Reactions to story from Time

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  http://eugenedavid.blogspot.com/2008/05/junta-doesnt-want-fo...
  68 days ago in Eugene David ...The One-Minute Pundit · Authority: 4

  The junta doesn't want foreigners distributing aid in the delta, but neither does it feel comfortable with Burmese distributing it. I've got an idea -- let NOBODY distribute it! That seems to be the practical effect.
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  ミヤンマーに人道的介入？（続）（その２）

  http://blog.ohtan.net/archives/51222762.html
  32 days ago in 核武装と日本の軍事戦略-防衛省OB太田述正ブログ · Authority: 30

  太田述正コラム#2555（2008.5.18） ＜ミヤンマーに人道的介入？（続）（その２）＞（2008.6.22公開） ３　人道的介入反対論 　もちろん、ミャンマーに対する人道的介入に反対する意見もあります。 　ガーディアン掲載のコラムで、ティスドール（Simon Tisdall）は、人道的介入に関するブレア首相（当時）のいわゆるシカゴ・ドクトリン（1999年４月23日）に言及しつつ、ブレアがこのドクトリンに基づき、シエラレオネと東チモールに介入したところまではよかったけれど、コソボ介入には問題があり、スーダン介入は成功したとは言えず、（人道的目的だけではなかった）イラクでは大失敗だったと指摘します。 　しかも、人道的介入とは全く言えないけれど、イスラエルによるシリアの「核」施設の爆撃や米国によるソマリアのイスラム系戦闘員の爆撃が、米国によるイラン攻撃の前触れとして懸念されている昨今、国際世論は人道的介入と言えども、武力介入には懐疑的たらざるをえないし、そのことをミャンマーの軍政当局も熟知しているからこそ平気で頑なな態度をとっているのだと彼は続けます。 　（以上、 http://www.number-10.gov.uk/output/Page1297.asp （５月18日アクセス）、及び http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/simon_tisdall/2008/05/the_uses_and_abuses_of_intervention.html （５月13日アクセス）による。） 　同じくガーディアン掲載コラムで、リーチ（Kirk Leech）は、ミャンマーが隣接する中共、インド、タイ、シンガポールの援助をもっぱら受け入れているのは、中共とインドとは港湾の整備や天然ガスの輸出で、またタイとは材木の輸出等で、更にシンガポールとは軍政当局の幹部のための銀行業務等で協力関係にあるのに対し、欧米諸国（その援助団体を含む）の多くが援助に様々な条件を付けることで、ミャンマーの体制変革をねらっているのがミエミエだからだ、と指摘しています（ http://commentisfree.guardian.co.uk/kirk_leech/2008/05/aid_with_strings.html、 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/14/opinion/14kaplan.html?ref=opinion&pagewanted=print　 （どちらも５月15日アクセス））。 　更に、ニューヨークタイムス掲載コラムで、カプラン（ROBERT D. KAPLAN）は、人道的介入の結果、万一ミャンマーの体制変革がもたらされた場合、その後の面倒を見なければならない羽目に陥るので避けるべきだと主張しています（NYタイムス上掲）。 　そして、またもやガーディアンですが、掲載コラムでジェンキンス（Simon Jenkins）は、米国や英国は、人道的介入にせよ単なる介入にせよ、石油、麻薬、イスラム教、果てには「体制変革」と称して腕っ節を見せびらかす目的では、国連のお墨付きが得られない場合でも、あらゆる国際法的理屈をこねてこれらを正当化するというのに、何十万人もの人命を救う段になると、突然、人道的介入はジェノサイドとか民族浄化といった「人道に対する罪」の場合にのみ許されると言い出す連中が続出するとし、それなら、やはり昔に戻って、国家主権を侵すところの、内政干渉目的の軍事介入は一切認められないとことにした方がよかろう、と皮肉たっぷりな指摘を行っています（ http://www.taipeitimes.com/News/editorials/archives/2008/05/16/2003412069 。