The Simple Soldier
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Under Than Shwe’s growing influence, the Burmese armed forces have become even more despised than they were in 1988. Ordinary citizens, monks and ethnic minorities all now regard the military as a tool of oppression, a fact that troubles many officers who believe they are working in the service of their country. They see that the repressive generals of today are richer and more corrupt than in Ne Win’s day and fear that they are destroying the country from within while professing to protect it from outside threats.
Most Burmese now believe that their country is ruled by an ogre. Growing ever more sullen in his old age, Than Shwe issues terse orders and ignores the counsel of others. His subordinates say that they can no longer read his expressions. Unlike Ne Win, he is devoid of personality, only occasionally emerging from his morbid introversion to lecture visiting diplomats on Burma’s long history or his “road map” to a “disciplined democracy.” Other times, if he is in a bad mood, he will snub even the most important guests.
His rule has been disastrous, driving Burma into the ranks of the world’s poorest nations. Refugees and economic migrants continue to flee to neighboring countries. Many members of the armed forces, including senior officers and others rising in the ranks, know that Burma would be better off without him.
But are they prepared to act on the growing dissatisfaction they feel as they watch the country slide into a black hole? How long will soldiers and their families have to live in poverty before they turn against him?
Today, Burma’s armed forces are better known for hunting down monks, raping women and killing ethnic civilians than protecting their country. This disgrace is clearly taking its toll on some who once believed in the honor of military service.
Recently, the regime sentenced two government officials, including a former army officer, to death for revealing “confidential information” relating to two diplomatic trips to North Korea and Russia by senior members of the regime. The news of the death sentences sent shock waves through the ranks of ordinary soldiers, some of whom say that there are many more soldiers and officers who are willing to switch sides if democratic forces and the international community are ready to assist them by offering safe passage or providing an alternative to Than Shwe.
Thus, there is still hope that the army can be a force for change in Burma, since mass uprisings have failed to make a difference. A split in the army or leadership may seem like a pipe dream, but it is important to keep educating young officers and searching for white knights in the armed forces.
They could one day become the people’s soldiers who finally remove the biggest threat to Burma’s future—the once simple soldier Than Shwe.
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