New Mandala readers who closely follow developments in the Shan State (and I know there are a few) have to put up with one of the world’s most complex political and military stalemates. Surrender, denial, ceasefire, hostility and speech-making – it has it all. Making sense out of the mess probably takes a lifetime of study.

The Myanmar Times is quoting government sources who are denying rumours about the recent reversal of one small Shan State Army (South) ceasefire.

This is further evidence of something that I have been considering for a while. I guess that writing sensible books and theses on the Shan State is possible —- but only after the dust has settled on any particular event or flare-up. On a day to day basis, and a week to week basis, it is much harder to tell what is happening.

Who really knows what goes on up there?