By the end of September 2007; the Burmese military regime had suppressed with force anti-regime protests that began in late August; escalated in mid- September; and were led by Buddhist monks and pro-democracy activists. This drew new protests from the United States over the regime's abusive human rights record. According to human rights reports by the U.S. State Department and private organisations; Burma's poor record worsened in 2004; 2005; and 2006. These reports have laid out a familiar pattern of government and military abuses of civilians. As in the past; U.S. diplomatic initiatives in September 2007 did not prevent the regime's crackdown. China blocked a U.S.-European Union proposal to have the United Nations Security Council consider imposing sanctions on Burma. However; Burmese military leader Than Shwe proposed to a United Nations envoy that he would meet with opposition leader Aung Sann Suu Kyi if she would cease encouraging confrontation with the government and foreign economic sanctions. The SPDC appears unaffected by sanctions imposed by the United States and other Western nations. Western sanctions are uneven with U.S. sanctions being the heaviest. Burma has been able to expand exports of a variety of commodities; including growing earnings from natural gas production. China and India have signed deals with the SPDC for substantial purchases of natural gas. Burma also reportedly earns between $1 billion and $2 billion annually from exports of illegal drugs; heroin and methamphetamines. Most of these earnings go to drug traffickers connected to the Wa and Shan ethnic groups; but Burmese military officials have means to gain a substantial share of these earnings. Burma's fellow members in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) have grown more critical of the SPDC; but they continue to oppose sanctions. Chinese diplomatic support of the SPDC and military and economic aid is very important: $2 billion in military aid since the early 1990s; $200 million annually in economic aid; substantial foreign investment including new investment in natural gas; and a huge influx of Chinese migrants into Burma; mainly traders. China's role is a prime justification for India's 'constructive engagement' policy toward Burma. Burma has re-established diplomatic relations with North Korea amidst reports of growing military co-operation between them. This book presents a background report on Burma and incisive reports on the country and its internal strive and international interactions.
#341481 in Books 2008-06-17Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.00 x .75 x 6.00l; .74 #File Name: 1599213214264 pages
Review
1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. A Good StartBy Janet K. SchwartzkopfHaving some Norwegian blood in my veins; I've always been frustrated by how little coverage is available of World War II in Norway. I first was introduced to David Howarth's writings through his "We Die Alone;" and it kept me on the edge of my seat. I was hoping to get the same thrills from "The Shetland Bus;" but came away mildly disappointed.It's not a bad book. I think the problem is the author is telling parts of the story from his own perspective and parts from others; and he isn't enough of a journalist or writer to give full voice to the tales of the others. Having helped coordinate the anti-Nazi boat traffic between Shetland and Norway; he does a great job of explaining the organizing and supplying of a diverse group of men who really didn't want to be organized or directed; but needed the supplies. However; in his telling of their stories as they make the dangerous trips back and forth to Norway; the stories seem to lose their zip and become an exercise in accounting of materials sent and encounters with the Germans evaded. And; of course; with the most heartbreaking ones -- those where the ships were lost -- he can only speculate as to what went wrong and how they went down.I'm grateful to Mr. Howarth that he took the time to write this book; but I can't help thinking a co-author or better editor might have helped make it more compelling. It's a story that's worth reading; but I wish there truly was more life in it.0 of 0 people found the following review helpful. Shetland Bus - a Must ReadBy SharonThe story of the Shetland Bus is well told and based on fact. The small country of Norway; who tried to be neutral during WWII; ended up playing many important roles to expedite the end of the war. The topography and weather of Norway and surrounding countries play an integral part in helping as well as hindering the efforts of the Norwegian resistance as well as the efforts of the invaders. Since Mr. Howarth (author) was a part of this true drama; we get an accurate glimpse into the personal lives of many of the real people.1 of 1 people found the following review helpful. little know part of the history of WWIIBy MichiganderIncredible story of the Shetland Island part in the resistance against the German occupation of Norway during WWII. I had previously read Howath's book "We Die Alone" Now I understand how he was able to get interviews with those who participated in that story.I am not sure how much difference the missions made as the Germans occupied Norway until the end of WWII. You can't discount the bravery of the men who ran the boats under extremely difficult conditions and they definitely made a difference in the spirit of the Norwegians during this difficult time. I have been reading Ann Cleeve's Shetland mystery series and she mentioned the "Shetland Bus" as some of the background she used in one of the mysteries.