５月16日アクセス）。 ４　悪化する状況 　しかし、この間もミャンマーの状況は悪化の一途を辿っています。 　サイクロン・ナルギス（Nargis）が５月２日にミャンマー沿海地方を襲ってから２週間経ちましたが、16日現在の軍政当局の発表によっても、死者は77,738人、行方不明は55,917人に上っており（ http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/17/cyclonenargis.burma2 。５月18日アクセス）、約160万人が飢餓と伝染病の危険に直面しています。 　これらの三分の一は子供達です。 　しかも生き残ったこの約50万人の子供達は、ブローカーによって（場合によっては10歳くらいでも）軍に強制入隊させられたり、売春婦にされたりする懼れが囁かれています。 　（以上、 http://www.nytimes.com/2008/05/17/world/asia/17burmese.html?ref=world&pagewanted=print （５月17日アクセス）による。） 　それなのに、軍政当局は、国連や欧米諸国からの援助はほんの少ししか受け入れようとせず、しかも受け入れた援助は横流ししたり軍にだけ配分したりしています。 　援助物資中、高価な欧米製の蚊帳や毛布は中共南部で売りに出され、軍部や軍部関係者はほくほく顔だといいます。 　しかも軍政当局は、ミャンマーの国民による援助活動すら、軍を通して行わせようとしています。　 　そういう中で、昨年９月の僧侶等のデモの際にデモ隊側に立って活躍した俳優（Kyaw Thu）やコメディアン（Zaganar）や、僧侶達が援助活動に尽力しています。 　軍部は、人道的危機ではなく安全保障上の危機に直面しているという認識であり、被災者は囚人のように扱われていて、にわか仕立ての収容所に収容され、外出も外部者との面会も許されていません。 　しかも、仏教徒たるビルマ族が優先的な援助対象とされており、他宗教の信徒や他民族は後回しであり、とりわけイラワジ河デルタ地帯で大きな割合を占めているカレン族を迫害する意図が見られます。 　（以上、 http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JE17Ae01.html （５月17日アクセス）、及び http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807334,00.html （５月18日アクセス）による。） ５　再び高まる人道的介入論 　当然と言うべきか、再び人道的介入論が高まっています。 　これまで慎重だったブラウン英首相も、17日、「これは非人道的だ。われわれは自然災害によって生み出された耐え難い状況に直面している。不作為によってそれは人的惨禍へと転化させられた。作為を怠り、国際社会が行おうとしていることを拒否する軍政当局によってミャンマーの人々は放置され非人間的扱いを受けている。全責任は軍政当局にあり、彼らはその責めを負わなければならない」と述べ、いかなる手段も排除しないとし、空中からの援助物資投下を示唆しました。 　（以上、 http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/18/cyclonenargis.burma （５月18日アクセス）、及び http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2008/may/17/cyclonenargis.burma2 前掲による。） 　また、フランスの国連大使は、軍政当局が、被災者に援助物資を届けることを拒否しているのは「人道に対する真の罪を構成することになるかもしれない」と警告しました（ http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7405998.stm 。５月18日アクセス）。 　一貫して人道的介入を訴えているアジアタイムスは、米国がその軍事力を人道的介入に用いるべき機会があるとすれば、それはまさに今、ミャンマーに対してだ、と改めて論説で訴えました（ http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/JE17Ae01.html 前掲）。 　ミャンマーに対して米英仏が協調的に人道的介入を行う時が刻々と迫ってきています。 （完）
• 

  WORLD'S TOP DIPLOMAT TRIES DIPLOMACY WITH JUNTA

  http://agamsgecko.blogspot.com/2008/05/worlds-top-diplomat-t...
