Bilawal Bhutto, "We Have Lost Our Best Hope But not Our Only Hope"

Bilawal Bhutto, son of Benazir Bhutto, in a press conference today expressed his regret that he could not accommodate all of the request for exclusive interviews. Bilawal said that he was overwhelmed with request for one on one interviews .He later stated that his mother was always open with the press and he would like to continue the good relationship but in moderation He went on to thank the press for the international coverage his mother's assassination had received calling her "A world figure and has received world coverage worthy of her status"

Preemptively answering some common questions Bilawal said that he became chairman of the Pakistan Peoples Party because the party needed to maintain a close association with Benazir and also to give hope to the new generation of Pakistani people who are not only looking at this election but also to the future. He clearly stated that despite a lack of political experience, he intends to learn and politics is in his blood.

Bilawal's top priority at this time is to return to Oxford to continue his education saying "Unless I can finish my education and develop enough maturity I recognize that I will never be in a position to have sufficient wisdom to enter the political arena." he also said that with four years at Harvard and four years at oxford, education was Benazir's greatest strengths.

As his father runs the party Bilawal plans to step in "gradually and carefully". for those who do not approve of a 19 year old college student becoming chairman of the PPP he said that the decision was based on the collective will of the party unanimously endorsed by the central executive committee as well as the federal council of the PPP and urged every one to accept that the continued involvement of his family was considered the best thing for the party.

Bilawal thanked Scotland yard for there assistance in the investigation into the death of his mother but added that the party and the family want a U.N. investigation due to the belief that an investigation being controlled by the government does not have enough transparency. He also said that although his mother new the risks she had requested security and if adequate security had been provided she may still be alive. He said he would not comment further on who he believes is responsible due to the ongoing investigation.

During the open questions portion of the press conference one reporter asked if a Bhutto would always lead the PPP to which Bilawal replied "There is a Pakistani saying, how many Bhutto's can you kill, from every house will come a Bhutto." When asked about the future of demacracy in Pakistan he replied "We Have Lost Our Best Hope But not Our Only Hope." One reporter appeared to be challenging the younger Bhutto's authority with such questions as "As a 19 year old who has hardly lived in the country what do you propose you can offer Pakistan, a country of one hundred and seventy million people how can you claim to have any aspiration to lead it" Bilawal replied "I do not claim to have any aspirations, I was called and I stepped up and did what I was asked to do." The reporter continued with such statements as what does it say for a party that it can be handed on like some piece of family furniture and wouldn't it be smarter to wait until you know a little more. At this point someone spoke up and said can we just move on. Despite the challenging nature of these questions the young Bhutto answered strongly while yet maintaining complete self control.

After saying that he understood there are risk but this must be done another reporter asked Bilawal if he feared for his life, he replied “I fear even more for my privacy.” Earlier during the session he had asked reporters to respect the privacy of his sisters and his privacy while he is at Oxford.

January 4, Burma's Independence Day?

January 4 marked 60 years of Independence for Burma (Myanmar) but many citizens of Burma did not feel Very much like celebrating there freedom. Despite gaining there Independence 60 years ago most people do not feel they are free, many say they feel more like prisoners or slaves of the Junta government who seized power in 1962. National League for Democracy spokesman,Nyan Win, said: “From my 20s until now—my 60s—I feel there is no independence in Burma, because people feel they are not free.” On a more optimistic note he added “We believe that democracy and human rights will prevail in the country one day.” Outside of NLD headquarters about 12 members held a short vigil dressed in convicts uniforms to call for the release of the over 1000 political prisoners being held by the government including Aung San Suu Kyi, the NLD leader.

