A timely article on the plight of the Rohingya people and the severe atrocities they have suffered at the hands of the Burmese authorities, who have tried to cover up their murderous acts, atrocious behavior and the true plight of the Rohingya.
It’s a shame that Myanmar has not changed much from the past, the only change is that they have fooled the world (the West) of a democratic form of govt. under this lady. She should not have received the Nobel Prize, as she has not spoken up for the plight of these poor people, who have been residing for decades in Rakhine state in Myanmar.
The “truth” cannot be hidden and slowly but surely, the truth of what has transpired and what is happening, to the plight of the Rohingya people, is being exposed for the world to see. This lady is fearful of losing her hard won power, as she is controlled behind the scenes by the military. Even though there were elections, don’t be fooled. The powerful military still controls everything, and call the shots. She cannot speak up or speak out as she has made a deal with the “devil.” Her “her flawless public facade is masked by a private despair.” Time will tells us the true character of this lady, as we are already seeing her true colors. And her “silence” on the atrocities happening under her watch is becoming deafening by the day.
I’ve been to Myanmar on two occasions and in my meetings with several people in different cities, they have emphasized to me that we in the West should not be deceived by the so called “return to democracy.”
I’m not a muslim but as a human being, I care about what’s happening to the Rohingya people. Their plight needs to be made known to the world. Any form of aid to Myanmar needs to be conditional, as had been the case previously, until this rape and pillaging of Rohingya villages in Rakhine state are halted immediately and the plight of the Rohingya people is addressed and they are given safe haven.
It’s truly sad and disturbing to see a devout Buddhist country like Myanmar, that has so many temples filled with Buddhists worshipping idols in the many temples spread out all over the country, treating their “fellow man” in such a inhumane, vicious, cruel, and atrocious manner. THE TRUTH CANNOT BE HIDDEN, no matter how hard the Burmese military and this present govt. tries to cover it up. History is repeating itself again in Myanmar, and it is going back to its past instead of moving forward.
I’ve not time to argue long, but I can say Mandala is one of the worst western media outlet and a group of lobbyist for Kawtaw illegal Bengalese living illegally in Myanmar. There is no Rohingya in both Bangladesh and Myanmar since time immemorial. Mandala doesn’t care how Myanmar nationals fear about Islam encroachment and atrocities that has been manifesting every corner of the civilised world. We don’t care Manada!!
The line b/t ‘pleasing “Entitled Foreign Journalist” and very small incremental progress in “Freedom From Fear” is blurred at best yet screwed by the author of this article Ms Fiona Mcgregor.
Daw Aung San Su Kyi is treading the this line perfectly.
Not for the love of EFJ, of course. But then why should she?
There seem to be lack of learning from ALL EFJ, astoundingly even at a basic level.
Since the 1st Anglo undeclared invasion 1825.
Subsequent humiliation and subjugation that include part of using and promoting Kala is glaringly ignored.
This military government however do not forget. Thanks to the EFJ now and then reporting only on where they can get their fund from, the west and Soro’s, the reality and the practicality of reversing the reality absolutely absurd.
Take for example a video going viral on a BBC reporter confronting a Ma Ba Ta monk, concerning the Kala issue with a very inappropriate manners. Show the obvious EFJ believing in own entitlement w/o thinking even of a culture where monk is revered.
This protagonist and ilk are aware and believe that the Kala in Yakhine getting the short end presently and recently.
DASSK can not and must not commit political suicide by siding with anyone but the military, which she will change.
Political suicide to please even the EFJ whom still think they are doing the Kala a favor are at best foolish at worst continuing to believe in self righteousness of reporting the truth, rather than the alleged truth.
The only way to solve the inequity problem created continually since the 1st Anglo invasion is steady incremental progress in economic opportunity through infrastructure updating as well as investment.
By estimate the $$ that was spent on this incident alone will have build several superhighway and providing electricity to all.
We believe as DASSK does, that only economic opportunity can resolve this problem definitively
Dear Ms MacGreggor, thank you for your fine article. I too am deeply troubled by the deplorable treatment of Rohingya people in Rankine state. Like you, I have been there, considered the history, observed the poverty and civic dysfunction and felt the tensions. I am not sure we ‘Westerners’ can place the full burden on the venerable Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Rankine state was devastated in the Japan war and has been subject to neglect and isolation for the past 60 years. It is now overwhelmed by a power play of Myanmar based and international forces, and money power. The local people seem bewildered, directionless, living in poverty and fear.
