Former Tibetan soldiers yearn for independence - 15 Mar 09

In 1950, Chinese troops defeated Tibet's small army and claimed the territory.

By 1959, the CIA was training Tibetan resistance fighters

But a failed uprising that year broke the back of the rebellion.

For many Tibetans, independence from China remains their ultimate goal.

Al Jazeera's Tony Birtley reports from Nepal where many of them are living.