Near Shwedagon pagoda the Junta held a small low-key celebration with a flag raising and a speech given by Senior General Than Shwe calling on the people to cooperate in the building of a modern, disciplined and flourishing democratic nation. Speaking on condition of anonymity one government employee told The Irrawaddy News by telephone: “As a government employee, Independence Day is an official holiday. However, there is nothing to celebrate. My daily survival is more important than Independence Day.” A computer shop owner said “I’m not interested in Independence Day! If possible, I want to kill the generals. What I see and what I hear is such a contrast—injustice is everywhere in Burma!” There was a heavy police presence primarily around Shwedagon and Sule pagodas in Yangon, the sites of some of the largest protests in September. Riot police were also positioned around Yangon city hall. Every precaution was taken to ensure against any pro-democracy protest that may have occurred on independence day including the preemptive arrest of NLD members and suspected pro-democracy activist. On January 2 six members of the National League for Democracy were arrested to prevent them from attending an Independence day celebration in Yay Nan Chaung township. According to family members about 20 police officers arrested the six at a house in Nyaungbin Sat village around midnight on January 2. When family members questioned the officers about why the NLD members were being arrested they were told that the government was concerned about them attending the celebration. Authorities have said they will only hold the six for a short period of time. It is also reported that an additional 10 pro-democracy activist were arrested in Yangon.

In an apparent attempt to limit or remove outside sources of news and information being received by citizens of Burma the government increased the annual license fee for access to satellite television from 6000 Kyat ($5.00 U.S.) to one million Kyat ($780 U.S.) With the average annual income in Burma being around $300 U.S. dollars this puts outside news out of reach for most citizens of Burma. This was an apparent attempt to avoid a repeat of the September protest during which local media did not report on the situation. Those who had access to satellite TV reportedly made copies of outside news and took it to those who did not have access.

Members of The National League of Democracy held a silent gathering outside of the home of Aung San Suu Kyi, the party leader who has been under house arrest for over 12 years. Her party won democratic elections in 1990 with a landslide majority however the Junta refused to relinquish power and she has been in prison or under house arrest for the majority of her life since the victory. Aung San Suu Kyi is the daughter of General Aung San who is commonly known as the father of Burmese independence.

New Years Day is "Good Riddance Day" for Many in Time Square

New years means a new beginning for most of us. Yes, the infamous news years resolution, we make them on the first day of January and usually break them by the second day. This year as many braved the crowds of Times Square to ring in the new year in traditional manner by watching the ball drop others braved the crowds at the industrial shredder brought in by the The Times Square Alliance to join in the first "Good Riddance Day" celebration. This is a new twist on an old Latin American tradition of taking artifacts from the previous year, making them into a giant doll, and saying goodbye to them by setting the doll on fire.

At Seventh Ave. and W. 46th St people lined up to take advantage of the somewhat more permanent "Good Riddance" celebration. Some shredded pictures of ex-wives or old boy friends while others shredded there mortgage that they had paid off in 2007. One man shredded pictures of his bloodied appendix taken after his surgery saying: "It's now been purged from my body," while another shredded a list of bad habits that included shoplifting.

Eileen Lawrence, a former school teacher from Manhattan, won the $250 grand prize for the "Most creative momento" by shredding a photo collage she had made of a Manhattan middle school principal who according to Lawrence had had made her life hell. She said "I'm currently an unemployed math teacher and am very, very happy."

This year marked the 100th anniversary of of ringing in the new year in Times square. At the stroke of midnight Mayor Michael Bloomberg released the ball with it's new environmentally friendly lights as the giant numerals 2008 are illuminated overhead and fireworks lit up the night sky. The times Square celebration was started in 1904 when Alfred Ochs, owner of the New York Times, decided to put on a fireworks display to mark the new year. Fireworks were later banned by New York city over security concerns, The ball was introduced and has rang in every new year since except for 1942 and 1943 when war time regulation did not permit it.

Happy New Year and "Good Riddance Day" to all.

Saddam's Death, One Year Later

Iraqi security forces were on high alert today, the one year anniversary of the death of Saddam Hussein. Brig. General Qassim Al-Moussawi said they were "prepared for any emergencies that might happen." According to Al Jazeera, security forces guarded government buildings, set up additional check points,and curfews were in effect in Tikrit and Baiji. Although prepared, it is believed that the potential for violence was reduced because many pro-Saddam fighters have joined forces with the U.S. troops to help fight Al Qaida. Rear Admiral Greg Smith, the US military spokesman, said: "We have not seen any increased violence associated with his death". According to the U.S. military violence in Iraq has dropped by about 60 percent over the past few months. As Iraqis remembered Saddam they also remember that safety is never guaranteed in Iraq.

