Last week, Myanmar’s ruling military junta lifted the state of emergency that had been in place since it took power in a coup in February 2021. It also announced that an interim government had taken over, until elections take place this coming December and January.
On the face of it, this might have seemed like a good step forward, given that more than three million people have been displaced, several thousand civilians have been killed, and tens of thousands arrested during the violence and conflict over the past four years. But the news has mostly been greeted with scepticism.
Senior General Min Aung Hlaing remains in charge as acting President and chief of the armed forces. The National League for Democracy of Aung San Suu Kyi, which has won every free election it participated in (and was the government overthrown in 2021), has been deregistered, while Ms Suu Kyi is detained in solitary confinement.
The government in exile – called the National Unity Government – has denounced the forthcoming polls as a fraud. “Elections are fundamental to democracy, but the one organised by the junta is entirely illegitimate,” said U Kyaw Ni, the NUG Deputy Minister of Labour Affairs, earlier this year. “The Military Council, which seized power by disregarding the people’s will, cannot hold a fair election, nor can it resolve the ongoing political crisis.”
The most forthright external supporters of human rights and democratisation in Myanmar have, historically, always insisted that the military – which originally ended the country’s initial experiment with democracy in 1962 – could never be part of a solution. Even accepting the change of name from Burma to Myanmar was considered by diehard supporters of Ms Suu Kyi in the West to be giving in to a public relations exercise by the Tatmadaw, as the armed forces are known. What use, then, could be any election organised by them?
Except Myanmar’s second period of democracy from 2010 to 2021 was initiated by the Tatmadaw. And the overarching issue is: how can any lasting solution to the country’s numerous problems exclude them?
Myanmar is almost completely devoid of institutions that can bind it as one. Many historians consider Britain’s abolition of the country’s monarchy in 1885, after the Third Anglo-Burmese War, to have been a disaster. It removed the figure who stood at the apex of civilian, military and religious life and who could – after independence in 1948 – have played a crucial role in unifying the country’s numerous and varied ethnicities. Many of those ethnic groups in Myanmar’s frontier states had been converted to Christianity under the British, and they were also allowed to serve in the police and armed forces, while the majority ethnic Bamar, who are Buddhist, were discouraged from doing so. To say that there were forces pulling the country apart as the British were about to leave would be a major understatement.
The country’s revered, charismatic father of independence, Ms Suu Kyi’s father, Gen Aung San, might just have been able to keep the country together. But he was assassinated in 1947, and there has been a state of civil conflict – of various levels of intensity – ever since. Meanwhile, whatever atrocities and repression they have been associated with, the Tatmadaw have also always been the country’s one dominant, omnipresent institution. People who truly want the best for Myanmar have to concede that any dialogues about its future must include them.
This is something that Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim appears to realise. As this year’s chair of the Association of South-East Asian Nations, Mr Anwar had already initiated significant moves to lower tensions in Myanmar. After his recent triumph in persuading the leaders of Cambodia and Thailand to agree to a ceasefire on their border, he has fresh impetus.
In April, he met Senior General Min Aung Hlaing in Bangkok for “frank and constructive” discussions, and a day later held talks with the NUG, the government in exile. At the end of May, he invited different groups to come to Kuala Lumpur to begin a dialogue process, and this week he said: “We have initiated talks”, and that his meetings with the military and opposition leaders had reached “some agreements”.
Last month, the Trump administration quietly lifted sanctions on five individuals and companies linked to the junta
“First, a ceasefire; second, to enable humanitarian aid access; and third, to continue dialogue aimed at stopping attacks,” he told Malaysia’s Parliament. “So far, the situation is better compared to previous developments.”
There may be no easy formula, but it may be worth reflecting on the period when Thein Sein, a former general, led the transition to full democracy between 2011 and 2016. As the Irrawaddy news site – no ally of the military – put it last year: “After decades of pariah status for Myanmar, Thein Sein’s administration won a degree of international legitimacy and support after launching political and economic reforms and allowing democracy icon Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to contest the 2015 election. International media compared him to Mikhail Gorbachev, the last leader of the Soviet Union.”
Thein Sein is retired, but he was invited to an important official event in China last year where he was greeted by President Xi Jinping. He may be able to play a useful role, but equally crucial is the fact that his example shows the Tatmadaw is not monolithic, and there may be other reformers and moderates in its ranks who can help negotiate a way forward.
Add to the mix recent reports that indicate the administration of US President Donald Trump has an interest in Myanmar. Last month, it quietly lifted sanctions on five individuals and companies linked to the junta. There is speculation the US is interested in sourcing rare earth minerals from the country’s far north; although as the mines are in a region close to China and controlled by an opposition group, any potential deals would be complicated.
