It is actually notable just how muted and behind the scenes US policy levers currently being deployed actually are. This, to me, indicates the utter weakness of the US' position and it's growing realization of it's weakening position.

The Hun is always either at your throat or at your feet. Winston Churchill

you are the media you consume.

Quite the contrary. Just as the invasion of Iraq may have been a ridulously short sighted act, it was not done with the best interests of "America" in mind, unless one considers enrichment of a few to be in "America's" best interests.  I have watched the American Government and corporate elites do their thing for the past 25 years and rarely have I found it to be in America's best interest.  They have been cultivating the Chinese for at least that long in part because they see profit in the relationship.  Should there be profit in making the Chinese unhappy, I guess they might be guilty, but the current situation in Tibet is unlikely to affect China's stability. If one really wants to upset the Chinese, look no further than Taiwan.

I think we have the same idea about the nature of the political crowd in Washington, I just don't see them really trying to get under China's skin unless they somehow see doing so as a relatively risk free out for the current financial mess.  

I can swear there ain't no heaven but I pray there ain't no hell. _ Blood Sweat & Tears