Followers of Saddam Hussein, former dictator of Iraq, visited his grave today to to remember there former leader who was tried and executed for "crimes against humanity". The grave is housed in a huge mausoleum in his home town of Tikrit and was surrounded by picture of him when he was still in power. His followers brought there children, many of whom are not old enough to remember Saddam, and recited poetry in his honor. His followers were mostly Sunnis, many Shia say they just want to forget about Saddam. Najim Jamal said, "It was a black page and was turned over." He went on to say that after Saddam's death the violence got a lot worse before things improved.

On Saturday, Osama Bin laden released a new audio tape accusing the U.S. of trying to build a regional base in Iraq. He urged Iraqis to oppose the U.S. forces. He also denounced those in Iraq who ally themselves with the U.S.. He urged Iraq not to participate in the national unity government witch will include Sunnis, Shiites and Kurds. Bin Laden promised to expand Al-Qaida's Jihad to Israel. Mark Regev, spokesman for Prime Minister Ehud Olmert, said that Israel takes the threats seriously. He said they have seen Al-Qaida activity in Lenonon, Jordon and Sinai. He also said there is evidence of Al-Qaida activity in the Palestinian territories. He also said it would be irresponsible not to take Al Qaida seriously.

Benazir Bhutto, Laid to rest Amid Chaos and Controversy

The Funeral
Friday, tens of thousands gathered in the streets of Larkana district in the province of Sindh to say there final goodbye to Benazir Bhutto who was killed by a suicide bomber on Thursday.

Bhutto was carried to her family’s mausoleum at Garhi Khuda Bakhsh in a plain wooden coffin covered in the flag of the Pakistan Peoples Party as supporters wept and reached out to touch her one last time.

Some in the crowd chanted "No matter how many Bhuttos you will kill, a Bhutto will emerge from each house." Her husband, Asif Ali Zardari, had to ask the crowd to make room for the family to pass. The crowd fell silent, as Asif and there three children, son Bilawal, 19, and daughters Bakhtawar, 17 and Aseefa, 14 , prayed at the tomb and she was laid to rest beside her father, Zulfikar Ali Bhutto. Zulfikar Ali Bhutto was the first democratically elected prime minister of Pakistan and founder of The Pakistan Peoples Party. The PPP has called for a 40 day period of mourning for there fallen leader.

The Chaos

The violence that erupted fallowing her death continued Saturday despite calls for calm. According to Al Jazeera at least 38 people including 3 police officers have been killed in protest that spread across Pakistan. In Islamabad about one hundred protesters burned tires in the streets while in Sindh ten train stations and several trains were set on fire as well as an estimated 847 vehicles, 131 banks and 31 gas stations. Government offices have also been looted. About 1500 protesters stormed a police station and set it on fire, one police officer was killed in this incident. In Rawalpindi around 3000 protesters attempted to storm the home of a former minister after leaving a prayer service for Bhutto, police fired tear gas into the crowd.

In Peshawar, more than 3000 protesters took to the streets chanting anti Musharraf slogans. In Karachi, protesters burned cars, Factories, stores, and restaurants. The cost of the damages is believed to be tens of millions of dollars. Most of the deaths have accrued in Sindh. The government has issued "Shoot on site" orders for any one involved in disturbances in Karachi. Major Athar Ali said: "Paramilitary rangers have been given orders to shoot on sight if they see miscreants indulging in anti-state activities." In several cities in southern Pakistan the army has been called in to help restore order. Pakistan is a country in chaos.

The Controversy

It seems that even the cause of Bhutto's death is in dispute. The official statement says neither the gun nor the bomb caused her death. According to Pakistan’s Interior Ministry she hit her head on the latch to the sun roof and that injury resulted in her death. They released the security video in an attempt to support there claims. Farooq Naik, top aid to Bhutto and a senior official in the PPP, said: “It is baseless. It is a pack of lies; two bullets hit her, one in the abdomen and one in the head.” Naik went on to say “It was a serious security lapse.”

