by Admin | October 28th, 2008
A recent International Crisis Group report is calling for a change in international policies towards Burma. It calls for an increase in the amount of foriegn aid to Burma without direct funds going to the Burmese regime. Based on the experience of the Nargis relief effort, ICG recommends building upon that structure to develop programs throughout Burma.
Poverty, health, infrastructure, and education are extremely weak in Burma. ICG claims that International sanctions, called in part, to support Aung San Suu Kyi and the National League For Democracy, must be bypassed in order to help the people of Burma.
Arguments in favor of IGC’s proposals on humanitarian aid and development are a)success of Nargis relief effort, b)need to end Burma’ s isolation, c)Burmese people desperately need help.
Arguments against IGC’s proposals are a)The NLD does not oppose humanitarian aid, just aid that goes through the government or its affiliated associations, b) calling for an end to the international civilian boycott is an elitist way of removing ordinary global citizens from having a voice and impact, c) political engagement legitimizes the regime and increases its strength.
There is an opportunity to find middle ground. Neither side, the sanction groups, nor the engagement groups, can say they have succeeded. Unlimited aid should go directly to the people of Burma, but not through the government or its related NGOs. Even if huge aid went to the Burmese people, the regime would not benefit greatly. The economy is so badly managed that no influx of humanitarian aid will be enough to bail out the regime. Joint international efforts are needed. China must be cajoled and pressured to end its support for the regime. International citizen movements must be supported. Ulimately, the National League for Democracy speaks for the Burmese people. Decisions by IGC, or other governments should respect the expressed will of the Burmese people rather than the odious thugs who run the country.
The Burmese people have the final say in the continuance of the regime. They need to make the country ungovernable. International grassroots efforts should reach out to Chinese public opinion to put internal pressure on the Chinese government. Aung San Suu Kyi should be on the T-shirts of Chinese teenage girls.
Regime change will come from within. Continued support for resistance movements is crucial. Otherwise, we risk surrendering Burma to a state of endless mafia control and misery.