Two US congressional delegations in Kathmandu in one week. Guess the common thread. Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith led a 16-member delegation that met the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, stopped in Bhutan, then met with Speaker Ariel on October 23. Senator Todd Young, sponsor of the Resolve Tibet Act, also came, touring Tibetan sites such as Buddha and Swayambhu. Summary of the US Embassy: "Protection of American citizens, promotion of US economic interests". Ariel asked them for an investment instead of grants. People's criticism questions whether the real agenda is the succession of the Dalai Lamas, when Nepal hosts a large Tibetan community right on the Chinese border. Is Kathmandu in line for a fight in Washington over who picks the next Dalai Lama? Nepal has every reason to stay away from her.

Two US congressional delegations in Kathmandu in one week. Guess the common thread. Ways and Means Chairman Jason Smith led a 16-member delegation that met the Dalai Lama in Dharamshala, stopped in Bhutan, then met with Speaker Ariel on October 23. Senator Todd Young, sponsor of the Resolve Tibet Act, also came, touring Tibetan sites such as Buddha and Swayambhu. Summary of the US Embassy: "Protection of American citizens, promotion of US economic interests". Ariel asked them for an investment instead of grants. People's criticism questions whether the real agenda is the succession of the Dalai Lamas, when Nepal hosts a large Tibetan community right on the Chinese border. Is Kathmandu in line for a fight in Washington over who picks the next Dalai Lama? Nepal has every reason to stay away from her.