Showing 1 - 10 of 14
Myanmar faces increasing uncertainty
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 01/02/2024
» Today marks the third anniversary of the military coup led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing that ousted the democratically elected government of Aung San Suu Kyi. Over the last three years the Tatmadaw -- as the armed forces are known, has plummeted the country into ever-increasing violence and despair.
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.
Civil disobedience, opposition to coup is growing
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 06/02/2021
» Opposition in Myanmar to the coup is escalating daily, as the new military-led regime tries to pacify the business community and quickly return the country to normal. The civil disobedience campaign initiated by the country's health workers is also growing in numbers, affecting hospitals, schools and other government offices. So far, the authorities have been powerless to stem the movement. But as the momentum grows there are increasing fears of a major confrontation between the peaceful protesters and the security forces.
Military stokes coup fears amid political crisis
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 29/01/2021
» Concerns about a possible military coup have swept across Myanmar this week amid signs of a deepening constitutional crisis. Tensions between Myanmar's military and its political allies on one hand and the country's pro-democracy politicians on the other are worsening, as a dispute over the election outcome intensifies, ahead of a landmark court case later today to decide the legitimacy of these electoral fraud claims. In the meantime, comments by the military earlier this week have fueled fears of a possible coup.
Post-election foreign policy rebalances westward
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 19/12/2020
» Myanmar's foreign policy is set to undergo a significant shakeup in the coming year as the government readjusts to the changing international environment in a post-election, post-Covid and post-Trump era. In the middle of these evolving dynamics, Myanmar will increasingly become a major focus of attention -- and be a dominant determinant of the balance of power within Asia.
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.
What's next after Yangon's constitutional reform?
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 17/06/2019
» Myanmar's ruling party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), is preparing for an audacious attempt to change the constitution. The final steps are being taken before the plans are revealed to the parliament and the people. But the changes and the process being rolled out by the civilian government will upset the military, and an acrimonious confrontation between them seems inevitable.
Myanmar's new investment push
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/01/2019
» The government of Myanmar is hoping this year will be a watershed for the country's investment and development plans. The emphasis is firmly on liberalisation and attracting foreign investors, as well as involving the local business community in the expected economic resurgence.
Myanmar's peace hangs in the balance
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 22/10/2018
» Myanmar's peace process is finely balanced, after the latest round of talks failed to produce anything of substance. Sitting comfortably and very relaxed, the chairman of the Myanmar ethnic rebel group, the Restoration Council of Shan State (RCSS), Yawd Serk was happy to offer his insights into the recent summit between the government and the leaders of the ethnic groups, which have signed the national ceasefire agreement (NCA). Reflecting on the meeting he simply said "very tense". The other ethnic leaders in attendance had a similar opinion: "high drama" according to one, on condition of anonymity.
Myanmar business mood darkens amid Rakhine outrage
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 24/09/2018
» Myanmar is stepping up efforts to attract foreign investment and spur economic development. A diplomatic offensive to improve the country's tarnished international image is part of the campaign, but western companies are not being swayed.