What makes the Dalai Lama and his followers an international "brand"? The reason lies in that he has the supreme right descended from the feudal serfdom of old Tibet over the past decades plus some western politicians have euphemized, advocated and supported his political influence. In other words, without the leadership of the Dalai Lama could his followers- a bunch of political and religious power holders-never carry on for another single day!

When the Dalai Lama proposed "retirement", Samdhong Rinpoche, chief Kalon of the clique, immediately stated that they had no capability to take over the government without the Dalai Lama. His "ambassador" to the U.S. admitted that his leadership would not change even if he retired and that there would be no need to state it so clearly in black and white.

The western media and scholars generally believe that the Dalai Lama will probably pull strings behind the scenes to influence the political policy on overseas Tibetans and that as long as he lives he will always hold the absolute leadership.

Clearly, calling the Dalai Lama merely a "religious leader" is just an excuse for some western politicians to meet him. Even the Dalai clique and its western supporters never believe such a word.