Myanmar update: not necessarily a good Friday
Despite the ongoing brutal coup carried out by the Burmese
military, there have been some encouraging developments.
To be sure, the coup is far from over and there has been a
lack of meaningful support from bordering neighbors on the one hand, and
outright violence
on the part of the
military in the country. It is difficult to fathom that there are parties who are – if not encouraging the junta,
turning a blind eye to the suffering it is inflicting. Additionally, China
is looming on the horizon under the pretense of protecting
its interests.
In terms of positive developments, there are newer
sanctions being imposed, attempts
at stronger alliances with the indigenous populations, this last being
promoted by the CRPH which is declaring
the 2008 constitution void. This may be problematic but it represents a countervailing
action to the military; after all, if the Tatmadaw is not going to recognize
the results of a constitutionally supported election, then of what substance is
that constitution?
Protests
continue, and this shows the resilience of the Burmese people; additionally,
the
junta itself is showing desperation. It is costing lives, but this was not
a well executed, well-planned coup with any popular support.
I do not see the coup ending anytime soon; however, it
genuinely does not appear that the military is in the strongest of positions.
Yes, they may have fire power and yes, they may shut down the internet (hurting
their own communications in the meantime); but they do not have widespread
support outside of Myanmar. This coup can very well destabilize the region and
this would not work in their favor. Myanmar would quickly become a pariah state
and find itself at a social/economic crossroad at the intersection of Collapse
and Implosion.
As usual, I don’t want to end these updates without leaving
ideas behind of groups to work with, and how you can help.
I leave some of the last words to Myo Win Aung:
You can click on the image or go directly here: https://phanfoundation.org.
Lastly, we turn to Fast
Company with ideas of what you can do and how you can get involved, as well
as other organizations found in previous posts.
Consider supporting or getting involved with these groups:
U.S. Campaign
for Burma Twitter feed
International Campaign for the
Rohingya (which at this point is inclusive of all Burmese and
supporting the CDM)
For earlier updates/more information:
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