  63 days ago in Agam's Gecko · Authority: 46

  Children reach out for used clothing from a local donor at a village destroyed by the cyclone, May 12, 2008. Photo: REUTERS / StringerS ecretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon is now in Burma, expecting to meet with chief dictator Senior General Than Shwe with hopes of changing his mind about saving the lives of hundreds of thousands of his own people. It will be an uphill battle for the Korean diplomat. Part of his itinerary for today was a tour of camps and shelters in the delta, but the survivors there say they hope he won't be visiting them. Strange? Not with this military junta, it isn't. Wherever he goes, it will mean increased security and intimidation for those who still continually need to find food, water and shelter. The reality is in such sharp contrast with the televised propaganda, that reality must be altered to fit.With another high-level visit on the way, cyclone survivors are saying "No more visits!" said Zarganar, who is now actively involved in the relief effort. Before the arrival of any VIP guests, more soldiers are deployed and security guards clear roads, he said. Meanwhile, cyclone survivors who are already without sufficient food and relief supplies are now concerned that their rations will be cut because private donors will be unable to visit them during the UN secretary-general’s visit.Zarganar is Burma's best-known comedian, and heavily involved in the private relief efforts. A Burma analyst based here in Thailand, Aung Naing Oo, said that for the regime, security comes before assistance."The regime will clear roads and the surrounding areas when Ban is scheduled to visit," he said. "People who are begging from dawn to dusk will not get food or money to survive during his visit."Hopefully the Secretary General has some plugged-in advisors with him so he's made aware of this aspect to his visit. He was taken to Shwedagon today, and then flown by helicopter to selected sites in the delta. In a meeting with Prime Minister Thein Sein, he was told that the junta's "relief phase" is now ending! Actually, the "relief phase" hasn't even gotten properly started yet, with barely a quarter of those in dire need having received any help at all in the 20 days since the disaster began. But Ban was given a taste of the junta's priorities right off the bat.Security for the secretary-general's visit was heavy, with dozens of armed riot police dotting the road from the airport into the city.To make sure there were no visible "beggars" around to be seen by important people, which would have been "disgraceful." As described earlier, the military authorities have been evicting people from shelters set up in monasteries and schools in Bogalay, with the choice of either going back to their devastated (often non-existent) villages or going to camps with no help whatsoever. On May 19, four boats transporting several dozen refugees back to their wiped out villages sank in a storm on the Irrawaddy River. It's not known how many, if any, were rescued. The refugees had originally travelled to Bogalay in search of food, shelter and water. Officials had given each family the equivalent of $20, and told them to return home. The junta is cracking down once again on its beleaguered people. On May 18, residents of Kawhmu division in Rangoon lined up in the streets when private donors came to distribute aid."The local authorities said it was a disgrace for them to come out and beg like this, and the people said they were begging because they were starving," one Rangoon woman said. Eighty people were taken into custody, while 200 were sent to a local monastery which had not enough supplies to feed them. They were then moved to a school, which also had no food.Local authorities in Rangoon have now used loudspeakers to warn all residents against going out in search of aid and have distributed posters saying that begging for aid is disgraceful, the woman said.If "begging" for aid is disgraceful, how much more disgraceful is refusing to accept the aid and manpower now waiting idle in Bangkok, or ready in massive quantities on ships now within sight of the devastation zone? The above-linked page has a video of current conditions in the delta. Children queue up for clean water outside Rangoon, May 16, 2008. Photo: APThe junta is so freaked out about its own security, that the massive amounts of help still waiting to be allowed to save some lives, is seen as a "plot" that is "worse than the cyclone."For the Burmese junta, the "storm of plots and intrigues" facing the country is "much worse than the cyclone Nargis". The statements appear today in the state newspaper New Light of Myanmar, in an article that reiterates the denial of aid carried by the U.S. Navy. The warning expressed in the regime's newspaper refers to the accusations brought by the international community that the government is not responding adequately to the needs of the population. According to the newspaper, this is only a matter of "rumour storms created by certain Western countries and national traitors".As the UN Secretary General was arriving, the regime was arresting prominent opposition leaders. Last weekend, they apprehended nine local journalists in the delta and held them for interrogation. They were released after being forced to sign agreements never to come back. Some parts of Rangoon had their electricity restored within a few days of the cyclone, after bribing electricity officials. But other areas are still without power; coincidentally enough, these are areas which were known to have supported the monks last September. Perhaps Mr. Ban could look into this. Everyone from travel agents to comedians are pitching in with the ad hoc relief efforts, despite the junta's obstruction of even these modest efforts. And of course the Buddhist monkhood is once again showing who is really on the people's