Surprise, indeed! Via Instapundit.
But then, GWB never cancelled meetings or made the DL leave by the back door.
Obama snubs the Lama; Taiwan sweats
Craven appeasement:
Barack Obama cancels meeting with Dalai Lama ‘to keep China happy’
President Barack Obama has refused to meet the Dalai Lama in Washington this week in a move to curry favour with the Chinese.
In a now-characteristic lack of spine move,
The decision came after China stepped up a campaign urging nations to shun the Tibetan spiritual leader.
Two things, though:
1. karma’s a bitch
2. appeasement never works.
In the meantime, if I were in Taiwan, this would make me worry, big time.
Roundup of reactions and news at The Anchoress.
UPDATE
One question, what exactly does President Obama gain from breaking with18 years of precedent and refusing to meet with the Dalai Lama? Have we received anything in return?