Who is he?The religious leader of Tibetan Buddhists worldwide, a god-king who shepherds his flock from the Indian city of Dharamsala since he was forced to flee Lhasa in 1956 following a failed uprising against Chinese occupation.
Why is he in the news?Tibetans took to the streets in Lhasa and other parts of Tibet last week to stage violent protests against Chinese rule. The Chinese say the riots were orchestrated by the Dalai Lama, a charge he denies. As the temporal as well as spiritual leader of Tibetan Buddhists, he is central to any resolution to the crisis.
Most appealing characteristic:The way he has embraced efforts to find a peaceful solution in Tibet and staved off the more radical demands of younger Tibetan independence activists.
Least appealing characteristic:The Chinese say he is a dangerous separatist who is prepared to use violence to achieve his aims in Tibet. However, like other Nobel Peace Prize winners, the less appealing characteristics are harder to isolate. He is said to be no major fan of homosexuality.
Most likely to say:"Tibet should have more autonomy and I should be allowed return to my home town. Let me have that and everyone will go to the Olympics with a clear conscience and we can all live together happily."
Least likely to say:"Tibet is, was, and always will be Chinese."