The New Nation - Internet Edition

The Myanmar Government has apparently been successful in watering the anti-government agitation initiated by the monks. It is because the priests failed to draw the people's supports, and to regroup. There are other reasons as well. The Burmese Government has been fighting the ultra-left Curren rebels for years together. The Curren rebels once had the blessings of Chinese Government (but we do not the strategic relations between them at present). Yet, the Rangoon Government always maintains a very cordial relationship with Beijing in order to counter the USA pressure for democratic rules. On the other hand, the USA does not want to do anything that paves the way for the rising of the ultra-leftists to power. India, a big neighbour, hardly dares shoot a Burmese national or loot away crops from the Myanmar soil for fear of losing trade interests. But unfortunately, the Indian Border Security Force is very much prompt to carry on such unfriendly activities with Bangladesh making it a regular routine.

The government of Myanmar understands it well and exploits accordingly. So, the return of democracy in Myanmar is a far cry.

Abdullah Akber

Motijheel, Dhaka