Read the Inquirer editorial, Battle for Burma, and Alex Magno’s column, Emergency. Asia Sentinel has Horror in Burma, and asks, Where are Burma’s Monks?
The Irrawaddy News Magazine Burma Protests page has continuous updates. So does More on Burma in the Guardian Unlimited.
Ramrod,
Btw, thie Fil mercenary I was talking about became an American defence industry salesman to Pinas during Cory’s FVR’s terms.
One thing we have to take into consideration is that, does this “GROUP OF MILITARY OFFICERS” who have plans to oust the JUNTA, have the capability and the numbers? I mean, it might be a bloody one and the only way the REBEL-SOLDIERS would succeed would be (a) overwhelm the military junta militarily; (b) have external support from another country military; (c) a peaceful outster? (much like edsa 1). But by the looks of it, the soldiers that support the junta are willing to kill even the Buddhist Monks. (another variable to consider).
I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power. This is one aspect that should be looked into. Yes, a COUP PLOT might just be another JUNTA. Which is damning. These are the dangers. Remember some Governments in South America, it’s a Military Junta then another Military Junta, and so on and so forth.
“Btw, thie Fil mercenary I was talking about became an American defence industry salesman to Pinas during Cory’s FVR’s terms.” – mbw
Isn’t that FVR’s job nowadays?
Re: “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.”
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of living”.
Ramrod,
If you mean by FVR’s job today is in referrence to Carlyle? I don’t think he’s selling anymore. He’s been sacked or to be more politically correct, he’s been asked to resign from the Carlyle board of advisors.
mbw
He wasn’t able to sell anything? How do we apply to this company? I think this is better than selling paper, ala Nicholas Cage in a movie. Unfortunately I forgot the title.
Re: I mean, it might be a bloody one and the only way the REBEL-SOLDIERS would succeed would be (a) overwhelm the military junta militarily;
I am confident that Western secret services are working already on officers clandestinely; we will never know to what extent until after or when the junta is toppled (
b) have external support from another country military;
Wont be surprised if this has already been considered even if only covertly
(c) a peaceful outster? (much like edsa 1).
I believe that’s what Dr Aung is aiming for. Burma has a violent history of transition of power and I think she is right to be cautious. A faction of the military that would rebel could be easily annihilated and bloody reprisals could happen.
Hazhahahahah! “He wasn’t able to sell anything? How do we apply to this company? I think this is better than selling paper, ala Nicholas Cage in a movie.”
Don’t know the movie at all but sure, why not? I can give you an address. Best thing is to get in touch with British or French Embassy DA. They will tell you. (Seriously!) Hahahahaha.
Geez, Mlq3’s minesweeper is at it again. I’m on moderation!
Will see if this get’s through:
Re: “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
OK, OK, … Mlq3’s minesweeper is at it again. I’m on moderation!
Karah,
“I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
MBW Quite frankly, I do not approve of ECONOMIC SANCTIONS. When economic sanctions are put in place, it’s the people that suffers all the more and not the sitting pretty Generals of the Junta. On the military side, what are the countries that help the “underground rebel-soldiers” of Burma? I think that CHINA has a big interest in some of the Natural Resources of Burma because of it’s hunger for Raw Materials in Manufacturing.
Yes, the ASEAN are even pushing for an EU-like Community within the next 10-15 years. They want “regional integration” to happen. This is very doable among the more stable and peaceful Member-countries. How about those Member-countries that still has some problems like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and some parts of Indonesia. This is one of those times that a question would be asked: “Does ASEAN have what it takes to discipline its own Members.”
One of the problems of Burma is that it has no oil reserves. No superpower will spend billions of dollar just to overtly help Burma for free and just listen to Aung Suu Kyi tell them “Thank you for helping us be free again”. There must be a return of investment as in the case of Iraq, even if the Americans are losing the war, they are gaining the oil. “Underneath the veneer of politics is the interest of business”.The least these superpowers can do is to help covertly and economically, I hope.
Karah,
Dr Aung herself asked for economic sanctions because the Burmese junta are the first to take advantage of the economic boom in Burma.
Example: there are various types of economic sanctions, they could come with freezing invetments in gaz explorations, western trading in mineral extracts will be frozen, etc.
GPZ,
Burma land is used for refinery and gaz transmition to the many of surrounding countries, to that effect, Burma’s geographical location is crucial!
It should be a peaceful ouster like EDSA 1. People, monks, and livestock boldly approaching the junta soldiers (but not agressively) bring flowers, etc., no weapons. The sympathetic soldiers’ task is to persuade other soldiers to spare the people – no agression, so that when the time comes, they will think twice of shooting, or maybe to position themselves at the forefront and when the order to shoot is given, they let everybody else see hesitation, and put down their weapons, embrace the people (lucky if the ones in front are pretty young women, otherwise contend with toothless monk), and then turn around towards the junta’s position and everybody join in singing “why can’t we be friends, why can’t we be friends,” or something like “magkaisa” in Burmese.
