Dalai Lama's political successor to be sworn in

[rug]

Lobsang Sangay, a 43-year-old Harvard scholar, will be sworn in as head of the Tibetan government-in-exile on Monday, replacing the Dalai Lama as the movement's political leader.

In a historic shift from the dominance of Tibetan politics by religious figures, the new prime minister, who has never set foot in Tibet, will assume the temporal duties relinquished by the Dalai Lama in May.

Although the 76-year-old monk will retain the more significant role of spiritual leader, as well as his hold on major policy-making decisions, the transition will make Sangay a far more prominent figure than his predecessor.

The challenge he faces is daunting.

http://news.yahoo.com/dalai-lamas-political-successor-sworn-211853542.html