The government of Pakistanis attempting to shift the blame by saying that it was Bhutto's own defiance, her refusal to listen to government warnings, and her decision to expose herself to danger that led to her death. In an interview with CBS News Husain Haqqani, a former adviser to Bhutto says he spoke to her two days earlier and she was very concerned about the security that was being provided by the government.

According to Haqqani, she said her security teams would simply take off without notifying her, vehicles would leave, if there was supposed to be eight security officers there would be four. He says she emailed several people in the United States saying someone needed to talk to Musharraf about improving the security. Haqqani says she wanted to have her own security teams and equipment brought in and he personally spoke to several U.S. officials who said they could not micromanage the situation and the Pakistani government said they could not allow her to bring in her own security.

Musharraf claims of pro-Taliban militants inside Pakistan are responsible for the attack that claimed the life of Benazir Bhutto. The militant group denies any involvement. Bhutto's aids also doubt the accusations and say it is part of a government cover up.
There may be no end to the controversy surrounding his assassination, no answer to the questions, and possibly no justice for Benazir Bhutto but she will always be remembered as the First Lady of Democracy in Pakistan.

Death of Benazir Bhutto Sparks Outrage

On October 18 hundreds of thousands gathered in the streets of Karachi to greet Benazir Bhutto as she returned home fallowing 8 years of self imposed exile. Karachi is described as the stronghold of Pakistan's People's Party. The celebration was soon be brought to an abrupt end by a bomb attack targeting Bhutto's convoy. Although unharmed herself the blast resulted in the death of 139 bystanders. she had returned home to attempt to win a third terms as Pakistan's prime minister. She aligned herself with long time political adversary, Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister after vowing not to make any deals with President Musharraf.

Benazir Bhutto had served twice as Pakistani prime minister between 1988 and 1996, was killed in shooting/suicide bombing while leaving a political rally in the city of Rawalpindi. According to AljazeeraNews the attacker first fired gunshots at Bhutto's vehicle as she left the rally, she ducked for cover and he detonated the bomb. Bhutto was later pronounced dead at Rawalpindi General Hospital. Rivals and supporters alike have condemned the attack that resulted in her death. At least 16-20 bystanders were also killed in the blast. Fallowing the blast reports say body parts were scattered across Liaqat Bagh park where Bhutto had just spoken. Police quickly cordoned off the area as rescue workers rushed to the aid of the injured.

As news of Bhutto's death reached her supporters at the hospital they began smashing glass doors and throwing rocks at cars. In Rawalpindi, Her supporters burned election posters and attacked police who were then forced to flee the area. In Peshawar outraged supporters raised anti-Musharraf banners while in Karachi thousands gathered in the streets.

Outside of the hospotal Nawaz Sharif, also a former prime minister, told supporters "I assure you that I will fight your war from now on." and "Benazir Bhutto was also my sister, and I will be with you to take the revenge for her death," He went on to say he shared the grief of the entire nation. "We are shocked. We are stunned. Every single one of us is mourning the loss of our leader." said Javaid Manzoor, President of the PPP party.

The attack has sparked international outrage as well. U.S. President George Bush said "The US strongly condemns this cowardly act by murderous extremists who are are trying to undermine Pakistan's democracy. We stand with the people of Pakistan in that struggle against the forces of terror and extremism. We urge them to honour Benazir Bhutto's memory by continuing with a democratic process." The UN Secretary general, Ban Ki-moon, said "I strongly condemn this heinous crime and call for the perpetrators to be brought to justice as soon as possible." Afghanistan's President Hamid Karzai who had met with Bhutto earlier on Thursday said "She sacrificed her life for the sake of Pakistan and for the sake of this region". Further condemnation came from a host of other countries including China. The Vatican has also condemned the attack.

