The Irrawaddy
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The Irrawaddy, Today's Newsletter, 26 August 2011
NEWS ANALYSIS
Will the Kyat Be Floated?
By YENI
The recent rise of the kyat has raised the possibility of a break with Burma's decades-old fixed exchange rate policy. But will this be enough to save the country's foundering economy?
Nay Myo Zin Sentenced to 10 Years
By THE IRRAWADDY
Less than 24 hours after a UN envoy left Burma hailing its government for progress on the political prisoners issue, an NLD volunteer is jailed on the notorious Electronics Act.
Political Prisoners' Release Remains Uncertain
By SAI ZOM HSENG
Burma's state-run press reports that government officials discussed with the UN envoy the possibility of releasing political prisoners.
Minimum Wage in Thailand Not Likely to Apply to Migrants
By KO HTWE
Current labor practices in Thailand suggest that even if the country does raise its minimum wage, few foreign migrant workers will see any benefit.
Fair Game
By LAWI WENG
The cross-border trade in wildlife between Burma and Thailand is supplemented by butchers in Three Pagodas Pass who buy endangered animals … and sell meat.
Should Burmese Exiles Go Home?
By THE IRRAWADDY
Burma’s President Thein Sein says he will allow exiles to return home. The Irrawaddy has collected the opinions of exiled Burmese regarding his offer.
Regional
UN Launches Campaign to End Stateless 'Limbo'
By FRANK JORDANS / AP WRITER
The UN refugee chief has called on countries to end the plight of some 12 million stateless people caught in what he described as “limbo”, denied basic human rights because no country will grant them citizenship.
Asian Football Struggles to Shed Off-Field Malaise
By JOHN DUERDEN / AP WRITER
The motto of the Asian Football Confederation is 'The Future is Asia', yet a series of recent controversies indicate the game seems unable to shake off its unhappy
history of corruption, bribery and political interference across the continent.
Opinion
Karen Struggle Divides Opinion as Refugees Fight Deportation
By NAW HTOO PAW
The ethnic people of Burma are having a hard time. Burmese army soldiers are targeting women in the Kachin and Shan states for rape. Villagers are used as forced labor.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430-223 64