Clearing the decks

By now it should be obvious to everyone that the roadmap to democracy put forward by Burma’s military junta is a sham.
The junta are clearly not interested in returning the country to full democracy. Nor are they interested in relinquishing power and letting the people decide their own future.
The new constitution, which is at the [...]

The Saffron Revolution: One year later

This past weekend, the first anniversary of the Saffron Revolution was marked in two very different events on opposite sides of the planet.
In the Burmese town of Sittwe, where monks first began their protests last year, around 150 monks staged a peaceful march through the town reports the Democratic Voice of Burma (DVB).
Meanwhile, in [...]

Gambari leaves without seeing Suu Kyi

And… he’s… gone! The UN’s Special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari left Burma Saturday with his tail between his legs and serious questions being asked about his future role.
According to the UN, Gambari spent Saturday meeting the diplomatic corps and senior members of the junta, including an “open and extensive meeting” with Prime Minister Thein Sein.
[...]

Much more than 20 years

Today is Martyr’s Day for the Karen, when the Karen people remember those who have died during the long fight for freedom and equality.
The Karen revolution began in January 1949 and despite numerous setbacks and defeats has continued ever since. In short, the Karen have been fighting for almost 60 years!
It [...]

What’s a little misunderstanding between friends?

The name of this blog was inspired by Proverbs 18:21: “The tongue has the power of life and death, and those who love it will eat its fruit.” A reminder to us all of the importance of minding our words. A lesson that ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations)’s foreign ministers would do well [...]