Discover and read the best of Twitter Threads about #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Most recents (24)
THREAD 1/3
There is only one 'capability' that Myanmar military relies on more than its air force...
Its will and capacity to use extreme intimate violence against nearby civilians in response to being attacked.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
There is only one 'capability' that Myanmar military relies on more than its air force...
Its will and capacity to use extreme intimate violence against nearby civilians in response to being attacked.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
2/3
Every successful resistance operation is followed by brutality against nearby villagers and bystanders
This creates a huge moral and psychological burden for resistance forces and raises the costs of their operations
Of course, it also further fuels resistance... but
Every successful resistance operation is followed by brutality against nearby villagers and bystanders
This creates a huge moral and psychological burden for resistance forces and raises the costs of their operations
Of course, it also further fuels resistance... but
3/3
The sit-tat is betting that fear and fatigue will ultimately trump the demand for justice (and revenge)
This is a central strategem defining their attempt to rule
Their control of cities and central state organs is all propped up on this foundation
The sit-tat is betting that fear and fatigue will ultimately trump the demand for justice (and revenge)
This is a central strategem defining their attempt to rule
Their control of cities and central state organs is all propped up on this foundation
Charles Petrie offers an excellent critique of the UN system in Myanmar
But he and others need to put more faith in vast segments of the population trying to end military rule and establish a federal democratic system
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinio…
But he and others need to put more faith in vast segments of the population trying to end military rule and establish a federal democratic system
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
bangkokpost.com/opinion/opinio…
Like Steinberg and many others, Petrie surmises that the "democratic opposition [lacks] sufficient traction on the ground to bring the disparate pieces [of the country] together."
What kind of standards need to be set for this revolutionary movement to be taken seriously?
What kind of standards need to be set for this revolutionary movement to be taken seriously?
Until the federal democracy movement is steamrolling to immediate success, it just seems like so many commentators won't even take it seriously.
The alternative to junta rule is apparently just a jumbled chaotic mess without any agency or purpose. So sad.
The alternative to junta rule is apparently just a jumbled chaotic mess without any agency or purpose. So sad.
Victims buried in a mass grave after #Myanmar #military launched air strikes on a #Kachin Independence Organization #KIO anniversary celebration Oct 23. At least 80 people said to be killed, 100s more injured. Fatalities may rise over hindered medical aid #whatshappeninginmyanmar 
Despite atrocities committed, #Myanmar #military remains defiant by calling air strikes & killings of civilians in #Hpakant #Kachin "fabricated" & "rumours". They've now cited own "sources" saying only ethnic #Kachin Independence Army #KIA personnel & resistance fighters killed
#Myanmar #military again takes issue with foreign embassy/UN statements condemning air attacks, insisting comments made "without proper verification" & can be seen as "intentional dissemination of rumours" & "meddling of the internal affairs" of Myanmar. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
#Myanmar #military air strikes on #Hpakant northern #Kachin said to have killed/injured over 50 people. Victims were in an #ethnic armed group #KIO #Kachin Independence Organization music celebration. Its army #KIA has clashed with #military for 70 years #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
THREAD: ERO or EAO?
Why are they now "ethnic resistance organisations" not "ethnic armed organisations" and what does ERO mean?
Here I will share some background context and my thoughts.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Why are they now "ethnic resistance organisations" not "ethnic armed organisations" and what does ERO mean?
Here I will share some background context and my thoughts.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
In summary:
The specific accronym "ERO" was introduced by the National Unity Consultative Council in 2021, but is essentially what they'e always been called in Burmese.
EAO was a neutral term agreed in 2013 for the NCA text but it is less accurate in my opinion.
ERO is better
The specific accronym "ERO" was introduced by the National Unity Consultative Council in 2021, but is essentially what they'e always been called in Burmese.
EAO was a neutral term agreed in 2013 for the NCA text but it is less accurate in my opinion.
ERO is better
I personally define EROs as:
Well-established ethnic-based organisations that actively oppose rule from Naypyitaw militarily, politically & socially.
