Drowning in Myanmar's Shadows

by Daniel J Gerstle · 2009-11-02 15:35:00 UTC
Topics:

Shan, Myanmar, David.Cherish stories on the Burmese democratic opposition leader, Aung Saan Suu Kyi, but if one plans to get involved in issues related to Myanmar / Burma one needs to dig much, much deeper to understand the complex country. Try reading my colleague KyawMin Htun's reader's rebuttle to Junta-processed news for a detailed tracking of the latest. [If you see some gibberish, don't worry. That just means you need to add Burmese font software.] Or try Yahoo's round up for Western news or MyanmarNewsNet for a slightly more Eastern view, in English.

Myanmar's Junta leader met with US Senator Jim Webb in August as a sign that the militay dictatorship is willing to listen. But a coming visit by Assistant Secretary of State Kurt Campbell and team will make it to Suu Kyi's residence, but not to the leader's office. Sadly, the Junta has gotten really good at simply ignoring Western advocacy, even from formal diplomats. In fact, Myanmar's tragedy is not only about a dictatorship. Here's the top of the heap:

1. Violence continues ad infinitum on the Thai border: The Junta versus several rebel groups claiming to represent repressed minorities...

2.  Violence on the Chinese border at Kokang, Shan region. The Junta versus a disgruntled former local leader's militia...

3. Serious tension grows on the Bangladesh border, Junta versus Bangladesh as the Junta tries to demarcate with a fence into territory claimed by Bangladesh...

4. Journalists and entertainers arrested partly for calling for Western assistance to survivors of Cyclone Nargis...

5. Recovery from Cyclone Nargis...

6. Repeatedly alleged repression of the Karen, Chin, Shan, Rohingya, and potentially others not traditionally alligned with the leadership...

7. And on and on... The Junta does not do much to defend itself against the repeated, decades long allegations against it... It is fighting and winning against rebels on at least four fronts...

Not that Myanmar's all gloom and doom. It's a gorgeous, rich country, with a resilient people beneath all.

[Photo:  Shan, Myanmar, David]

Daniel J Gerstle is a journalist, human rights researcher, and humanitarian aid consultant. He is Editor and Chief Correspondent for HELO: The Crisis Story Magazine.
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