burma - potential uprising?
- Thread starter fela fan
- Start date
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
some of the stories on that site - like the one about the censorship of poems, etc, are so unbelievable they're actually quite funny, and then you realise they're true
Yeah, it is a country where the ridiculous and extraordinary becomes the commonplace. It's amazing how quickly you begin to police and restrict yourself, to internalise the fear and adjust your behaviour accordingly. Damn this human plasticity.
Meanwhile, Than Shwe becomes more Stalin every day. He must be around the same age at which Stalin died... we can but hope.
Elections?
Is this for real?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7236648.stm
"The military's roadmap for democracy has been widely dismissed as a sham by observers."
I'm not surprised - so is this just a way to divide the opposition?
Is this for real?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7236648.stm
"The military's roadmap for democracy has been widely dismissed as a sham by observers."
I'm not surprised - so is this just a way to divide the opposition?
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Is this for real?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7236648.stm
"The military's roadmap for democracy has been widely dismissed as a sham by observers."
I'm not surprised - so is this just a way to divide the opposition?
They've had a 'roadmap to democracy' on the go for many years now. It has split the opposition somewhat in that many representatives from ethnic and formerly secessionist groups have participated in a process which is clearly designed to enshrine military dominance. In return they get a degree of self-rule.
Surprising that the announcement has been made so soon, and as Nyan Win points out, that the results of the referendum have already been predicted by the military. It's a way to keep the world off their back.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Shit. The slaying of a much-respected ethnic leader. Expect more targeted assassinations and a ratcheting up of repression as the transition to the 'disciplined democracy' gathers pace.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7244684.stmhttp://
http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/world/asia-pacific/7244684.stmhttp://
ymu
Niall Ferguson's deep-cover sock-puppet
Fixed the link.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
gnoriac
lowly seer
TUC condemns Lonely Planet guide.
But
The BBC are just repeating the same old Lonely Planet bollocks.
But
The BBC are just repeating the same old Lonely Planet bollocks.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
I've long been a defender of supporting careful, independent tourism to Burma. But I'm in agreement with you about the knee-jerk, ill-considered response of the BBC though, it's clear that they've given this no thought whatsoever.
What does put dollars into government coffers is the group trips organised by overseas firms who scour the country for the best hotel and transport deals. Those that can keep costs down enough to win these contracts are most likely to have connections to the junta, who permit them to pay little if any tax in return for support and services.
LP needs to pay careful attention to the hotels and companies featured in its Burma guide. All the information they need can be gleaned through careful investigation and talking to locals, as most locals would know which people had government connections. At the moment it pays no attention to this and there are 'highly recommended' hotels in there owned by total bastards.
It's a bit rich for the TUC to think they can speak for the entire people of Burma. 'The people' don't oppose tourism - quite the opposite. Many eke out a living through tourism as best they can. At least two MPs from Suu Kyi's party own some small guesthouses and hotels in various places around the country, and the debate is wide open within the party and other opposition groups, despite ASSK's views. I hope she'd only encourage debate.
What does put dollars into government coffers is the group trips organised by overseas firms who scour the country for the best hotel and transport deals. Those that can keep costs down enough to win these contracts are most likely to have connections to the junta, who permit them to pay little if any tax in return for support and services.
LP needs to pay careful attention to the hotels and companies featured in its Burma guide. All the information they need can be gleaned through careful investigation and talking to locals, as most locals would know which people had government connections. At the moment it pays no attention to this and there are 'highly recommended' hotels in there owned by total bastards.
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
I don't personally see a problem with tourism to Burma - i mean the idea isn't to completely cripple their economy and people's lives - but it has to be responsible and the BBC have just followed their usual "impartial" line (didn't the BBC take over Lonely Planet a short time ago??)
I'd be interested to know what the situation in Burma is now, given that I haven't heard anything about it for ages.
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
daft fuckers
It's all about the referendum on the new constitution, due to be held in May. The constitution will almost certainly be a sham, we know for sure that it gives 25% of the parliamentary seats to the military, and the future head of state must be a military figure. For the other 75%, they're making damn sure that any future election (due in 2010, even though the constitution hasn't been voted on) won't bring about any inconvenient results like 1990. There are 'recruitment drives' for the USDA - current membership 26 million - going on all around the country. It's likely that the USDA will 'help' members decide which party to vote for in a future election, and how to vote in the referendum.
Only a few people have seen the constitution, and a law passed yesterday seems designed to curtail any debate about it.
And Gambari called this a 'significant step forward'. Barring a miracle, the future looks very bleak.
