The world the last few days has been focusing some attention onto the protests going on in Burma (officially known as Myanmar). The protests started back in August after the military junta which rules the country excessively hiked gas prices. They gained momentum during the last two weeks as Buddhist monks have marched peacefully through the streets. The monks came out into the streets after security forces fired towards a group of monks and then refused to apologize.

As the monks turned out on the streets in growing numbers over several days civilians became emboldened and started to join them. The Economist has written an excellent backgrounder on the country and what has led up to the current situation. Inexplicably, security forces made no move in the early days of the monks marching to inhibit their movement. There is some speculation that parts of the military were sympathetic towards the monks.

That changed this week as security forces poured into the main cities sealing off many areas, encircling monasteries, beating and arresting dozens (if not hundreds) of monks. Initially the people reacted with anger and poured into the streets themselves. Yesterday dozens were reported killed as security forces confronted the protesters.

Today, the situation is more difficult to assess. The government has cut off internet access which has been the primary source of information and images on what is going on in the country. They have also moved to cut cellphone access in order to limit contact with the outside world. The official Burmese media claims the unrest is the result of lies and interference from foreigners.

The Times Online reports that the monks may have been removed from the monasteries which have been surrounded by security forces to stop the monks from returning to the streets. If the monks are in the monasteries the other concern is for their well being as they are dependent on givings from the public to eat. Prior to the country’s sole internet provider being disabled, bloggers were able to get their stories and images of the suppression of the protests out to the world.

The suppression of the monks participation in the protests diminishes the resolve of civilians as they face well armed, well trained security forces carrying automatic weapons. Twenty years ago those same security forces cracked down on similar protests and 3,000 eventually died. While the monks, who are highly revered in Burmese society, were present the security forces risked full scale revolt had they opened fire.

Kenneth Denby writes a first hand report in the Times Online today on what happened in Burma yesterday. Time magazine’s online site carries an article containing reports from witnesses and participants as did The Independent. The Guardian yesterday reported that a letter had surfaced claiming to demonstrate dissent within the ranks of the military which would seriously threaten the junta’s control.

The Bangkok Post is reporting that thousands have returned to the street today to continue the protests but are not directly confronting troops as they did yesterday.

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