Mlq3’s minesweeper isn’t through with an earlier comment/reply to Karah’s “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
Let’s see if this goes through.
From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.
Obviously, the more senior, colonel and higher, must have the “highest standard of livingâ€Â.
Agree, Ramrod, agree entirely!
“the ones in front are pretty young women, otherwise contend with toothless monk),”
Hahahah!
Mlq3’s minesweeper isn’t through with an earlier comment/reply to Karah’s “I wonder if the JUNTA gives money or whatever to the Senior and Junior Officers for the junta to stay in power.â€Â
Re: How about those Member-countries that still has some problems like Burma, Cambodia, Laos, and some parts of Indonesia. This is one of those times that a question would be asked: “Does ASEAN have what it takes to discipline its own Members.â€Â
Oh well, can’t answer that. Right off the bat, don’t think so.
Wonder what kind of minesweeper Mlq3 has… a Lafayette class?
“Burma land is used for refinery and gaz transmition to the many of surrounding countries, to that effect, Burma’s geographical location is crucial!” – MBW
…but not as potent as oil, well, anyway I hope you’re right. I hope this refineries and gas transmissions would serve as an incentive.
No, MLQ3 has the MINESWEEPER game (the one bundled with Windows).
ECONOMY
Burma is a resource-rich country with a strong agricultural base. It also has vast timber, natural gas, and fishery reserves and is a leading source of gems and jade. Tourist potential remains undeveloped because of weak infrastructure and Burma’s international image, which has been damaged by the junta’s human rights abuses and oppression of the democratic opposition. Due to Burma’s poor human rights record, the U.S. has imposed a range of trade sanctions, including bans on the importation of Burmese products into the U.S. and the export of financial services from the U.S. to Burma passed in 2003.
The regime’s mismanagement of the economy has created a downward economic spiral. The state remains heavily involved in most parts of the economy, infrastructure has deteriorated, and no rule of law exists. The majority of Burmese citizens subsist on an average annual income of less than $200 per capita. Inflation, caused primarily by public sector deficit spending and the eroding value of the local currency (the kyat), have reduced living standards. The Asian Development Bank estimated in December 2006 that inflation in Burma could reach 30% in 2006-2007, in contrast with official estimates of 10%.
The military’s commercial arms play a major role in the economy. The limited moves to a market economy have been accompanied by a significant rise in crony capitalism. A handful of companies loyal to the regime has benefited from policies that promote monopoly and privilege. State-controlled activity predominates in energy, heavy industry, and the rice trade. Agriculture, light industry, trade, and transport dominate the private sector.
Burma remains a primarily agricultural economy with 50% of GDP derived from agriculture, livestock and fisheries, and forestry. Manufacturing/industry constitutes only 15% of recorded economic activity, and state industries continue to play a large role in that sector. Trade and services constitute only 35% of GDP.
Foreign investment has declined precipitously since 1999 due to the increasingly unfriendly business environment and political pressure from Western consumers and shareholders. The government conserves foreign exchange by limiting imports and promoting exports. Published estimates of Burma’s foreign trade (particularly on the import side) are greatly understated because of the large volume of off-book, black-market, illicit, and unrecorded border trade.
In the near term, growth will continue to be constrained by government mismanagement and minimal investment. A number of other countries, including member states of the European Union, Canada, and Australia have joined the United States in applying some form of sanctions against the regime.
Government economic statistics are unavailable and unreliable. According to official figures, GDP growth has been over 10% annually since FY 1999-2000. However, the rate is likely much smaller. Burma’s limited economic growth results largely from its natural gas exports, which account for over half of Burma’s export receipts and foreign direct investment. Natural gas exports will increase significantly once production begins from the offshore Shwe and Shwephyu Fields, estimated to hold 5.7-10 trillion cubic feet of natural gas. In 2005-2006, the oil and gas sector accounted for $69 million in foreign direct investment. Corporations based in China, India, South Korea, Thailand, and Malaysia have interests in the exploration and development of several offshore blocks.
Burma remains the world’s second-largest producer of illicit opium–although it amounts to only 11% of the world’s total. Annual production of opium is now estimated to be less than 20% of mid-1990 peak levels. Burma is also a primary source of amphetamine-type stimulants in Asia. Although the Burmese Government has expanded its counternarcotics measures in recent years, production and trafficking of narcotics and failure to adequately prosecute those involved remains a major problem in Burma.
