Burma prep

I've been organizing my itinerary for this Burma/Thailand trip coming up, which makes me both excited and a little nervous. Burma particularly, should be an interesting bit, having to keep all the names and locations a secret. Ha. It's a pretty cool time to be visiting though, given the recent elections and the release of the face of democracy in Burma, Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. I was reading up on some of the recent news in the country, which might be pretty dry to some of you, but if you're interested:

• The elections have received strong international criticism from all sides, except China and ASEAN. The USDP harassed many journalists trying to cover the vote, detaining a Japanese journalist. Internet and telephone communications were also obstructed.
• The military junta now holds enough seats in Parliament to do whatever they want "legally." Laws have been instated to limit the freedom of expression of parliamentarians if their speeches endanger national security, the unity of the country or violate the constitution. Essentially, putting the status quo on paper--agree with the govt or die.
• There's a clinic in Rangoon meant to treat patients with HIV/AIDS. Suu Kyi recently visited; afterward, the SPDC came through evicting all the patients. They eventually rescinded the eviction orders with the condition that all 82 pts renew their permits to stay there weekly. I think I'm going to try to visit it.
• The UN Org for Drugs and Crime recently released a report stating that Burma remains the major manufacturer of methamphetamine pills in the region. This should be of concern for many reasons, including:
• large-scale spillover into neighboring countries due to Burma's political instability
• injecting use has increased-->increased risk of HIV transmission, already a big problem
• health care for those infected isn't reliable and many times, inaccessible

• The SPDC is the world's only state actor that lays landmines. Anti-personnel mines, specifically. The military routinely carries out "atrocity demining:" forcing civilians to walk out in front of soldiers to clear the mines and carry their stuff. Of the 263 landmine casualties last year, 259 were civilians.
• Internet cafes are monitored by the popo. Two Australian filmmakers documenting independent media in Burma were deported mid-November. Going to have to be super secret.
• Masses have been stopped, Muslim Rohingyas celebrating Eid-ul-Adha were harassed and arrested in November (what they were arrested for is still unclear).
• The number of Karen refugees fleeing into Thailand increased by more than 20,000 post-elections. Fighting in the area has increased. I'll be exploring this area, from the Thailand side.
• The UNGA recently adopted a resolution on Burma essentially condemning the country for its unfair elections, calling for the release of all political prisoners, and welcoming Suu Kyi's release. What's interesting is that Russia, Bangladesh, India, Cambodia, Brunei, China, Laos, Malaysia, and Vietnam voted against it, while Indonesia, the Philippines, Singapore, and Thailand abstained. All its neighbors.
• Gas is now being rationed, leading to a surge in black market sales (up to 3500 kyat, or $3.90, a gallon). snap.

Should be a fun trip. All my contacts have made it very clear that I cannot use their names or the names of their organizations in Burma. A little intimidating, a little exciting. I'll be in Rangoon and Mandalay for most of the Burma bit. Can't wait. 

from Mandalay