http://revcom.us/a/firstvol/tibet/tibet1.htm
When the Dalai Lamas Ruled: Hell on Earth
Revolutionary Worker #944, February 15, 1998
Hard Climate, Heartless Society
Tibet is one of the most remote places in the world. It is centered on
a high mountain plateau deep in the heart of Asia. It is cut off from
South Asia by the Himalayas, the highest mountains in the world.
Countless river gorges and at least six different mountain ranges
carve this region into isolated valleys. Before all the changes
brought about after the Chinese revolution of 1949, there were no
roads in Tibet that wheeled vehicles could travel. All travel was over
winding, dangerous mountain trails--by mule, by foot or by yaks which
are hairy cow-like mountain animals. Trade, communications and
centralized government were almost impossible to maintain.
Most of Tibet is above the tree-line. The air is very thin. Most crops
and trees won't grow there. It was a struggle to grow food and even
find fuel for fires.