This excludes state-backed ethnic militia (BGFs and PMFs) and ethnically based 'defence forces' (more below)
Well-established ethnic-based organisations that actively oppose rule from Naypyitaw militarily, politically & socially.
This excludes state-backed ethnic militia (BGFs and PMFs) and ethnically based 'defence forces' (more below)
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
🔴How do we verify fire claims?
🟡Geolocation Walkthrough
On 29 August 2022, SGG News reported a fire in Taung Myo village, Sagaing.
The disturbing images led MW investigators to try to verify the report, starting with geolocating the footage.
THREAD👇
🔴How do we verify fire claims?
🟡Geolocation Walkthrough
On 29 August 2022, SGG News reported a fire in Taung Myo village, Sagaing.
The disturbing images led MW investigators to try to verify the report, starting with geolocating the footage.
THREAD👇
#OSINT #Geolocation
After initial assessment, it was possible to determine that several images showed the same location but were taken from a different angle.
When different images contain overlapping information, that can be a good place to start the geolocation work.
After initial assessment, it was possible to determine that several images showed the same location but were taken from a different angle.
When different images contain overlapping information, that can be a good place to start the geolocation work.
Investigators often rely on satellite imagery for geolocation.
Analysis of the roofs and roads in the images can yield valuable information. Roof aspects (size, colour, shape) can be compared with road layout to make a unique pattern MW can then look for in satellite imagery.
Analysis of the roofs and roads in the images can yield valuable information. Roof aspects (size, colour, shape) can be compared with road layout to make a unique pattern MW can then look for in satellite imagery.
#Russia foreign minister #Lavrov is now in #Myanmar #NayPyiTaw. He's expected to meet #military-appointed foreign minister. But he may also meet military chief while there. After this 1-day visit, he'll head to #Cambodia for @ASEAN-related meetings. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
While @ASEAN chair #Cambodia PM #HunSen is opening #ASEAN foreign ministers' meeting in #PhnomPenh, #Russia foreign minister #Lavrov is in #Myanmar showing greater support for Myanmar. #Moscow aims to up defence, security cooperation with Myanmar #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Since #coup ongoing for 18 months, #Myanmar #military chief has failed to implement @ASEAN 5-point consensus, ignored #ASEAN chair #Cambodia PM's pleas to not execute 4 political prisoners & return #AungSanSuuKyi to house arrest, failed to stop violence #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Many of these flying death machines have been terrorising civilians in #Myanmar for more than a decade.
The export version of Mi-24 (Mi-35) regularly fires on villages and fleeing people, while Su-30 variants bomb entire communities almost every day.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
The export version of Mi-24 (Mi-35) regularly fires on villages and fleeing people, while Su-30 variants bomb entire communities almost every day.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Myanmar's public defence forces lack capability to take down or even constrain these aircraft
Germany and Netherlands alone have sent at least 700 MANPADS to Ukraine in past week
If Myanmar's elected government had just 10 MANPADs, it would be a game changer
Germany and Netherlands alone have sent at least 700 MANPADS to Ukraine in past week
If Myanmar's elected government had just 10 MANPADs, it would be a game changer
Feb last year, Myanmar's UN rep called for "strongest possible action from the international community to immediately end the military coup, to stop oppressing the innocent people, to return the state power to the people and to restore the democracy.” reuters.com/article/us-mya…
1/3: The situation at the Thai-Myanmar border is a humanitarian nightmare. Refugees urgently need more clean water, more food, tarps, and medicine. But the Thai state is blocking aid groups from the camps, making it difficult to respond refugee's needs. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
2/3: Many children inside the shelters are sick with diarrhea. They need more drinking water, better medication, and electrolytes. One of the settlements is home to at least 1,000 displaced people.
3/3: Rain is now complicating things due to a lack of shelter. One elderly man reportedly just died due to the harsh conditions.
Local Myanmar communities on the Thai side are working day and night to get food into the camps. But they say they need more donations.