side.Monks from well-known monasteries in Mandalay and elsewhere in Burma are either in the delta or heading there, while in Pakkoku — the Irrawaddy town near Mandalay where last year's protests originated — their brethren are reportedly soliciting donations for cyclone victims. Shwe Pyi Hein Monastery, which already runs a free clinic in Rangoon, has dispatched five volunteer doctors to the disaster area, who are treating more than 100 people every day.People are seeking refuge wherever they can find some, such as an old wooden schoolhouse with its own roof partially blown off. But what nature didn't finish, the junta just might. That school is to be used as a polling station this weekend, and the refugees are being forced out. The "referendum" is on for this Saturday in the Irrawaddy Delta and Rangoon; whatever happens won't affect the outcome, as the junta has already announced its overwhelming victory. Tell these people about "victory."In a big pavilion — a flat expanse of concrete under a green sheet roof — also on the outskirts of Yangon, dozens of homeless were packing up. About 100 old people and children put their stuffed canvas sacks and bags on the benches in the middle of the hall. Some people sat on the floor. Others were out on the road, waiting. A half hour later, they were gone. A green banner was being put up in front by men, apparently security personnel in plainclothes, along with polling tables inside.A group of Burmese monks are in Jakarta to urge Indonesia to back a UN resolution allowing free flow of aid into their country. One of the monks had fled the country after the violent crackdown last September, and described how he saw soldiers kicking the heads of other monks at Shwedagon Pagoda, and also witnessed three of the monks killed by the soldiers. Another of the visiting delegation, which testified to a meeting of the Indonesian parliament's foreign affairs commission said around 10,000 monks were arrested during the crackdown, adding that the military junta is illegitimate and that Indonesia has some responsibility to help Burma's people in the present crisis by pushing for the UN resolution. And don't forget the last crisis, man-made and yet unfinished. "The problem is we don't know many monks have been killed, we don't know how many monks are missing. What we know is thousands of monks are suffering in interrogation centers and forced labor camps across the country," he said.In Rangoon's South Dagon township a private donor came to give rice and clothing to cyclone victims on Tuesday night. Local authorities told the people they were only permitted to receive the assistance if they had the right "cards." A child asked for a "card" and had his hand broken as he was shoved out of the way. A dispute broke out."The people threatened to beat up [the authorities]. Then the Union Solidarity Development Association joined the authorities and beat the people up." According to residents, three men and a pregnant woman were hospitalised in the fight. When other refugees and ward residents surrounded the authorities, police and township officials were called to the scene, but the crowd refused to disperse. The angry people eventually left after military forces were called in and imposed an 11pm curfew, reportedly telling residents that anyone who had not gone home by then would be arrested and shot.Preparations had been made in Bogalay for the Secretary General's visit. While real cyclone victims lacking basic survival needs are forced to return to devastated villages, fake refugees are taking their place. A private donor who returned from the area said the same situation exists in other parts of the delta."[The authorities] want to show the international community that there are no refugees here." The donor said they wanted the refugees out in time for United Nations secretary-general Ban Ki-moon’s visit to the area. "They are replacing them with fake refugees and when people do interviews, they let them see these people," she said. "I saw them myself. They are paid at a rate of 1500 a day. They admitted to me that they are pretending to be refugees because they get the money."The Secretary General has an appointment with Than Shwe tomorrow. On Saturday the regime will conduct its illegal-to-oppose "referendum" in the most devastated areas, which didn't vote on May 10. And on Sunday, a donors' pledging conference will be held in Rangoon -- the same day Aung San Suu Kyi's detention order is due to be renewed for another year. .
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  アンドリュー・マーシャルのビルマからの記事6本＠TIME

  http://youme2007.blog.shinobi.jp/Entry/561/
  63 days ago in [youme.2007] 人は人 我は我なり されど仲よき哉日誌 · Authority: 3

  アンドリュー・マーシャルのビルマからの記事6本＠TIME 2008/05/22 (Thu) - 気になる 久々にクリエイティブなインプットで帰国前に書いていたのだが、この日から暫くしてビルマをサイクロンが直撃。アンドリューとは近所なので道でもよくすれちがうのだが、その時にビルマに行く話しを聞いていた。 本日別件で彼からメールが来て、お互いにタイに戻っているということがわかった次第。 ビルマにおいては、最終的に国外追放になってしまったということなのだが、ビルマからのストーリーはどこかに掲載されるのかと聞いてみたら、TIMEにすでに6本のストーリーを書いているという返事が来た。現地からこっそりとストーリーを送っていたのだが、最終的にはそのために国外追放に。 その6つのリンクをこちらでご紹介しておこう。 6つ目のリンクのURLに、その国外追放に関する記事が書かれていて、興味深いので是非、読まれたし。 http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1738729,00.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739023,00.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1739439,00.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807353,00.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807334,00.html http://www.time.com/time/world/article/0,8599,1807994,00.html ↑の最後がそれなのだが、Burma's Woes: A Threat to the Juntaというタイトルがついている。 イギリス人の仲間とともにこっそりと続けていたリポートが発覚して国外追放となったのだが、それについて彼は疑問を持つ。何故9月の暴動を取材していた際には追い出されなかったのか？それはサイクロンが政治的な意味を持つことをより軍関係者たちが恐れたからだ、そして彼らはそう感じるべきだろう。と記事内にある。 そして、更に続いてくのだが、非常に興味深い読み物なので、是非。 youme. Trackback(0)
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  World Focus on Burma (18 May 08)

  http://antidictatorship.wordpress.com/2008/05/18/world-focus...
