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MYANMAR’S LEADER AUNG San Suu Kyi will address the crisis engulfing Rakhine state next week, in her first speech since scores were killed in violence that has sent nearly 380,000 Rohingya Muslims fleeing to Bangladesh and sullied her reputation as a defender of the oppressed.
A crackdown by Myanmar’s army, launched in response to attacks by Rohingya militants on 25 August, has pushed vast numbers of refugees from the stateless Muslim minority across the border.
The violence has incubated a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the border and put intense global pressure on Suu Kyi to condemn the army campaign, which the UN has described as having all the hallmarks of “ethnic cleansing”.
At a press conference yesterday evening, government spokesman Zaw Htay said Suu Kyi would “speak for national reconciliation and peace” in a televised address on 19 September.
He said the Nobel laureate, who has been pilloried by rights groups for failing to speak up for the Rohingya minority, would skip the United Nations General Assembly next week to tackle the crisis unfurling at home.
She was needed in Myanmar to “manage humanitarian assistance” and “security concerns” caused by the violence. Competing rumours have intensified anti-Muslim rhetoric across the Buddhist-majority country.
In the northern area of Rakhine, 176 of the 541 Rohingya villages there were empty after “the whole village fled”, Zaw Htay said, adding others were partly deserted or intact.
Suu Kyi has been condemned for a lack of moral leadership and compassion in the face of a crisis that has shocked the international community.
Her limited comments so far have referenced a “huge iceberg of misinformation” and played down alleged atrocities against the Rohingya.
Bangladesh is struggling to provide relief for exhausted and hungry refugees — some 60% of whom are children — while nearly 30,000 ethnic Rakhine Buddhists as well as Hindus have also been displaced inside Myanmar.
Nine thousand more Rohingya refugees poured into Bangladesh on Wednesday, the UN said, as authorities worked to build a new camp for tens of thousands of arrivals who have no shelter.
Suu Kyi, Myanmar’s first civilian leader in decades, has no control over the powerful military, which ran the country for 50 years. A free election was finally held in 2015.
There is also scant sympathy among Myanmar’s Buddhist majority for the Rohingya, who are branded “Bengalis” — shorthand for illegal immigrants.
But outside of her country Suu Kyi’s reputation as a human rights champion is in ruins.
Rohingya refugees have told chilling accounts of soldiers firing on civilians and razing entire villages in the north of Rakhine state with the help of Buddhist mobs.
The army denies the allegations.
Ahead of the meeting 12 Nobel laureates signed an open letter urging the Security Council to “intervene immediately by using all available means” to end the tragedy and “crimes against humanity” unfolding in Rakhine.
While the US and other Western powers — as well as the Muslim world — have criticised the military campaign, Beijing offered Myanmar support on Tuesday — saying the country was entitled to “safeguard” its stability.
Human Rights Watch’s Phil Robertson urged the Security Council to pass a “global arms embargo” on Myanmar’s military but said he expected China to to water down any moves.
The 1.1-million strong Rohingya have suffered years of discrimination in Myanmar, where they are denied citizenship even though many have long-lasting roots in the country.
Bangladesh does not want the group either, though it is providing the refugees with temporary shelter.
Many Rohingya have died making the perilous journey across the border, with nearly 100 drowning in boat trips across the Naf river that divides the two countries.
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@Ulick Daly: I think the Rohingya are more concerned about not being killed, finding something to eat, getting clean water to drink, finding a permanent home, having their basic dignity restored and keeping their families safe than about the Quran at the moment.
It’s very to understand how a human rights activist and noble peace laureate could oversee what is effectively ethnic cleansing. Sure, she should clamp down on the militants but what are they going after civilians for?
@Tweety McTweeter: The Noble prize is a farce. You can be awarded it after commanding violence ffs.
@Tweety McTweeter: In Myanmar the Military control 50% of the Government. They do not answer to the civilian leadership. Now added to this is an ethnic conflict that is 200 years old and where the majority of the civilian population fully back this current Military operation against what they see as an Islamic threat. The ARSA have been fighting a “Jihad” against all the government’s (the original democratic civilian, the Military Junta, and the current halfway) and the non Muslim population, to form an “Islamic state” since 1948. The latest attacks by over 1000 ARSA Islamists against the Police and Military, has poked the hornets nest once to often. With the conflicts with the Shan and Karen people’s settled they are free to give their full attention to the Rohingya.
@Mick Jordan: you are totally correct, lot more to this than being reported, history plays a big part of this.
@Barry morcom: The Mayanmar Military are looking at the Rohingya civilian population and seeing co-conspirators with the ARSA. Ho Chi Min said once “A Guerrilla Fighter without the support of the civilian population is like a Fish without water”. And with the historical bad blood between the ethnic Burmese and the Rohingya this situation was destined to happen. All it took was the right trigger to set it off. And the ARSA attacks were that trigger.
@Mick Jordan: exactly it’s a situation that was destined to happen, this will not be resolved for a long time to come.
