May, 2008 - Volume 16 No.5
Burma’s Sham Referendum

Burma: The Censored Land
Burma is one of the world’s foremost enemies of the press, but writers still find ways to express their views, writes YENI.

The Cyber Dissident
The Internet has opened new doors for Burmese dissidents. But, as AUNG ZAW reports, the junta is always on guard against cyber democracy.

Hard News
AYE CHAN MYATE describes a day in the life of a Rangoon reporter.

Mission: To Tell the Truth
The skills—and shortcomings—of Burma’s exiled journalists were on full display during last year’s monk-led protests, writes AUNG ZAW.



Serving the People
While some monks work for the people by protesting price hikes, others serve by establishing hospitals. ZHUANG WUBIN reports.

Junta’s Piggy Bank Full as Economy Sinks
Ordinary Burmese are in for another tough year, but the junta can look forward to new windfalls in 2008, writes WILLIAM BOOT.

Goodbye to the Butterflies
Mount Popa has lost two-thirds of its butterfly species over the past 25 years. KYI WAI explains why.



Junta Sees Friendly Faces in New Thai Government
Burma’s junta is probably pleased to see a return to Thaksin-style rule in Thailand, writes commentator KYAW ZWA MOE.



CULTURE
Compassionate Confrontation
Metta, or loving-kindness, is a key concept in Buddhism and a cornerstone of Burmese culture. MIN ZIN examines its political significance.


BOOK REVIEW
Taming the Generals to Save the Tigers
“Life in the Valley of Death: The Fight to Save Tigers in a Land of Guns, Gold, and Greed” by Alan Rabinowitz is reviewed by ZAO NOAM.


MOVIE REVIEW
Stroke of Genius
Chinlone, Burma’s national game, has found an international audience with a new film by a Canadian director, says KO KO THETT.


THE BACK PAGE
HIV Film Wins Burma’s ‘Oscar’
A topical film about people living with HIV/AIDS won the prize for best Burmese motion picture at Burma’s equivalent of the Academy Awards.

CD Marks 20th Anniversary of 8-8-88
The journey of Burma’s democracy movement has inspired Burmese writer Yeni to produce a CD dedicated to the hopes,..



Tom Lantos: A Champion of Human Rights
US Congressman Tom Lantos was unstinting in his support of the Burmese people’s struggle for democracy.

Mahn Sha: The Compassionate Revolutionary
Mahn Sha was a leader who knew how to bridge ethnic and ideological differences, writes VIOLET CHO.



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