  67 days ago in Home « Save Burma · Authority: 14

  CCTV Myanmar’s junta leader visits cyclone refugees CNN International - The visit comes on the day that United Nations humanitarian chief John Holmes is expected to arrive in Myanmar, which is also known as Burma, to assess the … Myanmar’s Jeweled Temple Damaged National Geographic Worldwide anger at Myanmar response The National Washington exploits Myanmar’s cyclone tragedy Party for Socialism and Liberation elEconomista.es all 121 news articles » 。 WELT ONLINE Myanmar junta savvy to humanitarian aid Edmonton Sun,  Canada - As the cyclone in Burma (Myanmar) and earthquake in China tragically confirmed, the stars did not lie. China’s last major earthquake was in 1976 when 240000 … Different responses to disasters in Myanmar, China The Associated Press Two disasters, different responses Bangkok Post China Is Urged to Use Influence With Junta Wall Street Journal Earthtimes (press release) all 150 news articles » 。 Voice of America UN Humanitarian Chief in Burma to Boost Cyclone Aid Effort Voice of America - … talks with aid organizations and Burma’s military government are aimed at spurring aid to the hardest-hit regions of Burma, also known as Myanmar. … Burma’s response “far, far too short,” says Ban Ki-moon Mizzima.com Open up to relief effort, UN to tell junta Sydney Morning Herald UN Chief Mobilizes Key Countries to Aid Burma Cyclone Victims Voice of America all 22 news articles » 。 TopNews Tim Costello dejected over inability to help in Burma Sydney Morning Herald, Australia - But in Burma, while suffering in the wake of Cyclone Nargis was all around, it was a sense of frustration at being unable to help that overwhelmed the World … ‘Race against the weather’ The Age Cyclone Nargis to have bigger impact than Tsunami Thaindian.com Cyclone Nargis impact ‘bigger than tsunami’ Melbourne Herald Sun all 25 news articles » 。 The Associated Press Aid agency: Starvation possible for Myanmar’s kids The Associated Press - Britain’s prime minister accused authorities in the country, also known as Burma, of preventing foreign aid from reaching victims and said the military … Aid-wary Burma allows medics in The Times British prime minister accuses Myanmar junta of ‘inhuman’ behaviour The Canadian Press Thai, Indian doctors allowed to enter Myanmar Globe and Mail all 605 news articles » 。 Myanmar’s leaders put power over welfare of the people St. George Daily Spectrum, UT - Some estimates put the death toll from the May 2-3 storm in Myanmar, the country formerly known as Burma, at more than 120000. As many as 2 million people … 。 Legislature rallies denounce regimes in Burma, China Toronto Star,  Canada - The country, also known as Myanmar, was hit May 3 by Cyclone Nargis, leaving millions homeless, without food or clean water, and about 133000 dead or … 。 Burmese children face trouble on all fronts San Jose Mercury News,  USA - … said Anne-Claire Dufay, the chief child protection officer for UNICEF in Burma, which the isolationist military government calls Myanmar. … Myanmar invites relief experts from Asia Economic Times Frustrated aid groups try new tactics to help Myanmar ReliefWeb (press release) all 9 news articles » 。 TopNews ‘It’s difficult in there. It’s like walking a tightrope’ The Age, Australia - Tim Costello describes the guilt he felt coming home, and the devastation he left behind in Burma. TIM Costello has dealt with devastation before. … Tim Costello dejected over inability to help in Burma Sydney Morning Herald Cyclone Nargis to have bigger impact than Tsunami Thaindian.com Cyclone Nargis impact ‘bigger than tsunami’ Melbourne Herald Sun The Age all 25 news articles » 。 