Military Book Buzz

Buy Burma: The State of Myanmar
 

Author: David, I. Steinberg

Book Description:  Long isolated by rigid military rule, Burma, or Myanmar, is one of the least known, significantly sized states in the world. Author David Steinberg sheds new light on this reclusive state by exploring issues of authority and legitimacy in its politics, economics, social structure, and culture since the popular uprising and military coup of 1988. Exploring the origins of that year’s tumultuous events, Steinberg analyzes a generation of preceding military governments and their attempts to address the nation’s problems. This paperback edition includes a postscript that reveals the most current and critical issues facing Burmasince the publications of the original hardvoer in March 2001. Steinberg brings readers up to date on the recent release of political prisoners, economic and military conditions, United Nations actions, and the complex, ever-changing relationship between Thailand and Myanmar.  Now with the cyclone aftermath it has pushed Myanmar’s normally secretive ruling military junta to ask for aid and release details of the devastation. However, the U.N. said its aid workers were still waiting for visas to enter the country. It, the Red Cross and other aid organizations have been gathering supplies to ship to the country. The U.N. World Food Program said it has managed to begin distributing food in areas of Yangon and is preparing to send emergency supplies from across Asia. Preliminary WFP assessment reports confirmed tremendous storm damage to homes and shelters, and they said flooding and road damage means some areas are still cut off. Spokeswoman Bettina Luescher said, “Many areas are accessible only by boat, but many of the boats have been destroyed.” President Bush called on the military junta Tuesday to allow the U.S. to help with disaster assistance. This disaster will require a huge world humanitarian effort by government and military organizations requiring the normally secluded Myanmar military junta to open it’s doors to the world.

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