Section Archive

Myanmar’s Dictator Shows Unparalleled Arrogance and Self-Regard 

2.7k

Commentary

By Naing Khit

Regime boss Min Aung Hlaing is also unrivaled in his brutality and cruelty, which exceed those of even his notorious predecessors Ne Win and Than Shwe.

Myanmar's Junta Chief Is Digging His Own Grave

4.3k

Commentary

By Naing Khit

Ne Win’s 1962 coup was the root of the evils that plague Myanmar today. Min Aung Hlaing chose to perpetuate those evils—a choice that will, in time, be his downfall.

Myanmar’s Min Aung Hlaing, Russia’s Putin and Their Ilk Must Not Prevail

4.4k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

Both the junta and the Kremlin have underestimated the people they seek to subdue; these avowed friends must not be allowed to succeed and vindicate each other’s actions.

One Year Ago, Myanmar’s Military Passed a Point of No Return

4.0k

Commentary

By Naing Khit

The disastrous events triggered by the coup have convinced Myanmar’s people there can be no place for the current military institution in their country’s future.

Myanmar in Revolt as People Choose to Fight the Brutal Regime

3.8k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

The armed resistance to the junta shows the Myanmar people have taken their destiny into their own hands.

Myanmar Revolution Has Necessary Ingredients for Success: US Security Expert

10.8k

Interview

By Shwe Zin

The resistance has popular and international support, and the military is crumbling from within, US scholar Dr. Miemie Winn Byrd tells The Irrawaddy in an interview.

As 2022 Dawns, Myanmar’s People Brace for a Tough Fight

6.1k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

Things may get worse before they get better, but the people will keep fighting, because if the coup leader has his way, they will remain slaves to the military forever.

As War Brews in Myanmar’s Karen State, Civilian PDF Groups Welcome the Fight

5.7k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

The junta assault on Lay Kay Kaw has met fierce resistance from insurgents and armed civilian groups who are outgunned but have morale and public support on their side.

Silent Strike: A Quiet Display of Power From Myanmar’s People

7.1k

Commentary

By Naing Khit

Min Aung Hlaing and his junta wield the power of evil, but today’s nationwide protest was a potent reminder to them that an entire nation rejects their illegitimate rule.

Myanmar Regime Looks to Diplomacy to Gain Legitimacy

5.9k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

Arrival of high-ranking officials from China, Japan and Thailand shows junta wants to prevent further diplomatic isolation.

ASEAN Acknowledges Illegality of Myanmar’s Military Coup

8.6k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

With its rightful occupant currently detained by the junta, Myanmar’s seat at the ASEAN Summit is empty.

China Withholds Full Legitimacy From Myanmar Junta: Old Wine in a New Bottle?

11.7k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

Beijing has long played a complex diplomatic game in its southern neighbor, hedging its bets by courting all stakeholders; the UN representation issue is no different.

China’s Embrace of the Taliban Has a Painful Resonance in Myanmar

8.1k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

The people of Myanmar sympathize with their counterparts in Afghanistan, another strategically vital neighbor of China whose descent into dictatorship Beijing welcomes.

Myanmar’s Military Chief Staged a Coup. But He Did Not Act Alone

17.6k

Commentary

By Naing Khit

Than Shwe envisioned permanent political supremacy for the military. Thein Sein’s attempt to realize it was rejected by the people. Min Aung Hlaing’s coup is Plan B.

What Will the ASEAN Envoy Be Allowed to Achieve in Myanmar?

7.0k

Commentary

By Aung Zaw

The appointment of Erywan Yusof as special envoy could offer the junta a face-saving way of sparing the country from total disaster, but that is unlikely to happen.