Starvation looms before Myanmar, group warns CNN - International outrage mounted over Myanmar’s handling of the disaster. Britain’s prime minister accused authorities in the country, also known as Burma, … Churches in China mobilise in support of earthquake victims Ekklesia, UK - … parishes to collect donations on 25 May and 1 June, after a similar donation campaign to be held on 18 May, for cyclone victims in Myanmar (Burma). … International community pounds on Myanmar’s doors as cyclone … PR-Inside.com (Pressemitteilung), Austria - International outrage mounted over Myanmar’s handling of the disaster. Britain’s prime minister accused authorities in the country, also known as Burma, … Thailand Says Asean Plans More Help for Myanmar Cyclone Victims Bloomberg - … France-Presse reported, citing Debbie Stothard, an activist with the anti-junta group Alternative Asean Network on Burma, the former name of Myanmar. … Pressure mounts on Myanmar to accept aid International Herald Tribune, France - To try to offset such a prospect, a steady stream of diplomats have been flying in to the former Burma to plead for more access for aid workers and flights. … A worried man, far from home Pittsburgh Post Gazette, PA - … stream of horrific news coming from Myanmar, his homeland. Two days before, Cyclone Nargis had ravaged the Southeast Asian country also known as Burma, … In a time of crisis, China reaches out Concord Monitor, NH - … pales in comparison with the unimaginably callous behavior of the military junta that has ruled Burma - which they call Myanmar - for nearly 50 years. … As Junta Tightens Grip, World Mulls Intervention Tampa Tribune, FL - Just hoping the government in Myanmar, also known as Burma, will do the right thing may not be enough. And though it appears unlikely they will be called in … ASEAN to meet on Burma disaster Radio Australia, Australia - Foreign ministers from the Association of Southeast Asian nations will meet in Singapore tomorrow (mon) to discuss how to help Burma recover from cyclone … More aid arrives for Myanmar cyclone victims, but government keeps … Philippine Star, Philippines - “The further you go, the worse the situation,” said an overwhelmed doctor in the town of Twante, just southwest of Yangon, Myanmar’s main city. … PROGRESSIVE POLITICS AND THE TECHIES San Francisco Chronicle, USA - Every week, I write five of SFGate’s nonscientific polls. Readers often assume that a Bay Area audience is overwhelmingly liberal, but it’s more complicated … Catastrophe of unrest Khaleej Times, United Arab Emirates - It’s something to keep in mind as two of the most repressive regimes on the planet — China and Myanmar — struggle to respond to devastating disasters. … Myanmar Faces Mounting Pressure on Relief Efforts, NYT Reports Bloomberg - By Gavin Evans May 18 (Bloomberg) — International pressure is growing on Myanmar’s military rulers to increase their use of international aid in the wake … Myanmar death toll soars Reuters UK, UK - The itineraries were arranged by the Myanmar government, under fire for refusing to allow significant numbers of foreign aid workers and major international … The responsibility to protect Webdiary, Australia - By early last week it was becoming increasingly obvious that the military junta in Burma was being recalcitrant about accepting international aid for the … Canadian shelter kits close to reaching Burmese CTV.ca, Canada - A planeload of Canadian supplies in Bangkok, Thailand should be just days away from providing shelter for survivors of Burma’s cyclone, says a Red Cross … Canadian Forces plane carrying aid for Myanmar arrives in Bangkok The Canadian Press - … said it will match donations of individual Canadians to humanitarian organizations assisting with the relief efforts in Myanmar, also known as Burma. … Myanmar’s mishandling of cyclone disaster deals latest blow to ASEAN International Herald Tribune, France - AP MANILA, Philippines: Myanmar, long a thorn in the side of its Southeast Asian allies, has again made them a target of criticism after its ruling junta .. China shows humanity with quake response GulfNews, United Arab Emirates - The contrast between China’s response and the criminal negligence of the Myanmar junta after Cyclone Nargis devastated the Irrawaddy Delta could not be more … A wave of help Bangkok Post, Thailand - Thompson, who was present at the screening, said she was hoping to go to Myanmar to help. “If anyone wants to come, you can come and see me. … Sanctions won’t help victims News24, South Africa - Brussels - The EU’s humanitarian aid chief warned on Saturday that Washington’s decision to extend sanctions against the Myanmar junta would not help … Cyclone damage viewed by diplomats Radio New Zealand, New Zealand - Foreign diplomats say they saw huge devastation in the Irrawaddy delta of Myanmar during a tightly controlled official tour of the cyclone ravaged