Myanmar seizes UN aid supplies, "not ready to let in US" (regime, military)
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This is consistent with the ruling junta in Burma. They will accept materials for aid, but not allow anyone (not just the US) in to assist with the distribution or allocation. It is a very tightly controlled country, and has been poorly run.
From our CIA:
The most productive sectors will continue to be in extractive industries, especially oil and gas, mining, and timber with the latter especially causing environmental degradation. Other areas, such as manufacturing and services, are struggling with inadequate infrastructure, unpredictable import/export policies, deteriorating health and education systems, and endemic corruption. A major banking crisis in 2003 shuttered the country's 20 private banks and disrupted the economy. As of 2007, the largest private banks operated under tight restrictions limiting the private sector's access to formal credit. Moreover, the September 2007 crackdown on prodemocracy demonstrators, including thousands of monks, further strained the economy as the tourism industry, which directly employs about 500,000 people, suffered dramatic declines in foreign visitor levels. In November 2007, the European Union announced new sanctions banning investment and trade in Burmese gems, timber and precious stones, while the United States expanded its sanctions list to include more Burmese government and military officials and their family members, as well as prominent regime business cronies, their family members, and associated companies.
I think they're so concerned about foreign involvement (i.e. foreign aid might have some sort of strings attached, either real or implied). Very sad for the people, but that's their culture I guess.
I'm not burmese, but Im going to this fundraiser being held at the Oakland Burmese Missionary Baptist Church this saturday and I found it so odd that the government there could be so rigid in light of their current situation. Truly sad.
Kind of like the US and the citizens of New Orleans.
Did we behave any better?
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