THE SHADOW CIRCUS: THE CIA IN TIBET reveals a little-known aspect of Tibet's recent history: the country's armed struggle against the invading forces of Communist China. Contrary to the generally held preconception of a deeply religious and peace-loving people, the Tibetans fought a long and bloody - though ultimately, unsuccessful - guerrilla campaign. They were aided in their efforts by an unlikely ally, the CIA.

The project, code-named ST Circus, was one of the longest-running covert operations in support of the American government's primary objective of destabilizing Communist China's regime. The CIA's involvement produced Tibetan resistance fighters trained in guerrilla warfare. These soldiers were instrumental in assisting the Dalai Lama flee to India.

You can navigate THE SHADOW CIRCUS: THE CIA IN TIBET web site for program information, historical narratives, additional resources, as well as a comprehensive time line that documents this tumultous era in Tibetan history.