Letters to the Editor — November, 2010

Myat Minn

Questioning Tai Roots

Regarding the book review, “A Sweeping Survey of the Shan” [January 30, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15010:

I am a little uncomfortable with the uncorroborated perpetuation of the following opinions which are presented as fact time and time again on the Internet: first, the assertion that the terms Shan and Siam are from the same root; second, that Nan Zhao was a Shan empire. Both of these are modern myths based on limited evidence and maintained predominantly by Tai nationalists, but also by their fervent international supporters. The first idea is perpetuated to somehow connect all Tais without current autonomy to the most successful "Tai" nation state, which ironically is the least culturally, linguistically or genetically Tai and whose epicenter is the farthest away from the proposed original Tai homelands in southeastern China.

The second idea of a Tai empire prior to the second millennium CE in Yunnan is now largely discredited by Chinese historians who generally accept that Nan Zhao was a complex multi-ethnic polity with the Yi ethnic group forming the governing elite. Whereas giving young Shans some ethnocentric pride is generally to be lauded given the current oppression of ethnic culture within Burma I have concerns that the continued perpetuation of uncorroborated or discredited ideas is in the long term harmful rather than helpful. This is not dissimilar to Afro-centric so-called academics claiming African involvement in the building of Angkor or the establishment of the Yellow River civilization.

Zaw Aung Zeya

Aung San was No Hero

Regarding the article, “Young Dissidents Remember Aung San” [February 12, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15100]:

Who says Aung San is the hero of Burma, with his 33 men who were trained in Japan to fight the war? Rubbish! All Burmese people took part in fighting the Japanese. Ne Win followed Aung San’s path. Aung San is the main villain of Burma.

Tun Win

Karen Discarded

Regarding the article, “The Karen Old Soldiers that Britain Forgot” [February 12, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15101]:

The Karen were only faithful to their British masters in the past. Now they know that their masters only use them and leave them like dirty clothes. If they were faithful to Burma, they would not see this day in life. Long live Burma.

tun win

Keep Strong, Kyaw Thu!

Regarding the article, “Who is Kyaw Thu?” [February 10, 2009;
URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15088]:

Kyaw Thu: you can still play an important role. Keep strong!

Thang Lian

War with Bangladesh?

Regarding the article, “Troop Movements Reported Along Bangladesh-Burma Border” [February 11, 2009; http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15096]:

It seems from the movement of troops a sudden encounter is imminent. It may become an all-out war with Bangladesh with US support. China’s role in this event is important. In the event of war what will China’s position be? That has to be seen with caution. If China does not support Burma then Burma may have to pay the price heavily.

Taponbaby

Wa-mongering

Regarding the article, “Tension Mounts between Wa and Burmese Army” [February 10, 2009; URL: http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15085]:

If this is true, good! I support the UWSA standing with other ethnics.

Bala

The Irrawaddy Should Be Aware of Burmese Interests

Regarding the article, “Troop Movements Reported Along Bangladesh-Burma Border” [February 11, 2009; http://www2.irrawaddy.com/article.php?art_id=15096]:
Give the oil exploration to Bangladesh, then shift all the Bengali (so-called Rohingya) to Bagan [Pagan]. It will make Burma proud. Journalism is not for bashing and being one-sided. Sometimes as journalists you should be aware of national interests rather than attacking the military junta. If you experience how our Buddhism is treated in Bangladesh, then we should discuss that.