Pervez Musharraf reportedly called an emergency meeting after the bombing and later asked all Pakistanis to remain calm "so that the evil designs of terrorists can be defeated," according to state TV.

Bhutto and other Musharraf opponents had recently accused him of planing to rig the upcoming elections as radicals had said they would disrupt the voting. the voting scheduled for January 8 will now most likely be cancelled. The death of Bhutto will most certainly deepen the political divide in Pakistan.

Climate Change, The Warning Signs

It seems that over the past two hundred years in our rush to the modern age we contributed greatly to global warming while doing little to protect our environment. We most now begin to take the necessary steps to slow the process or risk doing irreparable harm to not only ourselves but every living thing on this planet.

In November 2007 the U.N. panel on climate change issued a warning calling on all nations to take immediate action on global warming calling the situation "frightening" "urgent" and "dire'. With carbon dioxide levels at the highest they have been in millions of years one of the greatest concerns is that human activities are accelerating the melting of the arctic ice sheets. The arctic ice melt is the most dramatic evidence of global warming and could result in rising sea levels and the flooding of millions of communities along coast lines. This year the arctic sea ice melt rate was greatly accelerated, the melt off this summer not only broke the old record, it smashed it. The remaining ice is 23 percent less then the old record. Satellite photographs show that the remaining sea ice is also much thinner than normal; this could result in rapid melting and the loss of even more sea ice. 550 billion tons of ice melted this summer alone leading scientist to wonder if we have reached the point of no return.

Greenhouse gases are necessary because they keep the planet's surface warm enough to sustain life. But, as the concentrations of these gases continue to rise the Earth's temperature is climbing to historic highs. For The past 200 years, our use of fossil fuels, such as coal and oil, combined with deforestation has caused the concentrations of heat-trapping gases to increase significantly. These gases prevent heat from escaping, like the glass panels of a greenhouse

The effects of global warming are already being felt around the world say many experts. Birds are laying eggs earlier, plants are blooming earlier, migratory patterns are changing and animals that hibernate are waking earlier in the spring. Many animals are moving to higher elevations than they have in the past as well as moving closer to the north and south poles than before indicating warmer temperatures. One resent study shows that over 150 species have already been affected and this could easily disrupt the natural connective balance between species and also lead to extinction of many.Shorter winters, earlier spring snow melts and longer hotter summershave scientist believing the effects of global warming are being felt in Montana . Long term studies have also shown changes in certain plants in Wisconsin and animal hibernation patterns in Colorado. In Alaska the growth of White Spruce trees have been significantly stunted by warming temperatures and in the Arctic the Reduced snow fall, less sea ice and freezing rain in winter have led to the appearance of mosquitoes and robins, never before seen in the region.

Nearly half of the total carbon on the earth’s surface is contained in the boreal forests located in Canada, Alaska, Scandinavia and Russia. Scientists now fear that increasing temperatures and human activities could be releasing this carbon. As carbon is released back into the atmosphere it adds to the greenhouse gases thus increasing the warming effect. The release of carbon has many causes including warmer temperatures leading to permafrost melting, wild fires, rotting trees and pine needles, also construction and deforestation are a big factor. The release of this carbon combined with other pollution results in higher ozone levels witch in turn results additional damage to plants affecting there ability to absorb carbon dioxide, in other words, a cycle of increasing climate change.

At the Bali summit on climate change the representative for the U.S. was initially opposed to giving technology to underdeveloped countries to help them fight global warming. The representative of Papua New Guinea said to the U.S. You have been ask to take the lead, if you are unwilling then leave it to the rest of us, please get out of the way. The U.S., facing opposition from almost 200 countries represented at the summit, was forced to back down and agreed to join the consensus.

Although an agreement was reached at the Bali summit there is no guarentee that this will result in action, this is basically an agreement to hold more talks and what to talk about. I believe it is obvious to most of us that action is needed to avoid doing further damage to our environment, hopefully the talks will result in this action.