Edit: Today's Irrawaddy report on the new law to ensure a peaceful and smooth referendum
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Looks like the monks will continue to head the next generation of opposition.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=10698
Just thinking about the huge and complex logistics behind organising something as simple as this poster campaign... with teams of volunteers... it's probably the most dangerous thing they've ever done in their lives.
http://www.irrawaddy.org/article.php?art_id=10698
Just thinking about the huge and complex logistics behind organising something as simple as this poster campaign... with teams of volunteers... it's probably the most dangerous thing they've ever done in their lives.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
nice one frogster 
A number of new groups appear to be forming in Burma, mobilised by the upcoming referendum. What's noticeable with the newer groups is that they're advocating a more confrontational stance than those formed by the previous generations. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/EdOp/2008/Mar/11-March-2008.html Can't find the report on the other group atm
And, at the same time, there's an increasingly reported split in the military between those in high-power USDA positions (the junta's 'civilian' organisation, probably to become a political party sooner or later) and those who are devoted to the military only. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/EdOp/2008/Mar/08-March-2008.html (complete with bizarre photo of top regime members in front of a giant snowman, with patchy rainforest in the background )
Mizzima often carries an optimistic tone in its reports - every month they seem to report Than Shwe being 'gravely ill' - but these are two very real phenomena, separate at the moment but which the May referendum could bring together.
A number of new groups appear to be forming in Burma, mobilised by the upcoming referendum. What's noticeable with the newer groups is that they're advocating a more confrontational stance than those formed by the previous generations. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/EdOp/2008/Mar/11-March-2008.html Can't find the report on the other group atm
And, at the same time, there's an increasingly reported split in the military between those in high-power USDA positions (the junta's 'civilian' organisation, probably to become a political party sooner or later) and those who are devoted to the military only. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/EdOp/2008/Mar/08-March-2008.html (complete with bizarre photo of top regime members in front of a giant snowman, with patchy rainforest in the background
)Mizzima often carries an optimistic tone in its reports - every month they seem to report Than Shwe being 'gravely ill' - but these are two very real phenomena, separate at the moment but which the May referendum could bring together.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Yeah, I think there's been a slow seizure of power by the USDA ever since the military formed it, accelerating as the savvier and most corrupt generals have increasingly realised its potential. The May referendum will be policed by the USDA, the next election won by the USDA or, if it doesn't contest it, its approved party (they won't make the mistake of having a genuinely free and fair election again.) It's also been noticed over the past few weeks that Burmese state newspapers have begun to refer to generals with USDA positions by their USDA titles first, government positions second, indicating the primacy of the organisation.
I'd have thought that would have bred some resentment among the ranks, but that article makes the split seem very deep and closes off opportunities for many up-and-coming military. Add to that what sounds like a resurgence of a professional ethic among the embittered ranks... perhaps a rediscovery of General Aung San and his vision for Burma? At the very least, it's hard to see how an internal coup could make things worse. I've a feeling the referendum-then-election plan won't be completed, but will it be scuppered by the people or the military?
Away from the internal politics, this would've happened yesterday at the country's most sacred pagoda during one of its biggest festivals. Horrific. The desperation. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2008/Mar/74-Mar-2008.html
I'd have thought that would have bred some resentment among the ranks, but that article makes the split seem very deep and closes off opportunities for many up-and-coming military. Add to that what sounds like a resurgence of a professional ethic among the embittered ranks... perhaps a rediscovery of General Aung San and his vision for Burma? At the very least, it's hard to see how an internal coup could make things worse. I've a feeling the referendum-then-election plan won't be completed, but will it be scuppered by the people or the military?
Away from the internal politics, this would've happened yesterday at the country's most sacred pagoda during one of its biggest festivals. Horrific. The desperation. http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2008/Mar/74-Mar-2008.html
Here's a kind of related article in today's bangkok post. It's by larry jagan, a man who often pops up on this paper and has done for many years now. I always view him as a pretty dispassionate writer, and very knowledgeable too i think.
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Mar2008_news27.php
http://www.bangkokpost.com/News/26Mar2008_news27.php
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
He's a real Burma specialist. Cheers for the link, ff.
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
Here's an article from Burmese Bloggers Without Borders about the armed forces day...:
I refer to "How will Burmese Armed Forces vote in the referendum?" and "Burmese Armed Forces Day to mark Decades of Military Rule" by Min Lwin, Irrawaddy.
The Burmese Armed Forces Day seemed to have come and gone without making much impact in the minds of Burmese people. In the past, probably a long time ago, we used to hold the army in great esteem. In fact, many young people aspired to become military officers, seeing it as a prestigious duty to serve their own country. How times have changed. How such aspirations have dwindled to nothing more than just contempt and fear against the army. All these changes would not have become reality if not for a group of power-hungry military dictators who, over the decades, have crippled Burma to what it is today.
If we look back at our history, there are mainly three societies who are capable of stirring the hearts of Burmese people: Sanga, students and soldiers. So far, Sanga and students have been seen as playing a crucial role in democracy movements. What about the soldiers in the army? During 1988 uprising, the military personnel, especially from Air Force, protested alongside the people, Sanga, and students. Such show of courage and patriotism is still strongly embedded in our memories. We, Burmese people, have always hoped that we will not see the alienation of soldiers from the people when we pursue our path for Burma's freedom from a handful of dictators.
