Burma Update: Feburary 2, 2008

Highlight

Human Rights Watch: World Report 2008

"...An estimated 100 civilians were killed in the demonstrations in Rangoon; there are unverified reports of protester deaths in other locations throughout Burma. Official SPDC figures claim that 15 people were killed and over 3,000 arrested. The SPDC claims to have released over 2,000 detainees; there are fears several hundred remain incarcerated.

The SPDC made no concessions to international condemnation, staging mass rallies of the USDA and Myanmar Women’s Affairs Federation throughout the country, condemning foreign interference in Burma, and blaming unrest on foreign media reports and exile radio broadcasts inciting protests..."


News from Burmese Media

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Bush Administration Expected to Request Boost in Burma Funding
Irrawaddy News Magazine: Top US Diplomat Wants International Pressure on Burma Junta
Mizzima News: HRW Report: 100 Killed in Saffron Revolution


News from Global Media

The Straits Times: Spokesman for Myanmar's Suu Kyi Battling Cancer
Washington Post: Burma's Junta Takes Aim at Rambo Film
The Star Online: Vietnam Vs Myanmar Gang-Fight
UN News Centre: UN Emergency Response Funds Allocated to Neglected Crises


Opinion/Other

Irrawaddy News Magazine: The Need for a Growth Coalition in Burma - Min Zin
The Wall Street Journal: Burma's Most Wanted [Commentary] - Lesie Hook
Bangkok Post: West Beats Burma Drum Without Purpose or Strategy [Analysis] - Larry Jagan


Report/Briefer

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Weekly Business Round-Up (February 02, 2008) - Willian Boot

Alternative ASEAN Network on Burma: January 2008 Burma Bulletin
* Daw Suu slams SPDC
* Persecution of NLD intensifies
* Child mortality rate worse than Sudan
* Bombs in Burma
* SPDC in international spotlight
* Food shortages
* Other Burma news
* List of Reports
* Much more...


Special Feature

Irrawaddy News Magazine: Crossing the Gulf [Beyond 1988—Reflections IV] - Aung Naing Oo

"October 1998: It was nearly 6 p.m. when the evening tide came in. The first wave lifted our boat up out of the mud, jolting the occupants—cows, sailors and us. Unprepared for the sudden motion, we instinctively grabbed the nearest thing—man, cow or piece of the boat’s interior structure—to steady ourselves.

Yet I felt a tingle of anticipation. After hours of waiting in the blistering sun, we were finally to leave—floating out to sea with the evening tide. The day was drawing to a close, and I watched the sun setting beautifully on the horizon, as the sailors busily prepared for our departure..."