The Irrawaddy News Magazine [Covering Burma and Southeast Asia]
GO TO www.irrawaddy.org TO READ THE ENTIRE ARTICLES
Friday, January 23, 2009
Today's Newsletter
Soaring Kyat Slows Remittances from Abroad
By THE IRRAWADDY
The black market value of Burma's currency, the kyat, hit a three-year
high of nearly 1,000 to the US dollar on Friday, putting a brake on the
unofficial cash transfers from abroad known as hundi.
Migrant Crackdown Won't Solve Problem: Rights Groups
By LAWI WENG
The Thai government's planned crackdown on illegal migrants won't solve
the underlying problem, say human rights groups.
Child Labor Widespread in Delta
By THE IRRAWADDY
Some 300,000 children have been unable to return to school since last
year's cyclone and many are working as cheap labor.
LETTER FROM DELTA
On the Road to Labutta
By KYI WAI
The Irrawaddy?s Rangoon-based reporter recently returned to the scene of
last year's cyclone disaster and witnessed first-hand how villagers are
handling the aftermath.
Burma's Chinese Gear Up for Year of the Ox
By SAW YAN NAING
Burma's Chinese residents are gearing up for four days of celebrations
marking their New Year, which officially begins on Monday.
Gambari to Visit Burma at End of January
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The special UN envoy tasked with promoting political reconciliation in
Burma will visit the military-ruled country at the end of this month.
Business
Weekly Business Roundup (January 23, 2009)
By WILLIAM BOOT
Another Indian energy company will start exploratory drilling off the
coast of Arakan in western Burma in a bid for oil and gas.
Regional
Year of the Ox Threatens More Economic Pain: Chinese Seers
By DIKKY SINN / AP WRITER
Chinese fortunetellers say fire - one of the five elements mystics believe
form the basis of the universe - is essential to financial well-being. And
fire is nowhere to be found in the mythology of this coming Year of the
Ox.
Modernizing the World's Biggest Army
By ANTOANETA BEZLOVA / IPS WRITER
The army parade to mark the 60th anniversary of modern China's founding
this fall will showcase not only the country's newest weaponry but the
modernization of its military too.
Opinion
CONTRIBUTOR
Ethnic Minorities Hold the Key to Burma's Future
By MIN ZIN
Ethnic ceasefire groups could play a game-changing role in Burmese
politics, but only if they are strategic and coordinated. Otherwise, they
will be the ultimate losers under the military?s constitution.
Interview
No Great Expectations
Ludu Sein Win, a veteran Burmese journalist and lifelong observer of the
world political scene, spoke to The Irrawaddy recently about his views on
US President Barack Obama.
QUOTE OF THE DAY
"A crackdown is not a good solution. It's just making migrants' lives more
risky. The best solution is to offer new registration and let them come
out and stay legally."
Jackie Pollock, a founding member of the Chiang Mai-based Migrant
Assistance Program
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64