Showing 1 - 10 of 16
Myanmar looks east again in search of legitimacy
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/04/2026
» Myanmar understands it needs to reach out to the world if it is to end its isolation and roll back the sanctions much of the West has levied against it. To this end, the men in green, now in civilian clothes, are seeking the support of traditional allies -- China and Asean, especially Thailand -- as well as Bangladesh and Pakistan, in an effort to reset foreign policy and regain international acceptance.
Free fall
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/03/2021
» Yangon is burning: Plumes of smoke rose into the skyline in the north of the city every day last week. Large parts of Myanmar's biggest city and main commercial centre resembled a battle zone after the military junta imposed martial law in several neighbourhoods.
Power grab brings nation to standstill
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 02/02/2021
» Myanmar's military has seized control of the country after detaining de facto leader Aung San Suu Kyi, President Win Myint and other politicians in a pre-dawn raid yesterday morning. There have been massive detentions in this military round up: all key politicians, the regional chief ministers, the top leadership of the governing National League for Democracy (NLD), most national and local members of parliament, and hundreds of pro-democracy and human rights activists. Little is known about their whereabouts at present, though it appears that the Lady -- as she is known -- is under house arrest. But there are widespread fears about her continued safety and the other detainees.
Myanmar's political crisis still causing uncertainty
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/02/2021
» Behind the scenes efforts are continuing to break Myanmar's political deadlock that threatens the country's democratic transition. Talks between the military and the government started a few days ago -- as tensions on the ground rose and rumours of a military coup grew -- but failed to make any real progress, according to both government and military sources.
China seeks to shore up its influence in Myanmar
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/01/2021
» China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi is scheduled to arrive in Myanmar on Monday on a critical two-day visit. It is intended to further strengthen Chinese influence in the country, in light of the changing international dynamics in the region, amid fears that China's sway is beginning to wane.
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.
Headwinds in Myanmar
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 20/01/2020
» The economic outlook for Myanmar for the coming year looks resilient, but the country faces enormous risks posed by internal tensions and international economic trends, according to the World Bank.
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.
Suu Kyi stands up to lawsuit avalanche
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/11/2019
» Myanmar's top leaders -- both military and civilian -- have been shell-shocked by the avalanche of international legal cases they are now facing. In the space of days, three cases have been lodged in separate courts, all intended to make the Myanmar government and the country's military leaders accountable for the horrendous events that unfolded in strife-torn western Rakhine state during military operations over the last three years. These forced nearly a million Muslims, or Rohingya as they call themselves, to flee to safety in Bangladesh.
The Panglong peace process is precariously poised
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 28/10/2019
» Myanmar's stalled peace process is precariously poised, and may now be in danger of falling apart all together, as mistrust and hostility between some of the ethnic groups and the military worsened significantly. The fragile relationships between the three key players deteriorated further on the eve of the anniversary of the signing of a key peace pact, and the hopes of kick-starting negotiations and bringing the groups back to the table took a tumble for the worst.