Put this altogether, though, and you have a strong Asean chair determined to lead and make a difference, and who has already proved to be an effective interlocutor between Myanmar’s warring parties. You have a junta that is at least trying to give the appearance of change. And there is the possibility that just as the US and China supported Mr Anwar’s efforts to bring about a ceasefire between Cambodia and Thailand, the two countries may have their own reasons to support a course towards peace and stability in Myanmar.
There haven’t been many causes for optimism for friends of that sorely troubled country in recent years. This could just be one of them. Let’s not dismiss any element of this out of hand.
GOLF’S RAHMBO
- 5 wins in 22 months as pro
- Three wins in past 10 starts
- 45 pro starts worldwide: 5 wins, 17 top 5s
- Ranked 551th in world on debut, now No 4 (was No 2 earlier this year)
- 5th player in last 30 years to win 3 European Tour and 2 PGA Tour titles before age 24 (Woods, Garcia, McIlroy, Spieth)
The specs
Engine: 4.0-litre flat-six
Torque: 450Nm at 6,100rpm
Transmission: 7-speed PDK auto or 6-speed manual
Fuel economy, combined: 13.8L/100km
On sale: Available to order now
Brief scores:
Toss: Nepal, chose to field
UAE 153-6: Shaiman (59), Usman (30); Regmi 2-23
Nepal 132-7: Jora 53 not out; Zahoor 2-17
Result: UAE won by 21 runs
Series: UAE lead 1-0
Squad for first two ODIs
Kohli (c), Rohit, Dhawan, Rayudu, Pandey, Dhoni (wk), Pant, Jadeja, Chahal, Kuldeep, Khaleel, Shami, Thakur, Rahul.
MATCH INFO
Chelsea 1
Alonso (62')
Huddersfield Town 1
Depoitre (50')
ACL Elite (West) - fixtures
Monday, Sept 30
Al Sadd v Esteghlal (8pm)
Persepolis v Pakhtakor (8pm)
Al Wasl v Al Ahli (8pm)
Al Nassr v Al Rayyan (10pm)
Tuesday, Oct 1
Al Hilal v Al Shorta (10pm)
Al Gharafa v Al Ain (10pm)
Brief scores:
Juventus 3
Dybala 6', Bonucci 17', Ronaldo 63'
Frosinone 0
Key findings of Jenkins report
- Founder of the Muslim Brotherhood, Hassan al Banna, "accepted the political utility of violence"
- Views of key Muslim Brotherhood ideologue, Sayyid Qutb, have “consistently been understood” as permitting “the use of extreme violence in the pursuit of the perfect Islamic society” and “never been institutionally disowned” by the movement.
- Muslim Brotherhood at all levels has repeatedly defended Hamas attacks against Israel, including the use of suicide bombers and the killing of civilians.
- Laying out the report in the House of Commons, David Cameron told MPs: "The main findings of the review support the conclusion that membership of, association with, or influence by the Muslim Brotherhood should be considered as a possible indicator of extremism."
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Our legal consultant
Name: Dr Hassan Mohsen Elhais
Position: legal consultant with Al Rowaad Advocates and Legal Consultants.
The permutations for UAE going to the 2018 World Cup finals
To qualify automatically
UAE must beat Iraq.
Australia must lose in Japan and at home to Thailand, with their losing margins and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
To finish third and go into a play-off with the other third-placed AFC side for a chance to reach the inter-confederation play-off match
UAE must beat Iraq.
Saudi Arabia must lose to Japan, with their losing margin and the UAE's winning margin over Iraq being enough to overturn a goal difference gap of eight.
Red flags
- Promises of high, fixed or 'guaranteed' returns.
- Unregulated structured products or complex investments often used to bypass traditional safeguards.
- Lack of clear information, vague language, no access to audited financials.
- Overseas companies targeting investors in other jurisdictions - this can make legal recovery difficult.
- Hard-selling tactics - creating urgency, offering 'exclusive' deals.
