The Irrawaddy Magazine | Archive | OPINION

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

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.

Why Is There No Asean Food Day?

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Asean needs to find something to rally around. What better subject than food, which has long been a source of pride to the whole region?

Burma and Asean Learn How to Make Peace

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma and the newly formed Asean Institute for Peace and Reconciliation can learn from each other as they strive to end domestic and regional conflicts.

Returning to a Relaxed Rangoon

By GUSTAAF HOUTMAN / THE IRRAWADDY

After years away, an anthropologist notes changes in Burma’s biggest city, from the appearance of dog walkers to the seeming disappearance of fear.

Suu Kyi Remains Silent as Burma Burns

By THE IRRAWADDY

There is no good reason for Aung San Suu Kyi to remain aloof from the conflicts wracking the country she hopes to lead.

Resisting Naypyidaw’s Imperialism

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

The conflict in Kachin State will only end when Burma abandons its imperialistic attitude toward ethnic minorities.

Japan and the Peace Process in Burma

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

The Nippon Foundation is taking the lead in providing international support for Burma’s peace and reconciliation process.

UN Engagement Vital for Rights Reform

By JARED GENSER / THE IRRAWADDY

The United Nations has a crucial role to play in Myanmar’s ongoing efforts to restore human rights.

2012—The Year in Review

By KYAW ZWA MOE / THE IRRAWADDY

The past year has brought both positive developments and disappointments as the Burmese government and people adjust to rapidly changing circumstances.

The Killing in Kachin State Must Stop

By THE IRRAWADDY

Until Burma’s government calls the armed forces to heel, the country’s prospects of achieving lasting peace and progress look dim.

Tales of Ruling and Opposition Parties

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Burma is unique in Southeast Asia in having a government that appears to be willing to treat its main rival for power with respect.

Can US-Burma Defense Ties Return Generals to the Barracks?

By AUNG ZAW / THE IRRAWADDY

Cooperation should not be about providing instruction and arms but convincing Burma’s future military leaders that the proper place for generals remains in the barracks.

Rangoon Experiences Consequences of Reform

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

Heavy traffic, pricey food, expensive accommodations and a smartphone boom have come quickly to Burma’s biggest city.

Asean Welcomes Rising India as It Looks East

By KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN

As Asean’s relations with China grow increasingly strained, India is emerging as an ever more important partner for the regional grouping.

Rocky Road Home from Exile

By KYAW ZWA MOE / THE IRRAWADDY

Eight years after ex-spy chief Khin Nyunt said, “Don’t read The Irrawaddy,” the magazine is set to be distributed inside Burma for the first time.

Burma’s Asean Agenda

By MYINT THIN / THE IRRAWADDY

As Burma opens up after decades of isolation, its leaders say they are ready to assume a more active role in Southeast Asian affairs.

World Buddhist Leaders Pen Letter to Burma

By THE IRRAWADDY

International Buddhist leaders pen a letter to the Burmese people urging tolerance and compassion in the wake of bloody communal violence in western Burma.