September 21, 2007 ☼ Foreign Affairs
This is an archived blog post from The Acorn.
It is by no means clear that the non-violent protests that Myanmar’s monks started this week will gain enough momentum to shake the ruling junta, less topple it. The striking thing about the monks protests lies in a sophistication that goes beyond mere non-violence.
Rather than political slogans, the monks chant prayers and Buddhist charms to ward off harm. The implication that the junta is an evil force, an offence against the natural order of things, is especially potent in Burma, where religious faith and superstition are widespread. [Times via INI Signal]
The Irrawaddy is posting regular updates. Update: By Sunday 23rd Sep, the protests had swelled to the biggest in 20 years. Fifty Viss offers an insight into the junta’s response.
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