Thousands of Burmese citizens, led by Buddhist monks, have took to the streets right this very moment to demonstrate against their despicable military dictatorship. Since 1962 this country has been ravaged by its government. Torture, systematic rape, use of child soldiers and forced marriages are common daily occurrences in Burma.
It seems the populace has had its fill. The demonstrations were triggered by the government doubling the price of fuel which hit the poor and vulnerable the most. The demo has rapidly gained momentum and has spread across the country.
The government is scared. Last night it announced on state controlled media that it was ready to "take action" against the monks. It takes little imagination to hear the dripping threat of violence. The junta viciously repressed the last demonstrations in 1988, killing some 3,000 people.
I hope the political pressure that the UN, US, China e.t.c are applying will encourage the government to exercise restraint. Mind, these demonstrations feel like an unstoppable force from where I'm sat. I hope the Burmese have the mettle to see this one through and take back the freedom which is rightfully theirs.
Now, if Bush and his cronies had given as much effort to Burma as they have in their faux campaign against the "axis of evil" then perhaps the world would be a better place right now.
5 comments:
mmm, probably not, u see the Chinese may request the Burmese to exercise constraint in their dealing with the demonstrators, but if the US, et al, were to actually try and do something about it, then WW3 would almost certainly kick off as the chinese would no way, not ever, condone US military action in that area, and they have (not just aspire to as in Iran) Nuclear weapons (also the reason that North Korean despot hasn't met with the full might of the US war machine)...so no, best not send in the troops just yet.
You're bang on Stu - I had in mind diplomatic efforts as opposed to the bull in china shop Bush flavour of diplomacy...
See, the United States only likes to forcibly "liberate" countries that are not looking for democracy or government change. Countries in which people are actually looking for a change and are sick of the government repressing them (and show their disapproval by taking to the streets in protest) the U.S. just gives a pat on the back and a "good luck" to. Maybe if Burma had oil or diamonds.....
Hiya Nicest Girl.
Since the story broke, I've learnt much more about the diplomatic context.
It seems the previous US administration banned all businesses from investing in Burmese interests. This policy went further than any other country / EU.
So, fair play to the USA. Mind, the Bushmeister gimpboy had nothing to do with it of course ;)
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