I once asked a friend, a military officer, about his opinion. Like many of the people interviewed in Min Lwin's reports, he revealed his dismay at the actions that the dictators have taken against the people. My subsequent question to him was: then why do they still dance to the tunes of dictators and accept being made use of as weapons of SPDC? He cited the nature of army as having to obey orders and also said that with all the restrictions that have been imposed on the soldiers, he did not believe that they can do much for the sake of people at this moment. Upon hearing his answers, I wondered how many more soldiers have the notion like him. Though I must admit that I feel rather disappointed at his answers, at the same time, I can empathize with their predicament. There is not a single doubt that ruthless dictators have done whatever they can to instill fear in the army as much as the way they have done towards the people.
Whenever I see ex-soldiers, who have lost part(s) of their body in the battles, having to struggle by themselves with the meager pension given by the government, I feel sorry for them. We all know for a fact that discrimination and abuse of power by those who are in favor, are widespread in the army. Apart from a favored few, majority population of the army is also struggling in their own ways for their own survival.
It has been 63 years of history for the army. How our future generations will remember the army in many years to come, depends solely upon the army. As an ordinary citizen of Burma, I would like to remind those in the army of the brutalities that the dictators have unleashed upon monks; sons of our revered Buddha, students and the people.
I would like to urge them not to allow SPDC to use them as weapons of mass destruction upon their own people, to stand in front of us and to bring back the light that has been fainting in Burma over the decades. It is time to write their own history and bring back the glory of army for the people.
: I refer to "How will Burmese Armed Forces vote in the referendum?" and "Burmese Armed Forces Day to mark Decades of Military Rule" by Min Lwin, Irrawaddy.
The Burmese Armed Forces Day seemed to have come and gone without making much impact in the minds of Burmese people. In the past, probably a long time ago, we used to hold the army in great esteem. In fact, many young people aspired to become military officers, seeing it as a prestigious duty to serve their own country. How times have changed. How such aspirations have dwindled to nothing more than just contempt and fear against the army. All these changes would not have become reality if not for a group of power-hungry military dictators who, over the decades, have crippled Burma to what it is today.
If we look back at our history, there are mainly three societies who are capable of stirring the hearts of Burmese people: Sanga, students and soldiers. So far, Sanga and students have been seen as playing a crucial role in democracy movements. What about the soldiers in the army? During 1988 uprising, the military personnel, especially from Air Force, protested alongside the people, Sanga, and students. Such show of courage and patriotism is still strongly embedded in our memories. We, Burmese people, have always hoped that we will not see the alienation of soldiers from the people when we pursue our path for Burma's freedom from a handful of dictators.
I once asked a friend, a military officer, about his opinion. Like many of the people interviewed in Min Lwin's reports, he revealed his dismay at the actions that the dictators have taken against the people. My subsequent question to him was: then why do they still dance to the tunes of dictators and accept being made use of as weapons of SPDC? He cited the nature of army as having to obey orders and also said that with all the restrictions that have been imposed on the soldiers, he did not believe that they can do much for the sake of people at this moment. Upon hearing his answers, I wondered how many more soldiers have the notion like him. Though I must admit that I feel rather disappointed at his answers, at the same time, I can empathize with their predicament. There is not a single doubt that ruthless dictators have done whatever they can to instill fear in the army as much as the way they have done towards the people.
Whenever I see ex-soldiers, who have lost part(s) of their body in the battles, having to struggle by themselves with the meager pension given by the government, I feel sorry for them. We all know for a fact that discrimination and abuse of power by those who are in favor, are widespread in the army. Apart from a favored few, majority population of the army is also struggling in their own ways for their own survival.
It has been 63 years of history for the army. How our future generations will remember the army in many years to come, depends solely upon the army. As an ordinary citizen of Burma, I would like to remind those in the army of the brutalities that the dictators have unleashed upon monks; sons of our revered Buddha, students and the people.
I would like to urge them not to allow SPDC to use them as weapons of mass destruction upon their own people, to stand in front of us and to bring back the light that has been fainting in Burma over the decades. It is time to write their own history and bring back the glory of army for the people.
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
In the run-up to the May referendum to legitimise permanent military rule, pro-junta 'People's Militia' - ex-cons and thugs organised and armed by the junta -have stepped up violent attacks on democracy campaigners. There was another one yesterday. All of the attacks are from behind, mostly at night, and two victims been veteran activists who are in their 70s.
http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2008/April/16-April-2008.html
I'd like to gouge these cunts' eyes out.
http://www.mizzima.com/MizzimaNews/News/2008/April/16-April-2008.html
I'd like to gouge these cunts' eyes out.
frogwoman
No amount of cajolery...
purves grundy
ambient clown remix
Yup, this is it - May 10th. Strange as the announcement of the referendum and the release of the constitution have all been on the 9th - the junta's favourite number - respectively. Maybe it's because they don't want it to be endorsed?
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