I believe the Dalai Lama is both. In this age, the present Dalai Lama represents an ideal of peace, compassion and brotherhood to the world. We need that.
The history of the Tibetan Buddhists is admittedly flawed. But I still hold that as an icon, his presence brings far more good than harm to the earth.
I presented the link as a fairness to represent the opposing view. I do not necessarily agree with the authors stand. At all.