Rankine society and culture is distinct from that of the Burman people and from Rohingyas. One would hope they get a chance to find their own place in Myanmar and in the world. There is no doubt that British colonialism, the Japan War and their aftermath have deeply complicated this. I believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is aware of this, with deep compassion, as you graciously acknowledge. I see her as a venerable old woman acting as wisely as she can with some influence but great no power. Britain and Japan caused this. It’s time for the people of Great Britain and Nihon-koku to accept their sovereign responsibility and lend a helping hand.
DASSK has proved herself to be a Burmese patriot and immune to Muslim global threats and provocations. For that she has well earned the Nobel Prize and the repeated slander against her and Myanmar is rightfully ignored.
Some good points Le-fey. But I fail to understand why you continue referring to Lao Isaarn as “Thai”. Have they ever really thought of themselves as such ? Have they ever really been treated as such ? The birth of new nations usually has a long gestation. Isaarn, from just about everything I’ve experienced of it – which is considerable – is now ALMOST irrevocably in that gestation period.
In general I do not put myself close to Thais of any stripe – it’s a recipe for frustration and disappointment in my view. Neither do I give them any credit points for being slightly backward (though they undoubtedly are slightly backward). I believe this would be condescending and disingenuous, so I leave this rather dangerous attitude to the politically correct brigade, who in my view, don’t know any better. I’m aware of course that this does not earn me any merit among the chattering classes, but I believe it is more closely related to reality, and as the result of long personal experience, so I expect I’ll just have to learn how to cope with the odium.
None-the-less, what I lack in close personal communication, I make up for in observation and a keen interest in and understanding of what drives people. I think I can recognise two important changes over past years, and am very tempted to ascribe these changes in particular, to the past three or four years. In fact probably to the time since the execrable Suthep began his seditious games with the intent of driving an even bigger wedge between the ruling kleptocracy and the hoi polloi, though given the principles by which the kleptocracy live as compared to the way that more intelligent people live, I would invariably prefer the hoi polloi over the kleptocracy). The two most marked changes I’ve noticed among Thais are:
1. A large increase in the tensions within society, which leads to a marked uptick in the incidence of personal conflict, petty crime (usually iolence or larceny if one ignores the collossal corruption in Thailand, and a general disregard for the law.
2. A very marked change in the attitudes of many Thais towards non-Thais. Whereas before, there was general deference towards foreigners (particularly farang, which I guess I notice more because I am one), there is now a definite resentment which is now much more noticeable than it used to be, among the people and officialdom.
Apart from this however, and probably because most Thais would just as soon poke themselves in the eye with a pencil as confide their thoughts to a white Caucasian (particularly one with whom they do not have a personal relationship), I have not noticed any great outrage as to the actions of Prayuth and his merry men. Much less than in fact I would have expected, but that is probably explained by the difference between European culture and the Thai culture.
Lest I be misunderstood, whilst I enjoy my frequent stays in Thailand, I do not go there for the quality of the personal company, nor for the beauty of the landscape, which is generally horrible, but for the weather and the price of things in general which seems to me to be way too high in Europe. I have a generally low opinion of Thai people, I believe they are under-intelligent, severely under-educated and in general much too accepting of the exploitation to which many, perhaps most of them fall prey. Thailand does seem to me to be something like a pressure cooker, and I personally believe that blood in the streets is inevitable given the antics of the shower currently in government (of their own appointing), but being Thais, I fully expect that to be long in coming and short in duration. It does however seem inevitable given the long-standing exploitation of Thais by the privileged few and what must be observed as human nature in not liking it very much – once it is drawn to their attention.
I personally have not heard many explicit grumbles about the current regime, though I have heard surprisingly frank opinions as to the new head boy, who seems to be earning himself no good karma whatever. I used to harbour a belief that he was not a natural ally of the army, outside of his personal bodyguard, but measured against that is the nature of the man. Which is not nice. It seems to me that he had a good opportunity to walk back some of his appalling reputation among his countrymen by supporting human rights and the development of the country – a new leaf, so to speak. It seems I was naive because he appears to have very few admirers in those parts of Thailand where I spend any time.
In general therefore, Chris, I accept your opinion but I don’t agree with it – I truly wish I did because if ever there was a country that needed taking down a good few pegs, it is Thailand. A revolution among the people would deliver some long overdue lessons to the feudal barons.
Le-fey – Time magazine, July 2, 2014, has an article about Isaarn’s growing independence movement. Particularly noteworthy are the comments by David Streckfuss.
