BURMA: 2010 Elections Maybe Delayed

In efforts to stay in power longer, the 2010 Burmese Election may be delayed.

The Burmese government uses several deceptive tactics in order to divert focus away from the election. According to Mizzima, one main strategy currently in the development process, is instigating riots between Bamar and Kular, a local Indian community. The government continues to blame other political parties for delaying their elections due to disruptive bombings in Rangoon. However, others attribute responsibility to the government based on the lack of ability in capturing any suspects for some time now.

Disputes within the country are occurring as well between the main opposition party, National League of Democracy (NLD) and the current Burmese military dictatorship army. In another article, the junta speak of a possible split in the NLD causing formation of a separate political party. The army is hoping for the split with possibility of weakening any opposing parties.

By: Kay Makishi (BURMA)

Midterm Election Update

Most of the headlines I found this week covering the results of the Venezuelan midterm elections last Sunday had similar messages: "Mixed results in Venezuela election"

I found one interesting article, however, by The Washington Post that explained very distinctly how the elections last Sunday could seriously hurt Chavez's future power in Venezuela...

Some politicians who are known to publicly criticize Chavez were voted in by people living in poverty (who once voted for the current dictating president).

Although the article focuses on the limits the new governing body may put on Chavez's economic and oil policies, I think this could be a positive and exciting time for the media system struggling to survive in the nation. If these politicians are realizing the problems Chavez is causing for his country economically, hopefully they will see the blockades he builds around journalists and their ability to cover the news.

This quote stood out to me the most while reading the article:
"The setbacks add to a list of growing problems for Mr. Chávez that are likely to slow his swagger."

Here's another link to the story: http://online.wsj.com/article/SB122748432718751705.html?mod=googlenews_wsj


Posted by: Bridget Monaghan

Chavez Televised Speech

President Chavez, in a televised speech Sunday, addressed the upcoming U.S. election, the U.S. trade embargo with Cuba, and the recent U.S. attacks on Syria.

It may seem a bit strange that the Venezuelan president would spend time and energy talking about America instead of his own country, but I guess it's easier to talk about somebody else's shortcomings than your own. :) On the other hand, I found it difficult to find any press on this speech that was not about America, so he probably talked about other issues besides the ones that the American media would decide to cover.

Chavez, who has a strong anti-American stance, recently pulled his ambassador out of the U.S. and is refusing to send a new one until President Bush is out of office. Chavez also said that he would look forward to meeting and talking with Obama if he wins the election. He did not address his feelings on the possibility of meeting with McCain.

The big test, according to Chavez, of the next American president is whether or not the U.S. ends their current embargo with Cuba. (Chavez is a friend and supporter of Fidel Castro.)

Chavez also commented on the U.S.'s attack on Syria this weekend, calling it "illegal aggression" and violating international rights.

Anyway, I thought it was an interesting display of the dynamics of our relationship with Venezuela. There's a lot of finger-pointing on both sides, but hopefully our next president will be able to take the steps to get along with Chavez so that he can stop focusing on the U.S.'s actions and focus on running his own country!

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/uspolls2008/Election_Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080070968&

and

http://www.ndtv.com/convergence/ndtv/uspolls2008/Election_Story.aspx?ID=NEWEN20080070968&

--Hannah