Local Myanmar communities on the Thai side are working day and night to get food into the camps. But they say they need more donations.
As #Myanmar 🇲🇲 enters 2022 the #PDF and allied resistance groups are taking the initiative across the country, launching multiple hit-and-run attacks on the military.
Fighting is especially heavy in the #Demoso Township in #Kayah state irrawaddy.com/news/burma/mya…
Fighting is especially heavy in the #Demoso Township in #Kayah state irrawaddy.com/news/burma/mya…
#Myanmar 🇲🇲: one example was an attack by the Eagles Army (#PDF group in Tigayaing Township) on two military patrol boats going down the Ayeryawady river.
Around 20 soldiers were reportedly killed by mine attacks on the boats. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
Around 20 soldiers were reportedly killed by mine attacks on the boats. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
#Myanmar 🇲🇲: another attack was launched by the Aung San Force (#PDF group in #Magway) who dropped explosives from a drone down on a military convoy of 150 soldiers below. #WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
THREAD: A year ago today Nov 8, #Myanmar held its elections where #AungSanSuuKyi #NLD won in an even bigger landslide than 2015 with over 80% of total contested seats. But this win has led to a #militarycoup takeover on Feb 1 (1/5)
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
irrawaddy.com/elections/offi…
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
irrawaddy.com/elections/offi…
#Myanmar citizens' resounding support for #AungSanSuuKyi #NLD caught all especially military by surprise. The results caused greater discomfort for #military who used that as a key basis to stage a #coup alleging electoral fraud which independent election observers refute (2/5)
9 months into #Myanmar #militarycoup, World Bank estimates an almost 20% #economic contraction this year, drive-by shootings becoming common, collapsed education & healthcare sectors. Over 220,000 displaced. @aapp records over 1,200 people have died (3/5) #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Critical story on a US gun enthusiast using faux CIA credentials to train #Myanmar activists in highly problematic methods, including home-made indiscriminate weapons.
Some of my thoughts below 👇
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar #Sep9Coup
newnaratif.com/dr-sasa-visits…
Some of my thoughts below 👇
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar #Sep9Coup
newnaratif.com/dr-sasa-visits…
Activists and political leaders underwent an extremely difficult decision-making process in March and April, deciding whether to take up arms.
They received no protection from anyone, and the zero sum nature of the SAC's agenda meant it was 'fight, be arrested/killed, or flee'
They received no protection from anyone, and the zero sum nature of the SAC's agenda meant it was 'fight, be arrested/killed, or flee'
Myanmar has suffered unimaginable violence for decades, not because of parochial conflicts, competing economic agendas or sectrarian divides.
But because of a particularly peverse and violent institution that controls nearly everything and never compromises with anyone.
But because of a particularly peverse and violent institution that controls nearly everything and never compromises with anyone.
1. This History Thread is about the music of resistance in Myanmar (Burma.) This is a brief overview, not including all important bands or songs. It is a multi-ethnic array of many musical styles — put your headphones on & pump up the volume. 🎧 #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar 🌿
2. In the independent (often warring) lands that would become Burma, music was created by different cultures, absorbed, captured, traveling. Royal courts sponsored musicians. Resistance to tyrannical rulers was sometimes expressed in subversive, satirical folksongs & chants.