Andy, It is a valuable piece of work as the rule of law is a slow acculturation. Indicative evidence you present here signals a positive trend, but it is besieged by many undercurrents right now. The judicial and legal system are super slow, but regard for civil liberties and rights is a start. I would make one correction and it is not a transition to a democracy but a transition to a ‘disciplined democracy’ as constitutionally decreed by the Tatmadaw. It will go as far or as little as they decide as it was done by decree not by a political compact. Hence the struggle of the peace and reconciliation process.
Le-fey : from Isaarn people I’ve spoken to in the Lao PDR, and in Australia. Obviously they can not say these things in Thailand, though I’ve heard them whispered even there.
I am afraid Marc is correct. Not afraid for Marc but for Indonesia. The present Saudi junket to Jakarta may impress the Saudis more than the Indonesians, but President Jokowi needed to validate his Islamic credentials. Well, he likely didn’t very much but he did demonstrate that not only Rizieq and the Islamic extremists are very open to Arabization and Wahhabi Islam, but Arab investment may also go a long way….to the top.
Thailand’s junta leader has called for the Thai people to be flexible about the country’s ‘roadmap to democracy’, suggesting that a postponement of elections would not be a big deal.
The United Nations rapporteur on human rights in Burma called Thursday for the creation of a Commission of Inquiry (COI), the UN’s highest-level probe, to investigate abuses in the country.
The CCP will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. It is the PRC that will become a hundred years old in 2049. Not surprisingly, the party was established before the state, just as in the Soviet Union.
Facebook 
Twitter 
Soundcloud 
Youtube 
Rss
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
A timely article on the plight of the Rohingya people and the severe atrocities they have suffered at the hands of the Burmese authorities, who have tried to cover up their murderous acts, atrocious behavior and the true plight of the Rohingya.
It’s a shame that Myanmar has not changed much from the past, the only change is that they have fooled the world (the West) of a democratic form of govt. under this lady. She should not have received the Nobel Prize, as she has not spoken up for the plight of these poor people, who have been residing for decades in Rakhine state in Myanmar.
The “truth” cannot be hidden and slowly but surely, the truth of what has transpired and what is happening, to the plight of the Rohingya people, is being exposed for the world to see. This lady is fearful of losing her hard won power, as she is controlled behind the scenes by the military. Even though there were elections, don’t be fooled. The powerful military still controls everything, and call the shots. She cannot speak up or speak out as she has made a deal with the “devil.” Her “her flawless public facade is masked by a private despair.” Time will tells us the true character of this lady, as we are already seeing her true colors. And her “silence” on the atrocities happening under her watch is becoming deafening by the day.
I’ve been to Myanmar on two occasions and in my meetings with several people in different cities, they have emphasized to me that we in the West should not be deceived by the so called “return to democracy.”
I’m not a muslim but as a human being, I care about what’s happening to the Rohingya people. Their plight needs to be made known to the world. Any form of aid to Myanmar needs to be conditional, as had been the case previously, until this rape and pillaging of Rohingya villages in Rakhine state are halted immediately and the plight of the Rohingya people is addressed and they are given safe haven.
It’s truly sad and disturbing to see a devout Buddhist country like Myanmar, that has so many temples filled with Buddhists worshipping idols in the many temples spread out all over the country, treating their “fellow man” in such a inhumane, vicious, cruel, and atrocious manner. THE TRUTH CANNOT BE HIDDEN, no matter how hard the Burmese military and this present govt. tries to cover it up. History is repeating itself again in Myanmar, and it is going back to its past instead of moving forward.
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/footage-of-monk-and-foreign-reporter-goes-viral.html
The link to western reporter behaving as though he is in UK.
General sentiment of Burmese is:
Taken advantage from behind by Kala and rape by Pauk Phaw from in front.
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
I’ve not time to argue long, but I can say Mandala is one of the worst western media outlet and a group of lobbyist for Kawtaw illegal Bengalese living illegally in Myanmar. There is no Rohingya in both Bangladesh and Myanmar since time immemorial. Mandala doesn’t care how Myanmar nationals fear about Islam encroachment and atrocities that has been manifesting every corner of the civilised world. We don’t care Manada!!
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
The line b/t ‘pleasing “Entitled Foreign Journalist” and very small incremental progress in “Freedom From Fear” is blurred at best yet screwed by the author of this article Ms Fiona Mcgregor.
