The Irrawaddy
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The Irrawaddy, Wednesday, September 14, 2011
Today's Newsletter
VJ Handed 10 More Years
By SAI ZOM HSENG
A Rangoon court adds 10 years to the sentence of photographer Sithu Zeya on charges of violating the country's draconian Electronics Act, making a total of 18 years.
Suu Kyi Attends Football Match
By THE IRRAWADDY
Aung San Suu Kyi attends an international football match in Rangoon at the invitation of blacklisted Max Myanmar CEO Zaw Zaw.
Burma Pivotal as Amphetamine Use Soars
By SIMON ROUGHNEEN
Amphetamine use in Southeast Asia is growing rapidly and Burma is its prime source, with the number of pills seized by police increasing by over 300 percent between 2008 and 2010.
Mitchell Concludes Trip with Call for 'Concrete' Action
By SAI ZOM HSENG
The first US special envoy to Burma, Derek Mitchell, calls on the country's government to take “concrete” steps to allay doubts about its commitment to genuine reform and reconciliation.
US Accuses Burma of Restricting Religious Freedom
By LALIT K. JHA
The US State Department names Burma along with seven other countries as “countries of particular concern” on religious freedom.
Regional
Philippines to File 2 Graft Cases Against Arroyo
By JIM GOMEZ / AP WRITER
The Philippine government will file at least two major corruption complaints against the former president before the end of the year.
Thailand Launches New War Against Illegal Drugs
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
The Thai government has launched a new campaign against illegal drugs but says it will not repeat the mistakes of an earlier push in 2003 when at least 2,300 accused dealers were killed.
Opinion
Paying Lip Service Won’t Purchase Reform
By YENI
Most of Burma’s parliamentary MPs served in the past regime, so they know well how to speak about reform without actually reforming anything. But this time, can they deliver?
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430O-223 64