The Irrawaddy
www.irrawaddy.org
The Irrawaddy, Friday, September 16, 2011
Today's Newsletter
Burma’s Burning Issue—The Myitsone Dam Project
By WAI MOE
A government workshop on the Myitsone megadam project goes ahead in Naypyidaw on Saturday amid protests and petitions for it to be suspended.
Burma Lifts Ban on International Websites
By SAI ZOM HSENG
In another loosening of restrictions on information communication, the new Burmese government is now allowing access to previously banned international news and entertainment websites, including those run by Burmese exiles.
KNU Leader’s Whereabouts Still Unknown
By SAW YAN NAING
Conflicting theories and rumors surface as to the whereabouts of KNU leader Mahn Nyein Maung who disappeared in late July.
Dollar Up as Burma Relaxes Car Import Rules
By THE IRRAWADDY
A Burmese government plan to allow car owners to replace older models with newer imports gives the US dollar a boost against the kyat.
Campbell to Meet Burma FM in New York
By LALIT K JHA
Veteran US diplomat Kurt Campbell is due to meet Burmese Foreign Minister Wunna Maung Lwin in New York next week on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly.
Burma Failing to Counter Drugs: Obama
By LALIT K JHA
US President Obama threatens Burma with sanctions for failing “demonstrably” to meet its counter-drug obligations.
US, Australia Press Burma on Reform
By LALIT K JHA
Hillary Clinton says Burma has made welcome gestures though 'serious concerns' remain, while Kevin Rudd calls for 'concrete steps' toward democratic reform.
Something's Happening in Burma: Mitchell
By THE IRRAWADDY
Ambassador Derek Mitchell, the US special representative and policy coordinator for Burma, held a press conference in Rangoon on Sept. 24. Here is the official transcript from the US State Department.
Business
Asian Markets Rally after European Bank Decision
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
A decision by European central banks to support the region's financial system helped calm Asian markets.
Regional
China's Dam-Builders to the World
By ASIA SENTINEL
Myitsone Dam in Burma is just one of hundreds in a dam-building spree. Chinese engineers are involved in building at least 251 dams in 68 countries across the world, according to the NGO International Rivers.
Opinion
There’s Something Happening Here
By KYAW ZWA MOE
Over the last month, Burma’s new government has taken several surprising initiatives never seen under the previous regime, but it’s not exactly clear what its motives are or where these actions will lead.
Interview
“A Healthy Media is Key to Our Country's Development”
In this interview, Irrawaddy editor Aung Zaw discusses the importance of media freedom in Burma and the future of Burmese media in exile.
Bo Lindblom, Byv. 32, SE-31295 Laholm, 0430O-223 64