Remembering Two Deaths that Changed the Course of Myanmar’s History

Will the current transition lead Myanmar back into authoritarian rule, or is the country on the verge of finally breaking its historical cycle of thwarted opportunities?

To mark the 29th anniversary of the former junta’s brutal crackdown on the ’10-D’ student pro-democracy protesters, The Irrawaddy revisits this commentary from 2018.

To mark Tuesday’s passing of June Bellamy, or Yadana Nat Mei, a princess and one of Myanmar dictator Ne Win’s wives, The Irrawaddy republishes a 2019 interview with her.

To mark this week’s 16th anniversary of the former military junta’s arrest of its own notorious security chief, Khin Nyunt, The Irrawaddy revisits a commentary from 2008.

To mark the 13th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution, The Irrawaddy revisits this 2017 story on the aftermath of the death of a Japanese journalist covering the event.

To mark the 13th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution this month, The Irrawaddy revisits this commentary on the power of hope from November 2007.

To mark the 13th anniversary of the Saffron Revolution, The Irrawaddy revisits this 2007 account of the protests and bloody crackdown by photojournalist Thierry Falise.

Today marks 32 years since junta troops shot dead protester Ma Win Maw Oo, 16. In this 2013 story, her parents explained why they had yet to perform her Buddhist rites.

To mark the 32nd anniversary of the coup by top generals that replaced the government of dictator Ne Win, The Irrawaddy revisits this 2018 analysis of the events of that day.

To mark today’s 32nd anniversary of the coup that toppled General Ne Win’s government, The Irrawaddy revisits a 2013 article on the military leaders who replaced him.

To mark Monday’s passing of John Okell, a noted British instructor of the Burmese language, The Irrawaddy revisits this 2015 profile of the much-loved teacher.

As Daw Aung San Suu Kyi turns 75 today, The Irrawaddy revisits this commemoration of her birthday in 2008—spent, like so many before it, as a prisoner of the military.

To mark the 29th anniversary of his death in Insein Prison, we revisit this 2014 tribute to renowned writer Maung Thaw Ka, who aimed his celebrated wit at the powerful.