Daw Aung San Su Kyi is treading the this line perfectly.
Not for the love of EFJ, of course. But then why should she?
There seem to be lack of learning from ALL EFJ, astoundingly even at a basic level.
Since the 1st Anglo undeclared invasion 1825.
Subsequent humiliation and subjugation that include part of using and promoting Kala is glaringly ignored.
This military government however do not forget. Thanks to the EFJ now and then reporting only on where they can get their fund from, the west and Soro’s, the reality and the practicality of reversing the reality absolutely absurd.
Take for example a video going viral on a BBC reporter confronting a Ma Ba Ta monk, concerning the Kala issue with a very inappropriate manners. Show the obvious EFJ believing in own entitlement w/o thinking even of a culture where monk is revered.
This protagonist and ilk are aware and believe that the Kala in Yakhine getting the short end presently and recently.
DASSK can not and must not commit political suicide by siding with anyone but the military, which she will change.
Political suicide to please even the EFJ whom still think they are doing the Kala a favor are at best foolish at worst continuing to believe in self righteousness of reporting the truth, rather than the alleged truth.
The only way to solve the inequity problem created continually since the 1st Anglo invasion is steady incremental progress in economic opportunity through infrastructure updating as well as investment.
By estimate the $$ that was spent on this incident alone will have build several superhighway and providing electricity to all.
We believe as DASSK does, that only economic opportunity can resolve this problem definitively
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
Dear Ms MacGreggor, thank you for your fine article. I too am deeply troubled by the deplorable treatment of Rohingya people in Rankine state. Like you, I have been there, considered the history, observed the poverty and civic dysfunction and felt the tensions. I am not sure we ‘Westerners’ can place the full burden on the venerable Daw Aung San Suu Kyi.
Rankine state was devastated in the Japan war and has been subject to neglect and isolation for the past 60 years. It is now overwhelmed by a power play of Myanmar based and international forces, and money power. The local people seem bewildered, directionless, living in poverty and fear.
Rankine society and culture is distinct from that of the Burman people and from Rohingyas. One would hope they get a chance to find their own place in Myanmar and in the world. There is no doubt that British colonialism, the Japan War and their aftermath have deeply complicated this. I believe that Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is aware of this, with deep compassion, as you graciously acknowledge. I see her as a venerable old woman acting as wisely as she can with some influence but great no power. Britain and Japan caused this. It’s time for the people of Great Britain and Nihon-koku to accept their sovereign responsibility and lend a helping hand.
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
DASSK has proved herself to be a Burmese patriot and immune to Muslim global threats and provocations. For that she has well earned the Nobel Prize and the repeated slander against her and Myanmar is rightfully ignored.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Some good points Le-fey. But I fail to understand why you continue referring to Lao Isaarn as “Thai”. Have they ever really thought of themselves as such ? Have they ever really been treated as such ? The birth of new nations usually has a long gestation. Isaarn, from just about everything I’ve experienced of it – which is considerable – is now ALMOST irrevocably in that gestation period.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Chris Beale:
In general I do not put myself close to Thais of any stripe – it’s a recipe for frustration and disappointment in my view. Neither do I give them any credit points for being slightly backward (though they undoubtedly are slightly backward). I believe this would be condescending and disingenuous, so I leave this rather dangerous attitude to the politically correct brigade, who in my view, don’t know any better. I’m aware of course that this does not earn me any merit among the chattering classes, but I believe it is more closely related to reality, and as the result of long personal experience, so I expect I’ll just have to learn how to cope with the odium.
None-the-less, what I lack in close personal communication, I make up for in observation and a keen interest in and understanding of what drives people. I think I can recognise two important changes over past years, and am very tempted to ascribe these changes in particular, to the past three or four years. In fact probably to the time since the execrable Suthep began his seditious games with the intent of driving an even bigger wedge between the ruling kleptocracy and the hoi polloi, though given the principles by which the kleptocracy live as compared to the way that more intelligent people live, I would invariably prefer the hoi polloi over the kleptocracy). The two most marked changes I’ve noticed among Thais are:
1. A large increase in the tensions within society, which leads to a marked uptick in the incidence of personal conflict, petty crime (usually iolence or larceny if one ignores the collossal corruption in Thailand, and a general disregard for the law.
2. A very marked change in the attitudes of many Thais towards non-Thais. Whereas before, there was general deference towards foreigners (particularly farang, which I guess I notice more because I am one), there is now a definite resentment which is now much more noticeable than it used to be, among the people and officialdom.
