The Tipping Point?

“It’s been a long time coming, but I know a change is gonna come…”

Otis Redding’s “Change is Gonna Come” has been running through my head for the week, as I have watched the events unfolding in Burma with amazement. What began as small scattered protests in mid-August against the military regime’s economic mismanagement and the population’s increasing poverty, have built into an all out confrontation between the people of Burma and the military junta. The monks’ initiatives have drawn more and more civilians out into the streets, initially to protect the monks and then as a defiant show of opposition to the junta. On September 22, the protesters even marched past blockades to Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s house, where she appeared at her fence for the first time in 2 years.

News early last week that hospital and prison wings had been emptied was a warning of the impending violence. Police and soldiers wielding riot shields and guns filed into the street and fired bullets and tear gas into the crowds of protesters. Official reports say that only 10 people have been killed, but most assume that the number is over 200, including monks, children, innocent bystanders, and a Japanese journalist. Monasteries have been raided and looted with hundreds of monks being arrested in the middle of the night. There are stories of bodies being thrown in the river, and of cremations where even those still alive are being burned.

The international community has responded calling for the SPDC to be more respectful of the protesters and for the junta to engage in genuine dialogue for democracy – obviously some countries and regional organizations have been much more vocal and critical than others. Interestingly, China who has been a staunch backer of the junta has even taken a stance against further violent repression of the protesters. In another interesting development, the UN Envoy to Burma, Ibrahim Gambari, was permitted to visit with Aung San Suu Kyi for almost an hour today.

I’ve been on vacation with my mum for the last week, planned months ago and much needed, but which fell at such a bizarre time. For more detailed information, here are some links to recent publications:

BURMA BULLETIN - ISSUE 9 - SEPTEMBER 2007

FACE OFF IN BURMA: MONKS VS. SPDC

FUEL PRICE HIKES INFLAME BURMESE PEOPLE

From my overworked colleagues and everyone here, it really feels like this will be a tipping point in the history of Burma. Protests on this scale have not happened since 1988, when 3,000 people were brutally killed. Despite the junta’s efforts to block phone and internet communications, the world is watching this time and will not idly stand by.

Here are some online petitions that only take a moment to sign:

US Campaign for Burma

Amnesty International

Avaaz.org