The Irrawaddy
Monday, May 31, 2010
Today's Newsletter
Depayin Masterminds Wield Power in USDP
By WAI MOE
Several founder members of the junta's new political party, the USDP, were responsible for the ambush on Suu Kyi's convoy in Depayin in 2003.
Burma's Opposition Not Optimistic About US Senator Webb's Visit
By SAW YAN NAING
Burma's opposition and ethnic group leaders are not expecting positive results from US Sen Jim Webb's upcoming visit.
Boy, 15, Killed by Troops after Resisting Enlistment
By LAWI WENG
Burmese army soldiers killed a 15-year-old boy who refused to be enlisted, according to a leading labor activist.
Four Businessmen Granted Private Bank License
By THE IRRAWADDY
The Burmese junta has granted licenses to establish private banks to four businessmen who are close to the ruling generals, according to sources in Rangoon.
Karen Rebel Commander Takes 'Peace Strategy' to Europe
By ALEX ELLGEE / MAE SOT
Karen rebel commander Col Ner Dah Mya has begun a European tour carrying details of a "peace strategy" which he said he will discuss with officials there.
Regional
Thai Tourism Seeks Recovery from Protests
By KINAN SUCHAOVANICH / AP WRITER
The Redshirt anti-government protesters have gone home, but Thailand's tourism industry is still seeing red.
Malaysia Minister: God Made Animals for Testing
By JULIA ZAPPEI / AP WRITER
A Malaysian minister defended an Indian company's plans to build an animal testing medicine lab in his state, saying on Monday that God created monkeys and rats for experiments to benefit humans.
Opinion
CONTRIBUTOR
The Ghost of Elections Past
By KO KO THETT
History repeats itself, so they say. In Burma, the first elections were strewn with boycotts, infighting and even USDA-like polling day enforcers.
CONTRIBUTOR
Asean's New Dilemma: Burma's Nuclear Ambition
By KAVI CHONGKITTAVORN
The US says a Burmese delegation cannot attend the Asean-US economic ministers meeting in Seattle this week, a sign of growing concern over Burma's nuclear ambition.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64