3. Early 20th C. defiance of British colonial rule of Burma was expressed in songs extolling glorious past of Burman (Bamar) ethnic group. “Dobama” by YMB Saya Khin, imprisoned for incitement. Unfortunately some nationalist songs attacked Muslims, Indians. myanmore.com/2020/05/the-st…
"#Myanmar faces economic collapse due to the combined effect of the new coronavirus and the coup, which in its [@UNDP] worst-case analysis could put nearly half the country’s 54 million people into poverty." - @Reuters
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
reuters.com/business/finan…
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
reuters.com/business/finan…
Poverty and food security have long been concerns for families in #Myanmar's ethnic states after decades of conflict and neglect. Kind, tenacious people, they want peace and self-sufficient tools to keep their children safe, healthy, and in school.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Myanmar diaspora politics are still steeped in saviour-worship, conspiracy theories about Rohingya, paternalism and overreliance on NUG/CRPH to lead the way.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
What they have to realise is the Myanmar people are already paving the way. Local defense organisations and general strike committees are clear examples of bottom-up organising that sustains a democracy movement.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
If you're not looking, you are missing the fact that we are still in this fight BECAUSE we have a vibrant democracy. The Myanmar people have rejected, through a popular movement, a murderous regime with guns with our voices and actions. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
A MYANMAR HISTORY THREAD:
I saw this great piece, and I wanted to add some context about just how much the cause of Myanmar women has been set back after 60 years of brutal and misogynistic oppression by the Burmese military.
aljazeera.com/features/2021/…
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
I saw this great piece, and I wanted to add some context about just how much the cause of Myanmar women has been set back after 60 years of brutal and misogynistic oppression by the Burmese military.
aljazeera.com/features/2021/…
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
Before military dictatorship in 1962, women had much more power, especially in commerce.
This extract from “Debating Democratization in Myanmar” (ed. Nick Cheesman) talks of businesses that were owned by Myanmar women.
Naga Daw Oo was my great-aunt.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
This extract from “Debating Democratization in Myanmar” (ed. Nick Cheesman) talks of businesses that were owned by Myanmar women.
Naga Daw Oo was my great-aunt.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
This extract is from my book Mandalay.
My grandmother’s first business The Burmese Paper Mart was requisitioned by the Myanmar military.
My grandmother never forgave them.
And she was just one of many women who they did this to.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
My grandmother’s first business The Burmese Paper Mart was requisitioned by the Myanmar military.
My grandmother never forgave them.
And she was just one of many women who they did this to.
#WhatsHappeningInMyanmar
#Thread about #Opposition in #Burma #Government:
Burma's opposition forms an interim government against the generals
The opposing government that is forming wants to abolish the constitution that gave the military a veto right in the democratization process.
Burma's opposition forms an interim government against the generals
The opposing government that is forming wants to abolish the constitution that gave the military a veto right in the democratization process.
It tries to include the ethnic minorities as well. The army is fighting on several fronts.
Parallel government with great ambitions
The project operates under the name CRPH.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Source:
by @NZZ
nzz.ch/international/…
Parallel government with great ambitions
The project operates under the name CRPH.
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
Source:
by @NZZ
nzz.ch/international/…
At the moment it is only a matter of a committee consisting of elected parliamentarians; They were never able to take up their function as representatives of the people and legislature because of the coup on February 1st. A government in exile is now to emerge from this dozen.
#Thread about #China and his #relationship with #Burma ! #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar
#protest #HumanRightsViolations #geopolitics :
Beijing favors the democratically elected government in Burma.
Source:
by @NZZAusland
nzz.ch/international/…
#protest #HumanRightsViolations #geopolitics :
Beijing favors the democratically elected government in Burma.
Source:
by @NZZAusland
nzz.ch/international/…
In contrast to the military junta, it is considered predictable and reliable
After the military coup in Burma, there were rumors that Beijing was behind the coup and would benefit from it. However, the reality is different. Xi Jinping would probably choose Aung San Suu Kyi.
After the military coup in Burma, there were rumors that Beijing was behind the coup and would benefit from it. However, the reality is different. Xi Jinping would probably choose Aung San Suu Kyi.
Beijing has so far not made up its mind to show empathy for the protesters who have been killed.
To make matters worse, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Burma in mid-January, which is why rumors arose that the Chinese rulers had prepared the coup with this visit.
To make matters worse, the Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi was in Burma in mid-January, which is why rumors arose that the Chinese rulers had prepared the coup with this visit.
🧵Against my better judgment & the advice of mental health professionals, I am going to try to live-tweet this UNSC Arria on #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar.
First, tho, some throat-clearing. I find this whole thing infuriating because @UKUN_NewYork could have organized an Arria on 2/2.