district. … Medical teams finally allowed in to Burma Melbourne Herald Sun, Australia - NEARLY 80 Asian medics have arrived in Burma today to help with disaster relief efforts after the devastating cyclone two weeks ago, state media said. … China Condemned for Blocking UN Action on Burma OneWorld.net, UK - … UN action that could bring relief to Burmese citizens suffering from the effects of Cyclone Nargis, which struck Myanmar (formerly Burma) two weeks ago. … Reporters banned from photographing storm damage Democratic Voice of Burma, Norway - San Moe Wai of the Myanmar News Union said reporters should be allowed to present a full picture of the crisis. “News reports about the storm victims need … celebrAsian participants seek donations to help with natural disasters DesMoinesRegister.com, IA - Over at the Burma tent, Ian Loo sought donations to help the citizens of Myanmar recover from a May 3 cyclone that killed about 78000. … . The Irrawaddy News Magazine Myanmar cyclone: Burma junta is killing its own people, says West Telegraph.co.uk, United Kingdom - By Alan Brown in Rangoon Burma has come under mounting pressure to admit outside aid for the survivors of Cyclone Nargis, as Britain accused the junta of … Uncertainty on kin’s fate worry Burmese in Baguio City Inquirer.net The Return of Burma’s Monks TIME Myanmar cyclone: Aid workers tread on eggshells with Burma regime Telegraph.co.uk Telegraph.co.uk - Telegraph.co.uk all 803 news articles » . AFP World turns up heat on Myanmar AFP - “We have an intolerable situation created by a natural disaster,” Brown, whose country was the colonial power when Myanmar was known as Burma, told the BBC. … . Myanmar’s Children Face New Risks, Aid Groups Say New York Times, United States - … as they tried to recruit children at a shelter, said Anne-Claire Dufay, the chief child protection officer for Unicef in Myanmar, formerly Burma. … . Christian Group Condemns Burma Vote As Cyclone Toll Reaches 134000 BosNewsLife, Hungary - … predominantly Christian, ethnic Karen and Karenni refugees from Burma expressed concerns about the situation in their country, also known as Myanmar. … . Omaha Group Raises Money For Myanmar Relief KPTM-TV, NE - The Mount View Presbyterian Church played host to a fundraiser for victims of the Burma cyclone. Many groups refer to the country as Burma, not recognizing … . Awaiting the Big One Jerusalem Post, Israel - Natural disasters of mammoth proportions and their catastrophic consequences, like the devastating cyclone that ravaged large stretches of Myanmar (Burma) … . KIDK World faces limits to getting aid into Myanmar The Associated Press - Just hoping the government in Myanmar, also known as Burma, will do the right thing may not be enough. And though it appears unlikely they will be called in … US relief arrives in Myanmar NECN US sends in first aid, awaits green light on bigger Myanmar role International Herald Tribune Myanmar/Thailand: World Emergency Relief aids cyclone victims ReliefWeb (press release) Human Events - Australia.TO all 1,199 news articles » . Vancouver Sun Demonstrators demand help for cyclone-ravaged Burma Vancouver Sun, Canada - … Myanmar government to open its borders to relief workers. Cyclone Nargis tore through the country once known as Burma a little more than two weeks ago, … . Turkish Press US lawmakers ask Bush to consider Myanmar ‘intervention’ AFP - “We now face the possible death of 2.5 million people in Burma (Myanmar). Thirteen days after the cyclone hit, there is no more time to wait,” they warned … Sneaking Cyclone News Out of Myanmar to Facebook ABC News Burma (Myanmar) reels from Cyclone Nargis 14 May 2008 ReliefWeb (press release) World Anger Mounts at Burmese Delays in Cyclone Disaster Deutsche Welle CBS News - Bloomberg all 333 news articles » . Church group collects goods for Burma cyclone victims Inquirer.net, Philippines - By Jeannette Andrade CARITAS MANILA IS POOLING resources with its international counterparts to send aid to Burma (Myanmar), the first batch of which will … Church group moves to assist Myanmar cyclone victims GMA news.tv all 2 news articles »
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  Time Magazine: The Return of Burma's Monks

  http://chaplaindanny.blogspot.com/2008/05/time-magazine-retu...
