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Drawing upon the voices of cultural leaders to protect and assist the vulnerable, marginalized, and displaced.
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Executive Director Alex Wagner Op-Ed: "The Curious Case of Nyi Nyi Aung"
"Six months ago, a man named Nyi Nyi Aung landed at the Yangon International Airport in Burma. He had come to Burma in the hopes of visiting his mother, who is currently in jail for pro-democracy activities and sick with cancer. Before he could clear customs, Aung's baggage cart was seized by airport personnel and he was told to come into their offices to answer some "personal questions." Although Aung has a background as a human rights activist, and was a prominent leader during Burma's 1988 uprising, he had broken no laws. Perhaps more importantly, Aung is also an American citizen, which should have provided some insurance against wrongful incarceration."
Report: "Current Realities and Future Possibilities in Burma: Options for US Policy"
"As the Obama administration turns to the thorny issue of engaging Burma’s authoritarian government, a new Asia Society Task Force report offers a detailed strategy that positions the United States to respond effectively and flexibly to the twists and turns that a potential transition in Burma may take over time. The stakes are high. With Burma’s military leaders preparing to convene elections later this year, a comprehensive U.S. approach—taken in concert with regional and international partners—provides the best hope for bringing Burma into the world community. The Task Force’s report, entitled Current Realities and Future Possibilities in Burma: Options for U.S. Policy, recommends framing U.S. policy toward Burma based on changes taking place in the country with careful consideration of how the instruments at its disposal, including both the engagement and sanctions sides of the equation, can be tapped to encourage political and economic reform."
Follow the jump for further information about the report.
Note: This op-ed originally appeared in The Hill and was written by John Prendergast and Omer Ismail.
In an unexpected move at the end of last year, Sudan’s President Omar Bashir traveled to Russia and appealed to President Vladimir Putin for protection from the United States. Strangely, this occurred only a month after the United States prematurely moved towards normalizing relations with the very abnormal government of Sudan by removing comprehensive sanctions on the country. Bashir purchased fighter jets from Russia and discussed with Putin the creation of a Russian military base on the Red Sea.
