Irrawaddy-May 18
Min Aung Hlaing’s military regime announced two core goals when it seized power in a coup two years ago: National prosperity and food security. However, global indices measuring various aspects of development show Myanmar is actually moving backward at a rapid pace. According to the Global Peace Index, military-ruled Myanmar is among the most dangerous countries in Asia, ranking 9th behind Afghanistan followed by Yemen, Syria, Russia, Iraq, North Korea, Pakistan, and Iran. Myanmar is undisputedly the most dangerous country in Southeast Asia, being the only regional power in the “dangerous” category. Western countries including the US and Britain have warned their citizens against traveling to Myanmar. Even the regime itself has warned its officials and military personnel to exercise caution while traveling within the country as it struggles to contain a nationwide resistance movement. Meanwhile, Myanmar citizens live in fear of arbitrary arrest and killings by regime forces. The UN Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) warned early this month that Myanmar faces a worsening food crisis. Myanmar now ranks sixth on the organization’s list of countries facing severe food insecurity, after DR Congo, Ethiopia, Afghanistan, Nigeria, and Yemen. FAO says conflicts, economic chaos, and natural disasters triggered by climate change are primary drivers of acute food insecurity. Unfortunately, Myanmar is experiencing all three. Read more at:
