I hear what you are saying
I appreciate your rejection of pacifism both in general and in this case.
But like it or not, the Lama is a world leader. He has a right and perhaps a duty to express his opinion. Just like every time there is a world event, you can count on the Pope chiming in.
The lama's opinion has a lot to do with his religion. It is customary to respect other's religious beliefs. Jeez! We don't need th Buddhists pissed at us too! (I guess Buddhist terrorists just burn themselves)
He is not an American. He is incapable of sounding like one.
He should not be expected to understand Bushes' plan to wage this "war", nor to be able to couch his remarks to further that plan.
He is a Buddhist. He is going to sound like a Buddhist when he speaks.