Life is Hard in Burma

Most inhabitants of Burma live in poverty, the economy impoverished by the regime's isolation, corruption, and mismanagement.  Others, like the mostly Christian ethnic Karen and Karenni, have fought for autonomy from the Burmese-dominated central government ever since World War II.  The military junta, in power for more than four decades, has responded ruthlessly.  Minority Christians face enormous persecution in Burma.

As a result millions of people in Burma have been displaced within their own country and hundreds of thousands have become refugees in Thailand.  Many Karen and Karenni have spent most of their lives on the run or in exile.

Caught by Surprise

The authorities seem to have been caught by surprise by current events in Rangoon. The generals' lives are far removed from ordinary people, having moved their capital from Rangoon to the isolated town of Naypyidaw two years ago.

The presence of monks leading the protests puts the military in a difficult position. Buddhism is an essential part of the Burmese identity, and to physically attack monks would threaten both a popular uprising and their own immortal souls - Burmese are highly superstitious and the generals are no exception.  Buddhist authorities have said that monks will refuse to accept alms from soldiers, which effectively prevents them from 'making merit' and fulfilling their religious duties.

Mass demonstrations in 1988 saw hundreds, if not thousands, of people massacred and an internal military coup against the existing regime. The new authorities held multi-party elections in 1990, which Ms Suu Kyi's National League for Democracy won by a landslide, but the dictatorship refused to hand over power, and the stalemate between it and the people continues to this day.

Bloodbath

Many are concerned that there will be yet another bloodbath on the streets of Rangoon.  However, China, which has been Burma's most important ally and trading partner, does not want to see massacres carried out by its friend in the run-up to the Beijing Olympics next year.

Faith and Action

Christian Freedom International urges caring people to pray for Burma, especially now.  CFI also urges all freedom loving people to contact their representatives in Washington on behalf of the people of Burma. 

Pressure Points

The key to pressuring Burma lies in both China and India.  Beijing has supported Burma despite its vicious behavior.  The U.S. should indicate that China's support for Burma "could hurt relations between Washington and Beijing.

India has acted as a counterweight to China in Burma, which may be to the West's geopolitical advantage.  But the U.S. should press New Delhi to use its influence on Burma to improve the junta's treatment of its own people.

There's no easy way to stop Burma's junta from killing Burma's people.  But we in democratic countries must do more.

That means doing more to protect the Karen, Karenni, and other refugees.  And it means challenging governments, most importantly China and India, to do more to pressure Burma.  Otherwise, there will be more military offensives, more murdered Burmese people, and more refugees in Thailand.