Burma is rich in natural gas and opium (good enough incentives).
MBW It must be one of the reasons why “most” of the Military Officers is still loyal to the JUNTA. What sticks to their mind is this: “What will happen to us if a DEMOCRATIC GOVERNMENT would be in place? Would we have the same comfort?”
Exactly! Pundits reckon that that is probably where the Burmese military (not the seniors) are.
minesweeper? of course this one:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Vigilance_%28AM-324%29
just kidding.
karah,
maybe it’s the same question some military officers of ours are asking, if they will help oust GMA.
” Would we have the same comfort?”
“From my own readings, ordinary members of the military have very high standards of living as opposed to the ordinary Burmese citizen. They have privileges that allow members of their families to enter into business, go to schools, other great material perks, i.e., TV or cell phones even.” – mbw
This was what I was afraid of, money can negate my “cognitive dissonance” theory.
Ramrod (at 6:57pm), it looks like the Burmese have sacrificed their rights and freedoms just to move their country backward.
Ram Did you get your info from the US State Department’s Profile of Burma? While reading I recalled I have already read what you have post somewhere. I have also read Burma Info from CIA, Wikipedia, and that of the US State Department.
I have an impression that CHINA is eyeing some of the resources of Burma. It’s quite known that CHINA likes to invest in countries wherein the form of Government is either Dictatorial/Authoritarian and/or Ruled by a Junta. In this way, it’s easier to talk with Government rather than a Democratically-elected Government which would go thru a lot of channels, procedures, and processes.
My heart goes to the ordinary citizens of Burma (those who are victims of all this). We can consider BURMA as a FAILED STATE inasmuch as people are starving due to hunger and poverty, people are dying due to Military excesses, people does not have access even to the most basic social services, and the list in endless.
I am very sure that most of the Opium that Burma produces goes to Thailand (being a known trans-shipment point for all sorts of drugs).
“It’s quite known that CHINA likes to invest in countries wherein the form of Government is either Dictatorial/Authoritarian and/or Ruled by a Junta. In this way, it’s easier to talk with Government rather than a Democratically-elected Government which would go thru a lot of channels, procedures, and processes.” – karah
Hmmmmmm…..Government to government agreement eh, sounds familiar.
GPS It’s a very valid assertion. Look at how GMA rewards former Generals (from the AFP and PNP).
Yes. US State Department’s Profile. By the looks of it a number of countries are siphoning their natural resources with permission from the Junta.
Good God! That IS an old minesweeper! No wonder can’t do job quickly anymore. (kidding too!)
Modern minesweepers now are made of PVC. Lafayette class is stealth.
During the Cold War, the United States also preferred to deal with Authoritarian states (like Chile, Iraq, Pakistan and of course the Philippines) as long as they sided with the West as opposed to democracies that sided with the Soviets (like India). It’s realpolitik, which is quite the opposite of Bush’s ideologically driven foreign policy.
MBW, i’m sure that the Manuel Quezon III will be made of PVC.
ramrod, the movie starred in by Nicolas Cage was Lord of War. it depicts exactly why wars never end. because its profitable. the arms industry itself fuel wars or jump start it just so they can keep on earning, supporting or fanning environments rife for war.
Hey speaking of the Barko Manuel L Quezon, I wonder whatever happened to it? Wonder if it’s been upgraded like the Aguinaldo Class or is it still in the same derelict situation as the Mabini Class
Aw shucks, perhaps they haven’t gotten to the Q class in RP Navy yet! (Come in alphabetical order…)
They’re still upgrading the J class (Jacinto class)…
cvj,
Is that because he’s using US technology? (Ok, just kidding…)
MBW, i think it’s the same boat that Manolo linked to above.
Mbw, cvj
You’re reading into it to much, its really a y-shaped stick sometimes known as divining rod.
…or the guy normally in yellow t-shirt you see in the kalye with print “metro aide” on it…oops sorry, “street sweeper” pala yun hehehe
cvj, you probably meant SHIP not boat!
Heheheh! “its really a y-shaped stick… “
DevilsAdvc8,
Yes that was it, Lord of War. Its strange how guns, drugs, and blood diamonds usually go together, along with dictators and military juntas.
Re: GPS “maybe it’s the same question some military officers of ours are asking, if they will help oust GMA.
†Would we have the same comfort?â€Â
I’m mighty sure, that’s one of the major reasons!
Re: “how guns, drugs, and blood diamonds usually go together, along with dictators and military juntas.”
Exactly where the Burma is at! Guns, loads of them from China, blood diamonds entire Burma for the extracting (well, almost) dictators a plenty!
I gather that the mining sector is what’s driving the Philippine economy as well.