The Irrawaddy Magazine | Archive | OPINION

Behind the Letpadaung Crisis, a Canadian Firm With a Dire Record

The ongoing crisis at Letpadaung should be a warning to the world of the need to exert caution when conducting mining operations in underdeveloped countries.

Why the 88 Generation Students Party is Crucial

By HANS HULST

A political party formed by the 88 Generation Students group could be just what Burma needs to keep its democratic transition on track.

When Google Comes to Town

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

The expected visit to Burma by Google’s top executive, Eric Schmidt, comes amid disturbing signs of backsliding by the Burmese government on media reforms.

The Letpadaung Saga and the End of an Era

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

Twenty-five years after Burma’s pro-democracy movement began, some in the country are left wondering if they still have a leader in Aung San Suu Kyi.

How Can Burma Begin to Heal the Scars of ‘88?

By HTET AUNG KYAW / THE IRRAWADDY

It’s been 25 years since the crackdown on the ’88 uprising began. Burma’s opposition and activists should now decide how to address these past crimes.

Finally, a Window for Peace in Burma

By MIN ZIN

The international community should do whatever it can to sustain Burma’s peace process, which has made unprecedented progress.

From Europe with Love

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

President Thein Sein’s tour of Europe has turned into a love fest. Unfortunately, the people of Burma weren’t invited.

Burma’s Draft Media Law Casts Shadow on Press Freedom

By KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN

After winning praise for relaxing controls on the media over the past two years, Burma is now in danger of backsliding on press freedom.

Burma’s AEC Performance

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

With less than a year to go until it assumes the Asean chair, Burma is struggling to meet the deadline for the Asean Economic Community

China’s Intervention in the Burma-Kachin Peace Talks

By YUN SUN

Peace talks between Burma’s government and the rebel Kachin Independence Organization (KIO) in Ruili, China, on Feb. 4, finally rendered a glimpse of hope after 17 months of bloody conflict. Although the two sides still need more time and further dialogue to reach a peace agreement, major breakthroughs were achieved on key issues such as [...]

Burma’s Media Scene is Booming

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

After decades of draconian restrictions, Burma’s government has unleashed dramatic changes in the way the country’s media operates.

Recent Moves Renew Doubts about Burma’s Reforms

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

The appointment of more generals to President Thein Sein’s cabinet raises questions about whether Burma’s government is really moving toward reform.

Tell Me…Tell Me…Little Lines

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma’s government has learned that it stands to benefit greatly from increasing media freedom in the country.

The Prospects for Burma’s Economic Development

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma’s may face many economic challenges, but it has the advantage of being able to benefit from regional frameworks and the experiences of its neighbors.

Ethnic Harmony Needed for Burma’s Reforms to Succeed

By HTET AUNG KYAW

Burma will never build a stable democratic foundation until it finally addresses the demands of ethnic minorities for greater autonomy and respect for their rights.

Why is Suu Kyi Absent from Asean?

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma’s iconic pro-democracy leader needs to turn her attention to Burma’s regional neighborhood and start playing a more prominent role in Southeast Asian affairs.

Homecoming

By MIN ZIN

Returning to your native country after many years in exile is bound to be a bittersweet experience.

Rehabilitating Burma’s Cronies

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma’s tycoons are back in the news again—not for their shady ties to generals, but for their efforts to cozy up to the NLD.

Burma and Bhutan: A Tale of Two Top-down Democracies

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma and Bhutan may seem to have little in common, but both countries have recently embarked on similar experiments aimed at reshaping their political systems.