New Mandala readers who have been following recent events in Burma will be intrigued to see that John Yettaw, the Inya Lake aquatic intruder, has been released. Richard Lloyd Parry has a neat analysis over at The Times.
Previous coverage of this incident is available here, here, here and here. By resolving this consular matter, the Americans have done well by their citizen. To mark the triumph, Senator Jim Webb even has a picture on his website posing with the Marines stationed at the US Embassy in Yangon. There is now the natural speculation that Yettaw’s release will change the character of the relationship between Washington and Naypyidaw.
With the aquatic intruder now free from custody it would appear that this bizarre episode is pretty much over. This will be little consolation to Aung San Suu Kyi, and her supporters, as she continues her new stint of detention. I wonder what the vibe on the streets of Yangon will be like once it becomes apparent that the Lady languishes well after the Americans have got their man home?
Yetaw! Plonker is about the only label that currently seems apt for the man. He can feign as much insanity and ill health as he likes and I would still like to hold him 100% responsible.
The Junta are now prepared to continue holding a revered person for the insane/idiotic actions of an American nobody who they have already decided to release. Not exactly the finest moment of either silly old man!
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It’s interesting that under the Obama Administration, two U.S. senior officials have met two of the most reclusive leaders in the world. Bill Clinton meeting North Korea’s Kim Jong II and now U.S. Senator, Jim Webb meeting Gen Than Shwe.
It may be about American’s held hostage, but I don’t think its the full story. It maybe that the U.S. is trying to build relationships with Myanmar and North Korea once again.
If this is true – it will be good if Myanmar and N. Korea reciprocates and become responsible members of the international community. If they don’t, then it may send a signal that it does no good to reward dictators.
On the other hand, it may be that the Obama Administration is building links with these countries to neutralise China – this is a big leap indeed. N. Korea and Myanmar survive mostly due to China’s support.
These initiaitves also fall into place with Obama Administrations renewed vigour for international diplomacy – activiely engaging in Europe/Russia, Africa and in Latin America.
If this is true and if it will work – only time will tell.
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NEW ANU report
Dictatorship Disorder and Decline in Myanmar
scribd on http://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/dictatorship-disorder-and-decline-in-myanmar/
Towards the elections- International Crisis Group (ICG)
scribd.on http://democracyforburma.wordpress.com/2009/08/21/towards-the-elections-international-crisis-group-icg/
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