  67 days ago in Danny Fisher · Authority: 42

  Below is a piece from Time Magazine about the relief efforts of the Buddhist monastic community in Burma following Cyclone Nargis. (I posted an Associated Press report on the same story a few days ago.) Rangoon travel agent Chin Chin used to take tourists to a nearby Irrawaddy delta town famous for its pottery. But the vast waterworld of rivers and rice fields that stretched beyond it was a foreign land to her until Cyclone Nargis and its horrific aftermath. On Thursday, Chin Chin and her friends bought rice and water, loaded it on a truck, and drove deep into the delta. She was shocked by what she saw: roads lined with hundreds of cold and hungry villagers, disregarded by their own government, who had walked for an hour from their broken villages to beg from passing motorists. "They were mostly housewives," recalls Chin Chin, who goes by the nickname. "They told me, 'Rice is a must, so it's worth standing in the rain for three or four hours to get some.' They didn't even have a change of clothes." Fighting back her tears, Chin Chin gave out rice and listened to stories of families torn apart and villages destroyed. "It was piteous," she says. "I really sympathized with them. We didn't see any aid from government or foreign groups." Chin Chin belongs to a burgeoning homegrown relief effort which is capturing Burmese from all walks of life. Students and shopkeepers, medics and models — thousands of people have now donated money, food or services to Nargis victims. Hundreds like Chin Chin are delivering aid themselves, while privately run local charities are reorienting their operations around cyclone relief. While they continue to make it difficult for foreigners to offer aid, Burma's generals welcome the help of their own people — at least officially. "Myanmar people's generosity is amazing," marvels a recent article in The New Light of Myanmar, a state-run newspaper.* Privately, however, they must be getting nervous. Ordinary Burmese are horrified by the suffering of their compatriots and angry at the junta's inadequate attempts to alleviate it. Their humanitarian efforts could well spark a political one, especially as it also involves Buddhist monks, who last September led the biggest anti-government protests Burma had seen for nearly 20 years. Private donors have faced some government restrictions. Those who arrive in the towns have been asked to hand over their relief supplies to local authorities for distribution. Instead, many are reportedly storing the goods with sympathetic locals and secretly distributing them by themselves. The junta doesn't want foreigners distributing aid in the delta, but neither does it feel comfortable with Burmese distributing it. "The government is scared that relief workers will get involved in politics," says a co-founder of one Burmese relief group. Some are involved already. Celebrated actor Kyaw Thu, who was jailed for a month for joining last September's demonstrations, runs the Free Funeral Services Society, a private charity offering free cremations for the poor. It is now operating its own relief effort, with volunteers at its Rangoon headquarters loading up delta-bound trucks with donated goods. Another anti-junta stalwart is comedian Zaganar (the name means "Tweezers"), also briefly jailed for his role in last year's protests. Zaganar and his celebrity friends have bought food and medical supplies for Nargis victims and are using their names to raise more funds. Both the disaster and the grassroots response to it are unprecedented in Burma. "I think there will be political consequences," he says. "People are very angry with the government." The monks are also on the move again. Buddhist temples and monasteries have always played a central role in helping the needy in Burma (as, in this religiously and ethnically diverse country, have churches, mosques and Hindu temples). After the cyclone, monks led small-scale relief efforts into the delta, the distinctive multicolored flags of their faith fluttering from cars and small trucks. Monks from well-known monasteries in Mandalay and elsewhere in Burma are either in the delta or heading there, while in Pakkoku — the Irrawaddy town near Mandalay where last year's protests originated — their brethren are reportedly soliciting donations for cyclone victims. Shwe Pyi Hein Monastery, which already runs a free clinic in Rangoon, has dispatched five volunteer doctors to the disaster area, who are treating more than 100 people every day. Despite the participation of thousands of Burmese, the impact of this homegrown relief effort will always limited, admits Zaganar. "We deliver our supplies by road because we cannot afford a boat," he says. "But most victims live close to the water. We cannot get through to them." He says Burma desperately needs more boats and helicopters from abroad. Not even the nation's richest private donors — who include junta cronies like tycoon Tay Za, who was put on a U.S. sanctions list last year — have the means or expertise to meet even a fraction of the needs in far-flung delta areas. * The junta that rules the country unilaterally decreed changes in place names, including Myanmar for Burma and Yangon for the former capital Rangoon. The U.S. State Department has not recognized these changes. Time has chosen to retain the name Burma.

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