Burma's Suu Kyi 'to be charged'

Myanmar opposition vs Goliath
By Charles McDermid and Swe Win

In Myanmar, a political deadlock has endured for decades and both sides are aging. It is the hope of the nation's pro-democracy movement that within the crucible of recent events a new political dynamic may somehow be born.

Senior General Than Shwe, an ex-postman who advanced through the ranks during the government's bloody campaigns against ethnic insurgents to become chief of the ruling junta, is 76, and reportedly in poor health. Nobel Peace prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi, who has led the pro-democracy movement for more than 20 years, is 63, and sitting in a notorious government prison with little hope of freedom.
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Among the many other things Suu Kyi said was this: in July 1989 she told the military generals even before her first house arrest that they must choose utter devastation or dialogue. By utter devastation, she meant that the country would become a failed state if things kept going as they were.

Now sitting in Insein Prison in 2009, Suu Kyi may be contemplating how very right she was.

Swe Win is a former political prisoner now working as a freelance reporter.

Charles McDermid is an Asia Times Online correspondent based in Thailand.

Additional reporting by Jakkapun Kaewsangthong in Bangkok.

As said Tan Schwe well knows the outcome for him, in the Human rights court at the Hague, should he hand over to democracy (whatever ASSK and the NLD party's idea of that is)
He is a greedy little despot, lacking vision and intellect, I was going to say still apostman but that would be an insult to postmen. who uses the countries $'s for his own purposes and he does not Bank it in Burma either lol.
As for not having OIL Burma is rich in Oil in the days of the Raj Burma oil was world renowned and still the country has rich oil and gas reserves The Koreans and TOTAL are not there for philanthropical altruism. It is rich in natural resources in minerals, gems. plus the drugs. A country whereby one general controls all imports, try import a car privately into Burma where there are vehicles in far better condition scrapped in Uk than exist in Burma.
Or when you see advances in infrastucture and I don't include the short strip of EU standard motorway that runs from Nayapidu the new capital to the airport (just in case the Generals need to get away fast)
look who owns the construction comanies that have the road building contracts.
Buying loyalty and spies like the Stasi of Honicker in East Germany takes up a lot of the economy, also provides employment lol That must hit the generals pockets deeply
We are not powerless, but whatever we do is a drop in the ocean, but take heart all despots end up the same way as that old cobbler Ceausescu found out to his cost. also take comfort that those who rule by fear live in fear. and travel with passion not politics even if we despair at the misery and suffering some of this Earths governments impose on it's people, at least we all feel for them.

BARBER'S CHAIR
Suu Kyi’s Letter of Thanks to Than Shwe
By THE IRRAWADDY Friday, May 22, 2009

Dear Senior-General,

I trust you will excuse my handwriting. I am writing by candlelight. It seems there is not much electricity in this part of Rangoon these days.

I would like to take this opportunity to thank you. After so many years of looking out at Inya Lake, a change of scenery was most welcome, although I must confess I am somewhat disappointed with the décor and landscape gardening in my new compound.

Most importantly though, I must thank you for your unflinching political support. I thought that the world had forgotten about me, but you made sure that my face reappeared on TV all over the world.

You had previously cautioned foreign governments not to focus so much on one person (me), but now you have magnanimously ensured that my name is on the lips of every diplomat in Rangoon.

The international community has a reputation for having a short attention span. Thanks to your efforts, Burma is back on the front pages of the newspapers.

I believe that the US and the EU were in a bit of a pickle about how to handle the economic sanctions issue and recognition of next year’s election.

Now, thanks to your clear-cut methods and no-nonsense approach, those countries will have no hesitation in making decisions with regard to the Burmese government’s status.

In fact, talking of the election, on behalf of my party, the NLD, let me also thank you for your PR efforts on our behalf. With so many members in prison and so few opportunities to canvas for contributions, we have not been able to promote our democratic cause as we would like over the last few years.

However, as you have single-handedly reminded the population of Burma of the differences between right and wrong, between truth and deceit and between justice and farce, I am sure we won’t need any other marketing campaigns to generate support. You have become the pro-democracy movement’s greatest benefactor. Well done!

If you ever find yourself overthrown by an internal coup, don’t hesitate to give the NLD a call. We always need a PR agent like you on our books.

And, of course, thanks for the exposure to your military justice system. I have been waiting a long time to see it up close and personal. Next time you permit reporters and diplomats in the courtroom, might I request that you invite the Australian ambassador? After all, with his experience in the Australian outback I am sure he will have a better understanding of a kangaroo court. (Lol!)

At least here in Insein I should be safe from crazy intruders. You would think that with all the security forces and intelligence personnel that the government has at its disposal that it would be impossible for even James Bond to get past them.

But I suppose if a secret agent disguised himself as a middle-aged, overweight, delusional American skinny-dipper then he would be a lot more difficult to catch. Right?

Anyway, I am sure you are busy with your Naypyidaw projects, so I won’t take up any more of your precious time.

Thank you again for everything you have done for our country. After the Burmese people have democracy, please allow us to reciprocate.

Yours in captivity,

Aung San Suu Kyi
Insein Prison

Rambo 3 (banned in Burma for some reason?) is on his way, as we speak to release the lady

Well, it appears the people of Myanmar don't agree with sanctions either; See this Facebook group. Most of the members are Burmese.

Burma : no more sanctions and isolation but more aid and negotiation

Here's one to add to the 8 things to do above: I learned yesterday that a former student of mine quit her job and she and another person from her church are starting a nonprofit focusing on assistance to Burmese people here (most of whom are Karen, Chin or Kachin) and also, I think, in Thailand and the border. She was already doing a lot in her job in refugee screening and a ton of volunteer work, but I guess it wasn't enough for her.

The Burmese term for refugee is dukkha-the+, "one who has to bear +dukkha (suffering)"

Edited by: Wandering deep into the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness

just a footnote Chas my Burmese friend Cherry is recovering in Mae sot and her mum is now with her, so looks OK for her now, thanks for your thoughts

Here's a few more good luck messages from the West...

Suu Kyi's prosecution has prompted international criticism, with nine Nobel laureates -- including Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa -- calling it a "mockery."

U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton called the charges against Suu Kyi "baseless" and accused the junta of "continuing resistance to a free and open electoral process."

"Aung San Suu Kyi's continued detention, isolation, and show trial based on spurious charges cast serious doubt on the Burmese regime's willingness to be a responsible member of the international community," Mr Obama said in a statement.

"It is time for the Burmese government to drop all charges against Aung San Suu Kyi and unconditionally release her and her fellow political prisoners," he added.

Thanks for that Barak, I'm sure that'll do the trick.

Well Kananga, it does not matter what anyone says....they are going to do whatever they want to do with her...so maybe you should not make fun of some world leaders comments.