Courtesy: Carol Glynn, founder of Conscious Finance Coaching
Jordan cabinet changes
In
- Raed Mozafar Abu Al Saoud, Minister of Water and Irrigation
- Dr Bassam Samir Al Talhouni, Minister of Justice
- Majd Mohamed Shoueikeh, State Minister of Development of Foundation Performance
- Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education and Minister of Higher Education and Scientific Research
- Falah Abdalla Al Ammoush, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Basma Moussa Ishakat, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Ghazi Monawar Al Zein, Minister of Health
- Ibrahim Sobhi Alshahahede, Minister of Agriculture and Minister of Environment
- Dr Mohamed Suleiman Aburamman, Minister of Culture and Minister of Youth
Out
- Dr Adel Issa Al Tawissi, Minister of High Education and Scientific Research
- Hala Noaman “Basiso Lattouf”, Minister of Social Development
- Dr Mahmud Yassin Al Sheyab, Minister of Health
- Yahya Moussa Kasbi, Minister of Public Works and Housing
- Nayef Hamidi Al Fayez, Minister of Environment
- Majd Mohamed Shoueika, Minister of Public Sector Development
- Khalid Moussa Al Huneifat, Minister of Agriculture
- Dr Awad Abu Jarad Al Mushakiba, Minister of Justice
- Mounir Moussa Ouwais, Minister of Water and Agriculture
- Dr Azmi Mahmud Mohafaza, Minister of Education
- Mokarram Mustafa Al Kaysi, Minister of Youth
- Basma Mohamed Al Nousour, Minister of Culture
Dubai Rugby Sevens, December 5 -7
World Sevens Series Pools
A – Fiji, France, Argentina, Japan
B – United States, Australia, Scotland, Ireland
C – New Zealand, Samoa, Canada, Wales
D – South Africa, England, Spain, Kenya
Schedule:
Sept 15: Bangladesh v Sri Lanka (Dubai)
Sept 16: Pakistan v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 17: Sri Lanka v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 18: India v Qualifier (Dubai)
Sept 19: India v Pakistan (Dubai)
Sept 20: Bangladesh v Afghanistan (Abu Dhabi) Super Four
Sept 21: Group A Winner v Group B Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 21: Group B Winner v Group A Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 23: Group A Winner v Group A Runner-up (Dubai)
Sept 23: Group B Winner v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 25: Group A Winner v Group B Winner (Dubai)
Sept 26: Group A Runner-up v Group B Runner-up (Abu Dhabi)
Sept 28: Final (Dubai)
It
Director: Andres Muschietti
Starring: Bill Skarsgard, Jaeden Lieberher, Sophia Lillis, Chosen Jacobs, Jeremy Ray Taylor
Three stars
The specs
Engine: 2.0-litre 4cyl turbo
Power: 261hp at 5,500rpm
Torque: 405Nm at 1,750-3,500rpm
Transmission: 9-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 6.9L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh117,059
UAE - India ties
The UAE is India’s third-largest trade partner after the US and China
Annual bilateral trade between India and the UAE has crossed US$ 60 billion
The UAE is the fourth-largest exporter of crude oil for India
Indians comprise the largest community with 3.3 million residents in the UAE
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi first visited the UAE in August 2015
His visit on August 23-24 will be the third in four years
Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the Armed Forces, visited India in February 2016
Sheikh Mohamed was the chief guest at India’s Republic Day celebrations in January 2017
Modi will visit Bahrain on August 24-25
Lexus LX700h specs
Engine: 3.4-litre twin-turbo V6 plus supplementary electric motor
Power: 464hp at 5,200rpm
Torque: 790Nm from 2,000-3,600rpm
Transmission: 10-speed auto
Fuel consumption: 11.7L/100km
On sale: Now
Price: From Dh590,000
Nepotism is the name of the game
Salman Khan’s father, Salim Khan, is one of Bollywood’s most legendary screenwriters. Through his partnership with co-writer Javed Akhtar, Salim is credited with having paved the path for the Indian film industry’s blockbuster format in the 1970s. Something his son now rules the roost of. More importantly, the Salim-Javed duo also created the persona of the “angry young man” for Bollywood megastar Amitabh Bachchan in the 1970s, reflecting the angst of the average Indian. In choosing to be the ordinary man’s “hero” as opposed to a thespian in new Bollywood, Salman Khan remains tightly linked to his father’s oeuvre. Thanks dad.
The Lowdown
Kesari
Rating: 2.5/5 stars
Produced by: Dharma Productions, Azure Entertainment
Directed by: Anubhav Singh
Cast: Akshay Kumar, Parineeti Chopra
Killing of Qassem Suleimani
Labour dispute
The insured employee may still file an ILOE claim even if a labour dispute is ongoing post termination, but the insurer may suspend or reject payment, until the courts resolve the dispute, especially if the reason for termination is contested. The outcome of the labour court proceedings can directly affect eligibility.
- Abdullah Ishnaneh, Partner, BSA Law
Specs
Engine: Dual-motor all-wheel-drive electric
Range: Up to 610km
Power: 905hp
Torque: 985Nm
Price: From Dh439,000
Available: Now
