The Letpadaung Saga and the End of an Era
When Aung San Suu Kyi, Burma’s iconic pro-democracy leader, told villagers [1] affected by the controversial Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Division on Wednesday that their struggle against the project was “in vain,” a new era in Burmese politics began.
From Europe with Love
President Thein Sein’s first-ever tour of Europe, which will end tomorrow, has been a rousing success. It did not, however, get off to a smooth start.
Recent Moves Renew Doubts about Burma’s Reforms
The positive changes in Burma have taken many political pundits and observers by surprise. After decades of nothing but grim news, some say that the country is finally undergoing a remarkable transformation. But not everyone is convinced.
Rehabilitating Burma’s Cronies
Burma’s richest tycoons are back in the news again—not for their shady ties to Burma’s former ruling generals, but because of their recent efforts to cozy up to the National League for Democracy (NLD), led by democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi.
Resisting Naypyidaw’s Imperialism
The conflict and bloodshed in Kachin State have brought renewed international attention to Burma at a time when it continues to press ahead with its political opening.
Can US-Burma Defense Ties Return Generals to the Barracks?
The Pentagon’s decision to open up military ties with the Burmese armed forces has come just weeks after US President Barack Obama visited the once-isolated nation.
Read more: Can US-Burma Defense Ties Return Generals to the Barracks?
Burma’s Copper Mine Saga Opens Old Wound
The violent crackdown against demonstrators at the copper mine in Letpadaung, near Monywa in Sagaing Division, could lead to a political showdown if the government doesn’t handle the matter in a careful and timely manner.
Obama Charms Burma
RANGOON—Hours before Obama took the stage at Rangoon University on Monday, the US Secret Service carefully combed the historic convocation hall.
What Message Will Obama Bring?
Burmese have many questions they’d like ask to US President Barack Obama when he makes his historic visit to their country next week, but not all of the questions they’re asking each other right now are entirely serious.
Obama to Burma?
During his tentatively planned visit to Southeast Asia later this month, reports spreading in social media indicate that US President Barack Obama will come to Burma. Should this prove correct, he would be the first US president to visit in more than half-a-century.
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