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Burma: Saffron Flames Rage Against the Machine

Burma (or "Myanmar," as the military junta christened it) is in the throes of what some are calling the "Saffron Revolution." For the past two days, tens of thousands of Buddhist monks, nuns, students, activists, and civilians have been staging the largest demonstrations since the 1988 uprising, when thousands of unarmed, pro-democracy demonstrators were killed by the security forces.

Initially, fuel price hikes sparked the protests but they seem to now reflect decades of pent up anti-government sentiments and demands for democratic reform have been ringing through Rangoon for the past two days. On Tuesday, the military enacted a day long curfew prohibiting public gatherings of more than five people. Soldiers used tear gas, batons, and automatic weapons to disperse protesters and so far, nine people have died.

Anger about the military's treatment of monks has ignited even more protests. Soldiers launched several raids on Buddhist monasteries. At least 300 monks and other demonstrators have been hauled away in military vehicles.

China, Burma's principal trading partner, notified everyone that it would halt any UN sanctions, which isn't surprising. The US, for its part, tightened sanctions against Burma and has issued a joint statement with the European Union, stating that they are "deeply troubled" that the "security forces have fired on and attacked peaceful demonstrators and arrested many Buddhist monks and others." They "condemn all violence against peaceful demonstrators and remind the country's leaders of their personal responsibility for their actions." The statement then urges China, India, ASEAN, and surrounding countries "to use their influence in support of the people of Burma/Myanmar."

Too bad the US' foreign policies in Asia are not consistent. Some military regimes get scolded while others, namely Pakistan's, receive full US approval, weapons, and a blank check.

— Neha Inamdar

Comments

["Too bad the US' foreign policies in Asia are not consistent. Some military regimes get scolded while others, namely Pakistan's, receive full US approval, weapons, and a blank check."]

You're absolutely right about that. (IMHO)
The whole 20th Century history of US foreign relations was like that (REGARDLESS of Party-In-Power), and in the 21st it continues unabated.

To sane heads, it clearly underscores the astounding wisdom and forsight of the nation's Founders, who advised: "Peace, commerce, and honest friendship with All nations – entangling alliances with None."

Posted by: gvc on 09/27/07 at 1:59 PM

This is heartbreaking. Yes, we have urgent human rights issues to deal with here at home, but that doesn't prevent each of us from taking a moment to address this. Please contact the Burmese (Myanmar) and Chinese embassies today to voice your outrage and concern.

Posted by: Kathleen on 09/28/07 at 2:06 PM

Now THAT, Kathleen, is an approach that I'm Fully in support of! And I have little doubt the nation's founders would have approved.

Thanks Very Much for that suggestion.

Last one to locate embassy contact info's a rotten egg!

Posted by: gvc on 09/28/07 at 2:15 PM

Sanctions sound great but they ONLY harm the people, who are already protesting over sanctions and repression. The rich overlords don't give a damn about sanctions. China's non-sanction stance is that hated thing "not getting involved in internal politics" that America hates to no end. Sanctions only help the powerful as sanctions reduce the number of protestors and fewer protestors = greater dictatorial leeway.

Yoohoo! Wake up you idiots! Sanctions aren't going to help the situation, help "democracy"--are you all mindless?!

Posted by: jimsecor on 09/28/07 at 5:37 PM

Uh, jimsecor, were you calling the posters here idiots, or the US government?
Because I don't really see anything posted here where someone said or implied that they supported government imposed sanctions against Burma.

Now, if the 'wake up you idiots...are you all mindless?!' comments were directed at US policymakers..., well maybe I can dig up some contact information at the US State Department for you...

Posted by: gvc on 09/28/07 at 6:12 PM