Showing 1 - 10 of 10
Anti-coup crackdown takes fatal turn
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/03/2021
» Myanmar's security forces have unleashed a concerted crackdown on the country's peaceful protesters leaving 23 dead and thousands injured throughout the country in the last two days. In planned pre-emptive strikes, the police moved ruthlessly to disperse and arrest protestors preparing to join yesterday general strike. "They used teargas, stun grenades and fired live ammunition indiscriminately into the crowds," said Soe Soe, a young university student at a protest site told the Bangkok Post.
Crisis deepens, violence fears grow
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 11/02/2021
» Myanmar's political crisis is deepening rapidly, raising fears of an imminent violent confrontation between the military and pro-democracy protesters. Every day hundreds and thousands continue to demonstrate their refusal to accept the military coup. In the past few days, the military have begun a concerted crackdown: using water cannons, riot police charges and shooting above the crowd's heads to scare them.
Myanmar blames army for atrocities in Rakhine
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/01/2020
» Myanmar is facing a very fraught time internationally as the conduct of its military comes under increasing scrutiny, while simultaneously the civilian government now admits it must take responsibility for what happened in the strife-torn western province of Rakhine over the past few years.
Suu Kyi gears up for genocide hearing
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/12/2019
» There has been strong reaction in Myanmar to Aung San Suu Kyi's decision to appear at the International Court of Justice (ICJ) to defend the country against charges of genocide. While Western diplomats have tried to persuade the civilian leader that she was embarking on a high-risk strategy, and should reconsider. Attitudes amongst the intellectuals, politicians, MPs and civil society range from animated support to more measured approaches.
The final stage of Myanmar's path to democracy
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 16/08/2019
» Last week was the anniversary of Myanmar's mass pro-democracy demonstrations in August 1988, which brought the country to a standstill after its military leaders brutally reacted, resulting in heavy loss of life, and a coup. But 31 years on, the country's long struggle for democracy is far from over, as the country enters, perhaps, the final stage of transition.
Myanmar takes aim at graft
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 04/06/2018
» Myanmar's government is declaring war against corruption and preparing for significant cabinet changes amid the biggest political crisis since it took power two years ago.
Surakiart's Rakhine mission no easy task
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/02/2018
» After a dramatically shaky start, Surakiart Sathirathai's international advisory group is getting down to tackle the Herculean task of trying to find practical solutions to Myanmar's tragic inter-communal violence. As the Myanmar government comes under increased criticism and international scrutiny, Mr Surakiart believes he and his team must help Myanmar look forward and produce a comprehensive and sustainable plan to restore peace, harmony and development to the country.
Civilian-led peace plan for restive Rakhine takes off
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 26/10/2017
» Aung San Suu Kyi's civilian-led initiative for Rakhine state is already up and running. Myanmar's business community has rallied around to back the government's plans, pledging financial support and promising to actively participate in restoring peace and stability to the strife-torn region in western Myanmar.
The Lady between a rock and a hard place
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 18/09/2017
» Muslim Rohingya have fled across the border to Bangladesh from Myanmar in the past three weeks to escape the army's clearance operations. Human rights groups claim it is a "scorched earth" policy -- reminiscent of the military's traditional "four cuts" strategy for dealing with other conflict zones. About 3,000 houses have been razed to the ground, according to local activists.
Rakhine violence leaves Aung San Suu Kyi reeling
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 28/08/2017
» Myanmar's restive western state of Rakhine erupted into violence on Friday, leaving the government's efforts to find a solution to the communal tension there in tatters. Insurrection and arson engulfed large areas around Maungdaw and Buthidaung.