@Mick Jordan: Where did you see that ARSA have declared a Jihad? Genuinely interested.
@Malachi: Mick gives his own opinion and pretends it’s fact. Then keeps saying “it’s history”. It might not “suit your narrative” but it’s history. But he actually gives no facts. I’m interested in non-biased information not opinion
@Mick Jordan: so I looked into your ‘facts’ and I was speaking to an aid worker who actually LIVES and WORKS in Myanmar. And he’s says the conflicts are still very much ongoing in Kachin state, Shan state etc. And that the end goal of the government is a nationalistic buddist state. Neither the Shan people or Kachin peopl are Muslims by the way. Apparently there is a large Christian population in Shan state. Stop making up facts to suit your own “narrative”
@Malachi: An Islamic State has been their aim since 1948. They have been at war with the Burmese State since then. So what would you call an Islamic insurgency fighting to form an Islamic State? I would call it a Jihad. And so does the majority of the Burmese people.
@James Dara Brady: Well that’s odd because I know people from both states (They work for my brother in law and as far as they are concerned the conflict between both Shan and Karen is over. Now as they are from both ethnic communities I will take their word for it, rather than one from you which is politically motivated.
@Mick Jordan: You misunderstand me. I’m looking for the evidence of ARSA ever declaring they want an Islamic state, or saying they are carrying out Jihad.
As I understand, ARSA specifically repudiated those accusations, distancing themselves from Islamists. Does that sound like a Jihadist group to you?
@Malachi: Yet they receive weapons and financialsupport from other Islamic terror groups. Care to square that circle? And seeking an Islamic State doesn’t sound like a Jihadist group to you?
@Mick Jordan: interesting you never mentioned that until now Mick? And sure there I was thinking you only liked to keep abreast of things because you have a house in Thailand… I think you’re clearly the one politically motivated. Shan state conflict is on going. How about Kachin? I see you still only stick to facts that ‘suit your narrative’ as you like to say i.e. your opinion
@Mick Jordan: and I see I’m not the only person asking you to provide evidence for your “facts” but you never do. You just say “it’s there”. The fact is your “facts” are your opinions. And you’re entitled to your opinion. As I’ve said before, just stop pretending they are facts
@James Dara Brady: My wife is Thai. Her family are Thai. Her brother has a business that employs Thais, Burmese, Khamers, and Malays. I have gotten to know all of them over the years. And I believe I had already stated in previous conversations that I like to keep abreast of things in the entire region. Now I have no “dog in this conflict” other that keeping a weather eye on what is occurring. You on the hand seem to be one of those people that if someone is cut on the far side of the world you bleed too. You don’t like people being informed of the history behind this current conflict because it muddies the water. The Burmese Army are brutal but the ARSA are are no angels either. There are no Goodies and Baddies in this conflict.
@James Dara Brady: If I am incorrect in what I have said prove it.
@Mick Jordan: https://www.google.ie/amp/www.aljazeera.com/amp/news/2017/03/deadly-clashes-hit-kokang-myanmar-shan-state-170306143633608.html
http://www.atimes.com/article/kachin-war-explodes-myanmars-peace-drive/
There’s just two that contradict your case. I only looked at them briefly. Where’s your evidence that all these other conflicts have stopped?
Most humans can empathize with people who are hurt no matter where in the world it happens regardless of race, ethnicity etc
@James Dara Brady: I give people the history behind the conflict. And I let them make up their own minds. You on the other hand And and the incidents in your links are more to do with local drug lords operating in those remote areas than any concerted insurgency. 95% of all Thailand’s Meth comes from that region. And if you know anything about that region you will know that the Thai Army have regular firefights with heavily armed drug smugglers on the North Western border area. Historically known as part the Golden Triangle.
@Mick Jordan: You keep saying that they seek an Islamic state. Where have they said this? Simple question…
@Mick Jordan: And no, receiving support from a group doesn’t mean you agree with their philosophy – the CIA were big buddies with Islamic radicals when their interests aligned but they were miles apart on the ideological spectrum.
So I’m looking for direct statements from ARSA about an Islamic state.
@Mick Jordan: more excuses Mick? I’m saying the conflicts are on going. You said they weren’t. Where is your evidence for this? You never provide any evidence or actual facts
@James Dara Brady: You are going to believe what you want to believe. I am not going to change your mind nor am I even trying. I leave it to each individual to weight up what I have written against what they can find out for themselves and make up their own minds. Unlike you I don’t have an agenda. I am not trying to push one particular narrative. So if you can find an alternative history of the Rohingya conflict by all means present it.
@Mick Jordan: so no evidence Mick? Just opinions disguised as ‘facts’. What’s my agenda?
@James Dara Brady: As I have said to you multiple times now present your alternative history and let people decide for themselves. So you have presented nothing. So I won’t hold my breath.
@Mick Jordan: you actually can’t answer the question can you! Speaks volumes
@James Dara Brady: Still waiting.
