-immolations and deaths of Tibetans are severely underreported in Western media, highlighting a deficiency in the way we understand the rest of the world.

{via The New York Times}