Word: burma
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...nationwide speaking tour to raise awareness of human rights abuses in Burma, former political prisoner Ko Bo Kyi made his second-to-last stop at Harvard Law School on Friday. Bo Kyi, a former executive in the national student union, was imprisoned for a total of seven years for his pro-democracy protests and refusal to serve as a government informant. Bo Kyi spoke about the coerced interrogation and psychological torture that rendered many political prisoners permanently disabled. “There is no rule of law, no separation of power [in Burma],” said...
French jewelry designer Marie-Hlne de Taillac has agreed to take me on an insider's gem-shopping adventure here in Jaipur, where many of the world's colored stones?emeralds from Colombia, rubies from Burma, aquamarines from Brazil?are cut and polished before they are shipped to such stores as Tiffany, Wal-Mart and neighborhood jewelers. Two flights up, there are shoes everywhere?loafers, sandals and dainty, beaded dance slippers. Double doors draped with wilted marigolds lead to De Taillac's atelier. Lit by stark winter sunlight, the room's entire floor is laid with mattresses covered...
...Going Nowhere" reported on how Asian nations are propping up Burma's strongmen by doing business with the country [Jan. 30]. As an activist and former prisoner of conscience, I can say that foreign experts ascribe far greater powers to the present regime than it actually has. Ideologies, institutions and society itself are in flux, but certain individuals within the country and abroad are polarizing the political debate, hardening attitudes and opinions. That attracts a lot of media attention but makes it extremely difficult for moderates to chart a viable course for the country's transition. There is no denying...
...generals who are running Burma are selfish, corrupt, shortsighted and most of all fearful of what will happen to them should they be forced to relinquish power. But the military regime should know that the fall of an empire is always preceded by harsh, tyrannous treatment of the people. While maintaining stability, the generals should return freedom to the Burmese and build up the country, which is a shambles. By working toward a good economy and a better life, Burma's military would better serve the people and earn their admiration. Lai Wee Leong Singapore...
...does not take a sociologist or economist to understand that sanctions are not toppling the regime's leaders. They are merely causing more hardship and suffering among the very people the West wishes to help, and forcing refugees to flee Burma's borders into neighboring countries. Sanctions are tools without teeth. Surely engagement and the promotion of a market economy would prove to be much more feasible. Edward Lim Singapore...