One month into office, President Thein Sein's government has been sending mixed signals on reform... more One month into office, President Thein Sein's government has been sending mixed signals on reform. Many challenges remain for the fledgling government. How should ASEAN respond to this "new" face of the ruling elite in Myanmar? Commentary SINCE BEING sworn in, President Thein Sein has made a number of speeches stressing the need to develop and cooperate. We now wait to see if the words are translated into action. Events inside the country signal a mix of old and new approaches to address Myanmar's chronic problems. The military junta has been officially disbanded but many doubt that it has truly relinquished power. Parliament is dominated by the junta's proxy party-the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
The violence which flared up in Western Myanmar appears to have died down. However, the Rohingyas... more The violence which flared up in Western Myanmar appears to have died down. However, the Rohingyas' allegations that they bore the brunt of the government's security operations have led to a growing call from Muslim countries and organisations for intervention in Myanmar. The country's fragile transition to democracy has further complicated the picture, as public opinion and a freer press come into play in an extremely sensitive issue. With different portrayals galvanizing various involved and uninvolved communities, there is a risk of the situation taking on extremist dimensions.
One month into office, President Thein Sein's government has been sending mixed signals on reform... more One month into office, President Thein Sein's government has been sending mixed signals on reform. Many challenges remain for the fledgling government. How should ASEAN respond to this "new" face of the ruling elite in Myanmar? Commentary SINCE BEING sworn in, President Thein Sein has made a number of speeches stressing the need to develop and cooperate. We now wait to see if the words are translated into action. Events inside the country signal a mix of old and new approaches to address Myanmar's chronic problems. The military junta has been officially disbanded but many doubt that it has truly relinquished power. Parliament is dominated by the junta's proxy party-the Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP).
The violence which flared up in Western Myanmar appears to have died down. However, the Rohingyas... more The violence which flared up in Western Myanmar appears to have died down. However, the Rohingyas' allegations that they bore the brunt of the government's security operations have led to a growing call from Muslim countries and organisations for intervention in Myanmar. The country's fragile transition to democracy has further complicated the picture, as public opinion and a freer press come into play in an extremely sensitive issue. With different portrayals galvanizing various involved and uninvolved communities, there is a risk of the situation taking on extremist dimensions.
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