Thus the international community faces another conundrum over Burma. A global arms embargo would help register the widespread concern felt over Naypyidaw’s behaviour, but is unlikely to have any real impact on the situation in the country. In fact, to launch a major initiative of this kind and have it fail — as seems most likely — would risk reminding the generals of the world’s limited ability to influence developments in Burma.
- Extracted from Andrew Selth, “Burma: Of arms and the man”,The Interpreter, 6 April 2010.
Here is the link to an interesting article about the long term relationship between the German Arms industry and the Burmese army.
http://www.bits.de/public/articles/kleinwaffen-nl11-07eng.htm
It shows the futility of a global arms-ban. Even if Germans won’t do it in near future, the Israelis or the Ukrainians or even the Russians will step into their shoes.
Money just talks and Burmese has a lot of cash from Gas and drugs.
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It’s the classic ‘if you don’t, Jones will’ scenario. Let’s turn it the other way round. Who will be willing and prepared to arm the opposition when the tide begins to turn, for it will eventually, maybe even sooner rather than later? The Wa, it’s been reported, have started manufacturing AK47s as well as some gunrunning. Evidently not enough to arm as many as will be willing to fight the junta, Burman as well as ethnic. At least a few container loads of AKs and RPGs would still help, if not heavy stuff, to start with. An army rebellion would be very welcome of course, since that would certainly start a domino effect.
So, to all those who’d really like to help, don’t say we don’t do violence, or we’d all be falling about laughing.
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