‘After These Incidents, Everyone Is Living With Worries’
Htun Maw Thein, a migrant worker in Malaysia, was injured during the recent violence that affected the Burmese community there. He discusses his experiences.
Head to Head With a Burmese Hardliner
In a rare interview, Aung Thaung, a former military general and minister turned lawmaker, fields tough questions about his alleged role in recent anti-Muslim violence.
‘President Thein Sein has opened the political door’
In an interview with The Irrawaddy, a Shan leader shares his views on the peace process, Burma’s political changes, and Shan State’s ongoing narcotics problems.
‘There’s a Huge Thirst for Knowledge and Human Capacity Here’
GE’s Asean CEO Stuart Dean discusses upgrading Burma’s electricity supply and speaks about the need for more skills and leadership training in the country.
‘It’s a Question of Justice’
At the World Economic Forum, Amnesty International’s secretary-general spoke up about arbitrary detention in Burma, impunity for crimes committed under the former regime, and more.
Advertisers in Burma ‘Can’t Bill It as a Gold Rush’
Sir Martin Sorrell, the CEO of British advertising giant WPP, sits down with The Irrawaddy to talk about the Burma media market’s potential.
‘Don’t Believe Everything You Hear’
In a rare interview, the commander of the government army’s operations in Kachin State responds to criticism about Burma’s military.
Suu Kyi’s Doctor Gets Down to Business
The democracy icon’s personal physician and close confidante tells The Irrawaddy how he’s keeping busy as the country transitions from military rule.
Burma’s Lucky Bibliophile
A librarian risked prison time by lending books during the former military regime and was caught by President Thein Sein’s current spokesman—with surprising results.
‘I Want to Build a Peaceful Life for Myself’
His recently opened art gallery shows how far Burma’s former spymaster Khin Nyunt has come since his days as one of Burma’s most feared men.
Burmese Cuisine and the American Dream
A husband and wife team earn critical acclaim by introducing the flavors and culture of their Southeast Asian homeland to California foodies.
Press Freedom, With Limits
Burma’s journalism scene is opening up, but after speaking with reporters in Rangoon, media watchdog Shawn Crispin sees cause for concern.
‘What I Have Been, Constantly, Is in a Revolution’
Famed exile Kachin singer and songwriter Mun Awng longs to perform before a home audience, but isn’t convinced he can do so freely just yet.
A ‘Crony’ with a Conscience
The Irrawaddy speaks to business mogul Zaw Zaw about his reputation as one of Burma’s “cronies” and his hopes for the fast-changing nation’s future.
‘We only shot with rubber bullets to scare them’
The police said the recent violence against Muslims was orchestrated and was conducting an investigation into the events.
Nationalist Monk U Wirathu Denies Role in Anti-Muslim Unrest
Buddhist monk U Wirathu runs a Burmese nationalist “969” campaign that has fanned anti-Islamic sentiments. But he denies his ideas are spurring the current unrest.
‘Trust-building Is Vitally Important’
The Irrawaddy speaks with Yohei Sasakawa, chairman of the Nippon Foundation, about his role in Burma's ongoing efforts to end decades of ethnic conflict.
A Former Child Soldier Recounts Years of Attempted Escape
Ye Lin calls on the authorities to end the use of child soldiers, who are often forcibly recruited into the Burmese government’s army.
‘We Want the Project to Continue’: Wanbao
The Irrawaddy speaks to a senior official of the Myanmar Wanbao mining company about the company's controversial Letpadaung copper mine in Sagaing Division.
Back in the Land of Green Ghosts
The Irrawaddy speaks to author Pascal Khoo Thwe about his return to Burma, where his acclaimed autobiography is now freely available to readers.