Aung San Suu Kyi was freed from house arrest in Myanmar (Burma) on November 13. The pro-democracy activist, who has spent 15 of the past 21 years in detention, was cheered by thousands of supporters. Upon resuming her work on behalf of democratic reform, she said her supporters “are certainly not bent on clashing” with the military government. Myanmar held parliamentary elections on November 7, and the regime appears to have solidified its power.
The elections were supposed to restore civilian control after a half century of military dominance. However, many in the international community deemed them neither free nor fair. The military rulers blocked foreigners from observing the voting, which Suu Kyi’s political party, the National League for Democracy (NLD), boycotted on her advice. Leaders of the National Democratic Front (NDF) are also pressuring Myanmar’s leaders for change. The NDF opted to participate in the vote despite the nation’s flawed political system.
This new breed of pragmatists believe the political landscape has improved slightly since Suu Kyi was last free and see compromise with the military as the way to achieve reforms. But they worry the 65-year-old Nobel Peace laureate may have become rigid in her thinking after having suffered so long under military rulers who have refused to negotiate with her. A symbol of hope to many ordinary Burmese, Aung San Suu Kyi began her political career in 1988 when a popular uprising thrust her into a leadership role. Although her party won a landslide victory in elections held in 1990, she had landed in jail and the military canceled the victory.
Related Links
- Aung San Suu Kyi Seeks Reconciliation with Military Rulers
This article discusses the efforts of Aung San Suu Kyi upon her release to begin building a movement for national reconciliation; includes photo gallery.
(Source: VOA News, November 14, 2010) - Aung San Suu Kyi’s Release Long Overdue
This editorial from Voice of America puts the release of Aung San Suu Kyi in perspective of U.S. foreign policy toward Burma.
(Source: VOA News, November 17, 2010) - Aung San Suu Kyi: How Her Release Could Shape Burma’s Political Future
This article, which was written before Suu Kyi’s release, examines the political turmoil that the long-detained Burmese pro-democracy activist is reentering.
(Source: Christian Science Monitor, November 6, 2010) - Map of Myanmar (Burma)
This map of Myanmar (Burma) shows the country’s administrative capital as Nay Pyi Taw, although Rangoon is still considered to be the country’s capital.
(Source: University of Texas)
Other Issues in the Region
Aboriginal Land Claims
After practicing what is often called “institutionalized racism” against its Aboriginal peoples a century ago, Australia is now struggling to improve the lives of Aborigines. Despite legal changes and efforts at fighting racism, many Aborigines still experience a lower standard of living, including poverty, health problems, unemployment, and violence.
- Constitutional Reform and Indigenous Peoples: Options for Amendment to the Australian Constitution
The Indigenous Law Centre is conducting a research project to evaluate the current position of Indigenous people under Australia’s constitution and examine proposals for constitutional reform related to Indigenous people. (Source: Australian Policy Online, January 30, 2011)
Environmental Change
Many scientists are convinced that climate changes today are not part of a natural cycle, but a result of human activity. They argue that the unbridled use of fossil fuels to power automobiles and airplanes and to produce electricity and manufactured goods is adding too many greenhouse gases to the atmosphere and contributing to global warming.
For decades, the industrialized nations have contributed to this pattern. As more and more of the world industrializes, the problem may become much worse. Some scientists believe that global warming is not only causing sea waters to rise, but may also be contributing to changing wind and rain patterns. They report that severe weather disturbances, such as storms, floods, and droughts in many parts of the world appear to be associated with such changes.
- King Crabs Invade Antarctica
Some experts believe that the waters around the Antarctic Peninsula are warming, causing a king crab invasion. The crabs are moving up from the deep ocean and preying on the creatures living in shallower waters, changing the ecosystem. Other scientists agree there are rapid changes underway, but argue that not enough is yet known to pin the sudden appearance of king crabs in the area on climate change. (Source: Washington Post, March 20, 2011)
Industrialization Sparks Change
Two main changes brought by industrialization are human migration to find jobs, and the need for natural resources. The growth of industry in Southeast Asia has produced positive results such as new jobs and higher wages. But it has also led to overcrowded cities and pollution.
In the face of industrialization, there is concern that such rapid change will not only harm the environment, but also trample and erase the cultural traditions of Southeast Asia.
- Migration in the Asia-Pacific Region
A new United Nations Department of Economic and Social Affairs study analyzes migration in Asia, focusing on six areas: migration to Western countries, contract laborers’ movement to the Middle East, international labor migration within Asia, movement of high-skill workers, mobility of students, and refugee migration.
(Source: migrationinformation.com, July 2009)