December, 2005 - Volume 13 No.12

Inside This Issue


Editorial_December 2005

The Faces of Burma 2005
The Irrawaddy profiles the leading newsmakers of 2005 in Burma and among exiled and opposition communities abroad, covering top military and business leaders, pro-democracy activists, and other prominent figures.


Retreat to the Jungle
The Burmese junta’s relocation of key government ministries to remote central Burma has raised many questions. Aung Zaw reports on the relocation effort and what it might mean for the future of Burma.

New Work, but Old Complaints
Burmese survivors of last December’s tsunami are busy rebuilding Thailand’s popular tourist spots. Aung Lwin Oo looks at their contributions to the reconstruction effort and the lingering pain of lost loved ones.


CULTURE
When Birds Taught the Kachin to Dance
Kachin State’s manau festival draws its inspiration from ancient myths. Geoffrey Walton evaluates the history of this cultural event in Burma and among Kachin communities abroad.

• Intelligence
• News in Brief
• Business