The Irrawaddy
Tuesday, July 13, 2010
Today's Newsletter
Junta Forms Missile Force to Guard Against External Threats
By MIN LWIN AND WAI MOE
In late 2009, the Burmese military junta formed a secret strategic missile force that reports directly to the Commander-in-Chief of the army.
No Release from Indian Jail for Burmese Detainees
By LAWI WENG
Although sentenced to only 15 months in prison, a Kolkata court refuses to release 34 Burmese political detainees who have already spent more than 10 years in jail.
Burma Closes Cross-border Bridge at Mae Sot
By BA KAUNG
A major Thailand-Burma cross-border trading post remains closed and Burmese officials will not allow any goods in or out of the country.
University Wing Collapses in Shan State
By KO HTWE
One of the wings attached to Computer University in Taunggyi collapses after a renovation project. No one was reported injured.
Junta's Election Flawed, 'Inadequate': US
By LALIT K JHA
The Burmese general election process is "flawed" and the military government has not taken any step towards establishing democracy in the country, says the Obama administration.
Regional
Philippines Braces for Heavy Rains from Typhoon
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Philippines' first typhoon of the year is barreling toward the country's eastern coast and weather forecasters say it will dump heavy rains.
China Moves from Aid Recipient to Aid Donor
By MITCH MOXLEY / IPS WRITER
When Britain announced it would stop giving public money to China, it was symbolic of China's shift from aid receiver to aid giver.
Don't Feed the Elephants in Bangkok
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Bangkok authorities say anyone caught handing bunches of bananas or sugar cane to the hulking beasts faces a $320 (10,000 baht) fine.