Apart from this however, and probably because most Thais would just as soon poke themselves in the eye with a pencil as confide their thoughts to a white Caucasian (particularly one with whom they do not have a personal relationship), I have not noticed any great outrage as to the actions of Prayuth and his merry men. Much less than in fact I would have expected, but that is probably explained by the difference between European culture and the Thai culture.
Lest I be misunderstood, whilst I enjoy my frequent stays in Thailand, I do not go there for the quality of the personal company, nor for the beauty of the landscape, which is generally horrible, but for the weather and the price of things in general which seems to me to be way too high in Europe. I have a generally low opinion of Thai people, I believe they are under-intelligent, severely under-educated and in general much too accepting of the exploitation to which many, perhaps most of them fall prey. Thailand does seem to me to be something like a pressure cooker, and I personally believe that blood in the streets is inevitable given the antics of the shower currently in government (of their own appointing), but being Thais, I fully expect that to be long in coming and short in duration. It does however seem inevitable given the long-standing exploitation of Thais by the privileged few and what must be observed as human nature in not liking it very much – once it is drawn to their attention.
I personally have not heard many explicit grumbles about the current regime, though I have heard surprisingly frank opinions as to the new head boy, who seems to be earning himself no good karma whatever. I used to harbour a belief that he was not a natural ally of the army, outside of his personal bodyguard, but measured against that is the nature of the man. Which is not nice. It seems to me that he had a good opportunity to walk back some of his appalling reputation among his countrymen by supporting human rights and the development of the country – a new leaf, so to speak. It seems I was naive because he appears to have very few admirers in those parts of Thailand where I spend any time.
In general therefore, Chris, I accept your opinion but I don’t agree with it – I truly wish I did because if ever there was a country that needed taking down a good few pegs, it is Thailand. A revolution among the people would deliver some long overdue lessons to the feudal barons.
Suu Kyi’s state of denial
dassk has revealed herself to be an immense disappointment.
I for one support stripping her of the Noble prize .
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Le-fey – Time magazine, July 2, 2014, has an article about Isaarn’s growing independence movement. Particularly noteworthy are the comments by David Streckfuss.
Does the data reveal declining dictatorship in Myanmar?
Andy, It is a valuable piece of work as the rule of law is a slow acculturation. Indicative evidence you present here signals a positive trend, but it is besieged by many undercurrents right now. The judicial and legal system are super slow, but regard for civil liberties and rights is a start. I would make one correction and it is not a transition to a democracy but a transition to a ‘disciplined democracy’ as constitutionally decreed by the Tatmadaw. It will go as far or as little as they decide as it was done by decree not by a political compact. Hence the struggle of the peace and reconciliation process.
Does the data reveal declining dictatorship in Myanmar?
May I ask difference to what?
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Le-fey : from Isaarn people I’ve spoken to in the Lao PDR, and in Australia. Obviously they can not say these things in Thailand, though I’ve heard them whispered even there.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Can’t say I’ve seen or felt this Chris, though I’m not there right now. Where is your information coming from?
Time to draw the line
That ‘basketcase’ is an independent nation which has been treated shamefully.
Time to draw the line
Or simply negotiate with and treat them decently and ethically because it is the right thing to do
Is hardline Islam really rising in Indonesia?
I am afraid Marc is correct. Not afraid for Marc but for Indonesia. The present Saudi junket to Jakarta may impress the Saudis more than the Indonesians, but President Jokowi needed to validate his Islamic credentials. Well, he likely didn’t very much but he did demonstrate that not only Rizieq and the Islamic extremists are very open to Arabization and Wahhabi Islam, but Arab investment may also go a long way….to the top.
Private: Grieving as Thainess in 2017
Wed, 01/03/2017
Thailand’s junta leader has called for the Thai people to be flexible about the country’s ‘roadmap to democracy’, suggesting that a postponement of elections would not be a big deal.
http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/6966
A turning point in the Rohingya crisis
The United Nations rapporteur on human rights in Burma called Thursday for the creation of a Commission of Inquiry (COI), the UN’s highest-level probe, to investigate abuses in the country.
http://www.dvb.no/news/un-envoy-calls-highest-level-probe-burma/74418
The future of Xi’s Belt Road Initiative
The CCP will celebrate its 100th anniversary in 2021. It is the PRC that will become a hundred years old in 2049. Not surprisingly, the party was established before the state, just as in the Soviet Union.