Burma

Than Shwe of Burma

By

Dylon Crosswell

English II Honors

March 30, 2007

Period 2

Than Shwe of Burma

Fear and famine run the Asian country of Burma. Its people's daily lives are completely controlled by the militaristic government run by Burmese head-of-state, Than Shwe. The once thriving country of Burma is now one of the world's poorest countries despite it oozing with natural resources. Than Shwe's poor leadership skills and lack of concern for his people's well-being have severely damaged the state of the Burmese government since he began his reign in 1992.

The Burmese government has been under military rule since 1962 (Country Profile). All hope for a democracy has grown faint since previous military leader, Ne Win, took control as self-acclaimed president. He was founder of the Burma Socialist Party and under military command all other parties were abolished. It was not until 1990 that a new election was held (Burma). The National League for Democracy (NLD), headed by Aung San Suu Kyi, took the majority of votes. However, the junta, a group of military leaders, refused to hand over power. Although efforts are strong, the NLD has since been suppressed by the military regime.

The Burmese government's foreign affairs have been hurt as well. In response to the military regime not acknowledging the election results of 1990, the United States along with most other western powers, has shunned and cut off all trade with Burma. In addition, European nations have stopped trade and all forms of aid with the exception of medical emergency. However, some Asian countries continue to import and receive exported trade.

The state of Burma's economy was once thriving. However, after decades of military rule, the state of Burma's economy has become worse and worse (McGeown). Burma's plentiful natural resources have gone to waste under the totalitarian-like military reign. Its dense forests and fertile soil make it ideal for harvesting and farming but under Than Shwe's rule most resources go to waste. It was once the largest exporter of Teak, an East Indian tree. Now most of the industry is focused on Than Shwe's home town of Kyaukse and all other areas of the Burmese map are left unharvested or forgotten.

Burma's economy is also failing because of the government's inability to keep it stable. Statistics prove that the economy began to decline after the democracy was refused in 1990 (Burma). In recent months inflation has increased and the workforce downsized. A decision to increase the salary of government officials will decrease the budget the government has to spend on its people. Even while the officials' salaries increase, they receive a cheaper price for goods than the rest of the population. Prices are based on a two-tier system in which government officials or those in relation to influential people will receive a lower charge than those who don't have any connection. Those without a connection are forced to resort to the black market where prices are at least doubled (McGeown).

The dynasty Than Shwe seeks to create is corrupt through and through. His rise to power through the military ranks has not allowed him to have concern for his people's life outside of the military. He has created strange policies that seem to change at whim. Farmers say that at one minute they are forced to harvest potatoes and the next it is forbidden and all invested money is lost. The state of the Burmese government is set up so that the system always works for the military alone and the people are set up to fail (McGeown).

With the horrible conditions the Burmese people live with, there is no way Than Shwe could escape the harsh criticisms he has received. His industry has suffered the town of Kyauske and environmentally damaged its surrounding forests. This has drawn in the likes of Greenpeace in protests.