What Our Readers Say

Ethnic Peace is My Priority: Thein Sein

This is a truly remarkable speech by President Thein Sein. He addresses the importance of ethnic minorities in building Union Spirit, apparently admitting how seriously they are taking this agenda. We should leave the rest to the minority leaders and warlords—what they think is best for their people. At this point I'm really curious about what the minority leaders are prepared to do for change and what their goal is. This time I expect the media spotlight on minority leaders, militias and all rebel leaders in regards to what they see as the country's future for the good of all sides.—JustinBomber

How the Game Was Lost

Thanks so much, Adam! That's what I have been always thinking about the strategic loss of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi these days. Yes, the NLD has lost out! The so-called democratic West has lost out, too. But both never really had a strategy. Do you know why? Because Suu Kyi was always just a moral leader. She didn't become a leader out of performance or strategic calculation. She became a leader out of rhetoric of democracy and human rights. The West pushed her to the extreme front because her rhetoric resonates with the West's. Now, both she and her supportive West have lost out to the USDP and Myanmar military. The West has been shamelessly courting the USDP because they know they have already lost out to China and they know it is very difficult to deal with the Myanmar generals. The West and Suu Kyi have to accept the 2008 Constitution and 2010 election results.—Myo Chit

Burmese President Denies Govt Power Struggle

Don't pretend you (Thein Sein) do not know that the 2008 Constitution is flawed—neither democratic nor federal. If ethnic states are to be included in the Union of Myanmar, this constitution must be amended. This task cannot be done alone within the Parliament, which is full of former SPDC-USDA MPs, but must also include ethnic groups leaders. Don't think ethnic people are stupid. Don't pretend the Burmese are so smart that you can cheat all the time. We need real political talks to move forward. Don't just talk peace and development, we need a real and meaningful political solution.—MawShe

Full Support for Ex-Spy Chief's Social Work: MP

What Khin Nyunt should do is to set up a charity/fund to support the thousands of torture victims (and their families) who suffered in the hands of his murderous Military Intelligence (Defense Services Intelligence). Otherwise, he should not be forgiven but should stand trial for his crimes against humanity.

Khin Nyunt, just like Heinrich Himmler of the Nazi regime, is personally responsible for almost all tortures and extrajudicial killings that happened in Burma during SLORC and SPDC regimes.—Maung Maung Myint

Protesters Demand End of Shwe Gas Pipeline

Burmese should learn from their old experiences. When the British first introduced themselves to Burma, it was Burma's teak and oil that they wanted to invest in. After that, they sent their military to protect their so-call “economic interests.” Today, China has billions worth of economic interests (and millions of Chinese citizens) in Burma. This is not entirely a plus sign for Burma. It's extremely dangerous for Burma's sovereignty.

Is Suu Kyi Heading for a Cabinet Position?

I don't think Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will take a cabinet position as she clearly understands that an opposition leader in the Parliament has more leverage than a minister. One of the NLD's major objective is to change/amend the country's Constitution, and she has to stay as a parliamentarian in order to fulfill that very objective.  After all, Suu Kyi was born to lead, not to follow!—Thiri Nandar

Teenage Boys Tell of Forced Labor Horror

This is neither new nor unexpected. The Irrawaddy keeping tabs on important things and taking time out from praising Thein Sein is, however, commendable.

The word “Tatmadaw” has been heavily promoted by the military for the last 20 years and is used by themselves and a lot of people, some with reverence.