First, tho, some throat-clearing. I find this whole thing infuriating because @UKUN_NewYork could have organized an Arria on 2/2.
Arria meetings are the lowest common denominator & least formal options available to the Security Council & pretty much anyone can convene one any time. It is a travesty that it has taken 65 days to hold one & that there has still been no formal agenda item added to the Council.
As the 'penholder' on Burma, and the rotating president of the Council in February, @UKUN_NewYork bears much responsibility for this failure of diplomacy & failure of leadership. Two months, and 600 lives lost, because of weak leadership on the part of the so-called like-minded
#WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar: Protests sweep Myanmar after the military overthrew elected leader Aung San Suu Kyi on Feb. 1. To suppress protests, the junta cut off nearly all internet access.
Here’s how online suppression escalated: tmsnrt.rs/3dEsTgX @ReutersGraphics 1/4
Here’s how online suppression escalated: tmsnrt.rs/3dEsTgX @ReutersGraphics 1/4
At around midnight on Feb. 1, hours before the coup, armed military officers raided the data centers of internet providers, sources with knowledge of the matter told @Reuters. With their guns pointed at the workers, the officers hacked apart the wires that provide internet 2/4
Internet restrictions, slow connections, and bans on social media like Facebook and Twitter are the new reality in Myanmar.
As of April 2, the internet stays almost entirely shut off throughout the day 3/4
As of April 2, the internet stays almost entirely shut off throughout the day 3/4
Here's a (hot) take (probably) from the feelings people have towards news coverage in general and the CNN special. No one & I mean no one, will have your best interests at heart especially when it comes to a giant media corporation. Your issue isn't a life & death issue for them.
I took sociology of mass media last semester & let me tell you there's a lot of issues around beliefs that "objectivity" truly exist. We all are socialized to have certain set of values/believe in certain ideologies. Until we are critical of ourselves, we can't see the problem.
Media companies like CNN operates under Warner Media which owned by a giant conglomerate like AT&T isn't a good sign for objectivity or for freedom of the press/speech to flourish. At best, it is superficial b/c the people who work on the news maybe diverse though it's really not
A rare and devastating look at the risks, violence and danger facing civilians in #Myanmar's second-largest city through the lens of a journalist from @FrontierMM. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar frontiermyanmar.net/en/in-the-line…
"The protests in these wards escalated from March 20, when demonstrators set up a series of large barricades of sandbags and bamboo poles and sheets to block the residential streets running north-south between Manaw Hari and Theik Pan roads. Also known as 110th Street, ...
... Manaw Hari is usually one of the city’s busiest thoroughfares but when I visited it was deserted, and the barriers gave it the appearance of a city under siege."
Thousands of #Myanmar protesters took to the street again on Monday, as the military killed 14 civilians following a new round of sanctions being announced. #WhatsHappeninglnMyanmar reuters.com/article/worldN…
Monday’s dead included at least eight in the South Dagon suburb of Myanmar’s main city, Yangon. Security forces there fired a much heavier-calibre weapon than usual to clear a barricade of sand bags, witnesses said and a video clip showed.
State television said security forces used “riot weapons” to disperse a crowd of “violent terrorist people” who were destroying a pavement and one man was wounded.
#THREAD MEDIA RELEASE: New report by @theACIJ @JusticeMyanmar exposes Adani Ports' commercial ties to #Myanmar military company #MEC, led by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing- accused war criminal & coup leader. We call on investors to #divest #StopAdani acij.org.au/joint-media-re…
Yadanar Maung, @JusticeMyanmar:"We therefore call on Adani Ports' #shareholders and #creditors to uphold their human rights responsibilities by cutting ties with #AdaniPorts for its continued business with the criminal junta. Stand with the people of #Myanmar." #StopAdani #Divest
Ahsan Haque from @BRCA_Australia: "It's time to hold such businesses accountable in the same light. We call on investors to immediately divest from #AdaniPorts."
