The Blaming of Aung Sun Suu Kyi Deflects from the Military Junta

I saw Aung San Suu Kyi in Bangkok speaking to Rotary about the needs of the Burmese people.  I knew she was genuine. My inner feeling was the issue of the military junta.  They treated the Burmese people like slaves. They had chain gangs and there were massive human rights violations.  I met with the back packing Doctors and teachers, activists and paid a visit to a NGO educating about human rights violations. I learned of Insein prison and saw the torture techniques. I met with people who told me stories about the Karen Liberation Army protecting doctors and teachers to stave off genocide. They sought to save and educate the people.  I became aware that the Burmese Militia were actively involved in the energy consortia making millions I have just discovered they are involved in the drug trade which I will post next.

http://www.abc.net.au/news/2017-09-06/myanmar-suu-kyi-denounces-terrorists-silent-on-rohingya/8878652

Energy spent blaming Suu Kyi for this crisis is wasted

It feels strangely satisfying to blame Aung San Suu Kyi for the plight of the Rohingya, but it’s misguided.

If there’s one person the world’s ire should be focused on, it’s General Min Aung Hlaing, the chief of Myanmar’s military.

And also the leader of the insurgent Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army, Ataullah Abu Jununi.

Myanmar is not like Australia; the prime minister/president is not the commander-in-chief.

Aung San Suu Kyi has no power over the military.

There’s been no sign Ms Suu Kyi has any great affection for the Rohingya, which unfortunately reflects the overwhelming view of her constituents.

But don’t forget, she was the one who arranged for UN heavy-hitter Kofi Annan to lead a commission that came up with recommendations to start addressing specific issues – the only real glimmer of hope for decades.

That hope was cruelly crushed by the recent violence.

Yes, she should speak up for the Rohingya and lead her people away from prejudice.

But doing so would be political suicide, risking the very thing she struggled for all those lonely years under house arrest.

It’s fair to feel disappointed in Ms Suu Kyi, to wish she had the moral courage to do more; but energy spent blaming her for this crisis is energy wasted.

-Analysis by South-East Asia correspondent Liam Cochrane