BURMA

Where Are The Monks?

The junta has jailed some of Burma's Buddhist clergy, derobed others and driven many into exile.

NEWSWEEK
From the magazine issue dated Dec 3, 2007

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  • Posted By: nawawimohamad @ 11/27/2007 11:28:02 PM

    Once they have chosen to become monks, then they should live like monks and not involved in demonstration and politics. Democracy does not promise heaven for Burma. Under the present military junta Burma is relatively peaceful and the people are not as bad as the North Koreans or the poor African nations. However the situation, can gradually be improve. ASEAN which Burma is a member should play a more active role and persuade China (who is one of its major trading partner) to again persuade the junta to improve the situation in Burma. The US can use both ASEAN and China as proxies because direct US involvement would have a negative impact on the region. Of course there have to be consessions and face-saving for all involved, the junta (they made a lot of mistakes), China (for supporting the junta) for ASEAN ( for their non-interference in domestic affairs of members) and the US ( for letting it all to happen in the first place).

    • Posted By: Tharpaung @ 12/01/2007 5:41:07 AM

      In long history of Burma, even starting from colonial time, monks in Burma are forefront of the people's struggle. in the context of Burmese Buddhism and Burmese history, monks demonstrating against Junta for the sake of people is an act of compassion and beacon of hope for Burmese people like me who are trying very hard to overthrow the yoke of military.

  • Posted By: leepal @ 11/29/2007 12:14:40 PM

    It is disingenuous to say Burma under current junta (45 years and counting) is relatively peaceful. Democracy may not promise heaven for Burma, but it is what Burmese people demand.

    If one compares Burma to N. Korea or "poor" African nations (Somalia?), then we have to question why compare to those states? Should we not expect better?

    How is the United States responsible for "letting it all happen in the first place?" Is promoting humanity, rule of law, and democracy a bad thing? (as opposed to shooting its own populace?)

    Burma is slowly moving towards a failed state. There're no health care, social safety, and education systems that existed only a decade ago. I pray that Burmese people can somehow get rid of the thuggish regime. But the hope is fading fast.

  • Posted By: leepal @ 11/29/2007 12:02:51 PM

    Burma is slowly moving towards a failed state. If Burma under junta is relatively peaceful, one can say that Iraq under Saddam is just as peaceful. If one states Burma is "not as bad as" N. Korea, and "poor" African nations (Somalia?), then we should wonder why does one choose those countries to compare?

    How is the United States responsible for "letting it all happen in the first place?"

    All I pray is that Burmese people can save themselves from the thuggish regime. Hopes are not so good because of the lack of information on all fronts in Burma.

  • Posted By: Luxbellator @ 11/26/2007 9:14:50 PM

    We could deliver these miserable people from their oppressors. Yes we could share with them what has made America great. But . . . who cares about a brutalized human being when you can save a dog, a cat or better yet, a whale, who cares about those little children not being able to escape a hopeless destiny, they should all be aborted like we do here. And even though we could do something to save this people that would be invading a sovereign country; we can???t do that. So let???s just not think about it, oops sorry got to go, If I don???t hurry I will miss my meaningless overdose of TV.

  • Posted By: emmarcee @ 11/26/2007 2:36:51 PM

    What did they do with Tibet, why is this different? Can't you see Burmese regime is getting their lesson from China?

  • Posted By: skd500 @ 11/25/2007 8:46:33 PM

    Wake up everyone............where is Amnesty International?.......skd500

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