Showing 1 - 10 of 11
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.
NLD prepares for new era of changes and reform
Oped, Larry Jagan, Published on 21/11/2020
» Myanmar's ruling National League for Democracy's electoral victory has emboldened its leaders to press on with major changes, including at the very top of the government. There is likely to be a new president -- though Aung San Suu Kyi in her role as State Counsellor will still effectively be running the country -- and a new look cabinet. In the meantime there is also likely to be a changing of the guard in the country's all-powerful military, or Tatmadaw.
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.
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 powers up
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 10/06/2019
» Desperate for increased power supplies, Myanmar is speeding up efforts to call international bids to get more electricity flowing into the national grid within 12 months. Authorities are also considering importing power from China and Laos.
Myanmar looks West
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 25/03/2019
» Myanmar has embarked on a campaign to revive flagging interest among European investors, after focusing mainly on Asian countries -- the source of almost all the country's foreign investment in the last two years.
Minister on a mission
Asia focus, Larry Jagan, Published on 09/07/2018
» Soe Win has been in his post for less than two months, but already there are significant signs that Myanmar's new finance minister is ready to deliver on the government's commitment to boost economic growth.
Myanmar struggles with its Rakhine conundrum
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 14/06/2018
» In the face of relentless international criticism, Myanmar is struggling to develop a new strategy to cope with the problems of Rakhine, and the need for a reconciliation process. This week the government has been discussing their new approach with the UN secretary-general's newly appointed special envoy for Myanmar, Christine Schraner Burgener -- a Swiss career diplomat, who also recently served as ambassador to Thailand.
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.
Pressure mounts on Suu Kyi over Rakhine
News, Larry Jagan, Published on 21/05/2018
» Myanmar's civilian government is coming under increasing fire on all fronts. Or so it would seem. Pressure on Myanmar is mounting, especially from the UN and the US, as the government tries desperately to arrange for the return of nearly a million Muslim refugees -- who fled to Bangladesh to escape the violence in the strife-torn western region of Rakhine.