Good morning,

After junta troops began shooting at and, according to reports (http://www.irrawaddy.org/protests/BurmaProtests.php#26-10), killing monks yesterday, the BBC is reporting that overnight raids on monasteries have led to scores of monks being arrested and removed (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7015544.stm). The media’s focus is on the Shwedagon Pagoda in Rangoon (Yangon), where at least five were killed and 30-50 beaten with sticks and taken away (http://www.bangkokpost.com/topstories/topstories.php?id=122049). However, protests are apparently taking place throughout the entire country.

The United Nations has been meeting to review the situation, with attention focusing on the role of Russia and, in particular, China (http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/7015526.stm). China has been the major backer of the Burmese generals and has supplied military materials for years, while also shielding them from rebukes and intervention in the permanent security council (http://www.atimes.com/atimes/Southeast_Asia/II27Ae05.html). Secretary-general of the UN Ban Ki-Moon has issued this statement: “In response to the deteriorating situation in Myanmar, the Secretary-General is urgently dispatching his Special Envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, to the region.  He calls on the senior leadership of the country to cooperate fully with this mission in order to take advantage of the willingness of the United Nations to assist in the process of national reconciliation through dialogue.

Noting reports of the use of force and of arrests and beatings, the Secretary-General calls again on authorities to exercise utmost restraint towards the peaceful demonstrations taking place, as such action can only undermine the prospects for peace, prosperity and stability in Myanmar.” (http://www.un.org/News/Press/docs//2007/sgsm11186.doc.htm).

There has also been attention paid to the role of ASEAN and whether more could be done (http://www.nationmultimedia.com/2007/09/27/headlines/headlines_30050397.php). The ASEAN website has no statement or update at the time of writing this.

The possible effect on economic matters and border trade is also being discussed (http://www.bangkokpost.com/Business/27Sep2007_biz38.php).

My review of Shan Sa’s Empress has been published at Bookideas (http://www.bookideas.com/reviews/index.cfm?fuseaction=displayReview&id=3981). Recent articles published at Suite 101 include: Pridi (http://east-asian-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/pridi), The Saffron Revolution (http://burma.suite101.com/article.cfm/the_saffron_revolution), Life in the Royal Harem (http://indian-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/life_in_the_royal_harem) and Kedah (http://east-asian-history.suite101.com/article.cfm/kedah). More of these to come, perhaps today if I am efficient with various other duties.

Back tomorrow.