@Mick Jordan: I think you can’t even handle one point at a time without wheeling out your “that’s the history”. You can’t even answer a question that’s put to you.
Let’s see if you can actually handle two things. Maybe answer a question or two for once. So here goes. Now remember you’ve two ok?
Firstly. You’ve said I’ve an agenda. What’s my agenda?
@Mick Jordan: Secondly you said the Rohinga rejected the offer of citizenship remember? ‘The journal’ article said the offer if citizenship was rendered useless because they had only been issued with ‘foreign identity cards’. As does this article by cnn https://www.google.ie/amp/s/amp.cnn.com/cnn/2017/09/05/asia/rohingya-myanmar
So that’s contradicts your statement. Show me the evidence they rejected citizenship? Don’t wheel out your usual ‘thats the history’ line. Or try and answer a question with a question. This is twice I’ve contradicted you with articles supporting what I’ve said. I’ve seen nothing from you. Again. You’ve two points to answer remember
@James Dara Brady: In 1948 they were offered National Identity documents. Now would you call your Passport a National Identity Document? And who but “Citizens” get issued with National Identity Documents. The Rohingya rejected these because they wanted to form their own independent state. And lobbied the newly formed Pakistan to support that claim. The then Burmese government sent a “Muslim” Minister to Pakistan to explain Burma’s position after which the Pakistani government withdrew it’s support for an independent Rohingyan state. To which the Burmese government withdrew the offer to the Rohingyians. Now you can deny it all you like but those are the historical facts.
@Mick Jordan: where is your evidence? I’d say a passport is my national identity card not a ‘foreign identity card’. Kind of implies you’re a foreigner really wouldn’t you say?
@Mick Jordan: I see you still can’t answer two things. What’s my agenda?
Who finances and supports the Rohingya militants?
@John Campbell:
Trained and financed by Saudi Arabia and Pakistan.
@Ulick Daly: And associated with Al Qeada, Jamat Islami and a host of other Islamic terrorist groups.
She has disgraced herself and her legacy.
@James Dunne: To me that is the quote of the week Well said James
@James Dunne: And how would speaking out help her domestically? The Military control 50% of the Government and do not answer to the civilian 50%. The majority of the population support the Military action and despise the Rohingya. An intelligent leader picks the battles they have a chance of winning. Only an idiot picks ones that they are guaranteed to lose. And in this case with the civilian population fully behind the Military on this she would lose badly.
@James Dunne: I’d rather take the opinion of the Chinese on this who are aware of the regions long history. If it turns out that Myanmar is defending its territory against an agressive action by an unintergrated people would you give her back the reputation you took?
@Mick Jordan: confused by your logic here, doing nothing to protect a minority being persecuted is ok then?
@James Dunne: As I said how does she gain domestically? Her choice is speak out and alienate herself from her own supporters at home but keep the Westerners happy so they can feel good about themselves for supporting her or say nothing, which costs her nothing domestically and maybe even boosts her popularity in Myanmar but upsets Westerners. I can see that it would be a difficult choice for her.
@KingBen:
I speak the truth, – the ‘cultural Marxists’ don’t like that, because it destroys their illusions.
If the Rohingya invaded Wicklow & tried to take over using threats, violence, rape, and murder, Des Gleeson would sing a different tune…
@Ulick Daly:
It’s words and small minded opinions like yours here that are the problem
@Ulick Daly: do you know any Muslims? (genuine question). I work with quite a few and none have tried to fight me in the office yet. So I base my opinion on my actual experience. Lovely people.
@Gran T: Yeah great to go for a pint with, great craic.
@Des Gleeson: of you yes because you clearly have nothing else.
@KingBen:
Is that your opinion?
Ahhh, poor bono he was so looking forward to licking the sweat from hrr armpits, his bubble must be well and truly burst now.
@Des Gleeson: don’t forget to call him a racist and bigot because he has a different opinion to yours.
@Gran T:
I am happy for you, but,
TAQIYYA, TAWRIYA, KITMAN and MURUNA.
Look ‘em up.
@KingBen: He doesn’t want to admit his hypocrisy. These are the same people who mock Christians who follow a man who it is said preaches nothing but peace and defense of the poor. While at the same time they continue to defend 1.6 billion people who follow the above mentioned murdering prophet. It is just unbelievable stuff. They will say, “but not all Muslims actually do what their Cult leader advocates”. What sort of defense is that? Imagine if say The Pope starting talking up the person who was Muhammad and that he was indeed “the Perfect Human” and agreeing with the teachings and his actions. The left and the Christophobes would be apoplectic and go absolutely crazy with condemnation of the pope. As they will use anything or anybody to divide people. Sorry, but anybody who has anything to do with that man deserves no bloody sympathy! Finally, we all know the Islamist are in there stirring up the usual hatred and lets hope the military boot them all out.
@Des Gleeson: is that your opinion Des?
@Warthog:
???
She’s a fraud and all the gushing over her should be a valuable lesson about being too quick to heap praise on someone.
About time for her.
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