Holloway Investigation Ends in Disappointment

After two and a half years of investigations, arrest, and re-arrest the case of missing Alabama high school senior Natalee Holloway came to an abrupt end today. Aruba's prosecutor came to the conclusion that "We did not succeed in solving the case rite now." This statement comes on the day that a new deep water search was scheduled to begin and only three weeks after the three main suspects were re-arrested after police said they had new evidence.

Fallowing the arrest three weeks ago Holloway's father said "This just brings that since of nervousness and maybe were finally going to get some answers" but today Beth Twittey (Holloway's mother) told CBS news "I'm mad as hell, terribly disappointed and perplexed that the case was closed"

Natalee Holloway was last seen by friends as she left a local bar with three men, Joran Van Der Sloot and the two Kalpoe brothers, Deepak and Satish. The three men have remained the prime suspects throughout the investigation and have been arrested and questioned multiple times all the while admitting they took her to a local beach but saying they have no idea how Holloway disappeared. With no body, no confessions, and not enough evidence to prosecute anyone it appears that any hope of solving this case has faded.

In an interview with CBS the families attorney, John Q. Kelly, said The" family is frustrated, they pushed so hard, they know the answers are down there but they just can't get those answers". When asked if this is really the end of this investigation Kelly said "No it's not the end, its not an active investigation anymore but its still an investigation if new evidence comes up, if there are new leads they can re-arrest these suspects and they can still be prosecuted" Kelly went on to say that he didn't know what they were thinking in Aruba and compared recent events in this case to a dog and pony show and a public spectacle. When asked if he believed the police or the prosecution was at fault for the failed investigation he said "It's the police, they sat there knowing the boys had fabricated a story, she was last seen with them and they didn't move, it was pushing after days before they even took attention."

Rosemarie Arnold, the defense attorney for Van Der Sloot, said he is relieved that the investigation has ended because his life has been in turmoil for two and a half years. She went on to say that there is not enough evidence to charge her client because there was no evidence that implicated him.

The water search continued as scheduled however the end of the active investigation marks the end of a two and a half year roller coaster ride between hope and frustration with the final stop being disappointment for the family.

Bhutto Defies Musharraf’s State of Emergency

Benazir Bhutto calls for continued protests and defiance of emergency rule. Despite threats of a police crackdown Benazir Bhutto vowed to hold a rally Friday if Musharraf does not restore the constitution and announce the date of the elections due to be h

Former Pakistani Prime minister Benazir Bhutto arrived in the capital city of Islamabad on Tuesday and called her supporters to continue protesting despite President Musharraf’s governments threats to crush the demonstrations. Bhutto has called on supporters to defy the imposition of emergency rule “at all cost.”

Despite threats of a police crackdown Benazir Bhutto vowed to hold a rally Friday if Musharraf does not restore the constitution and announce the date of the elections due to be held in January. At a News conference Bhutto was quoted as saying “I appeal to the people of Pakistan to come forward, we are under attack. God willing there will be a flood of people, if I am arrested people should continue the struggle”.

The police chief in Rosalinda , the staging point for the rally, says that Bhutto’s party has been told they can not hold the rally due to a ban on public gatherings. Chief Saud Aziz said “If they try to flout the ban, the law would take its course”. With hundreds, possible as many as 2500-3500 already in jail and police quick to use there batons and tear gas against protesters there is little reason to doubt the chief’s threats. Many of those arrested are lawyers, human rights activists, and moderates. According to CBC many of those who are arrested are being denied access to legal council. Some have described the emergency rule as being more like martial law.

The president of the Pakistan Muslim League Chaudhry Shujaat Hussain said he is sure the emergency rule will end in two to three weeks and his party is willing to meet with Bhutto and her aids to discuss ways to “to help improve the political climate and ensure transition to full democracy.” Bhutto has chosen to hold talks with opposition groups to discuss ways to revive the constitution and get Musharraf to step down as army chief, saying she has no plans to meet with the president.

National television stations are being blocked by the government , this started with the cable broadcasters who were taken off the air on Saturday after they began to report that President Musharraf would be declaring an emergency . Many independent stations have turned to Internet and satellite broadcasting to continue reporting on the situation in Pakistan. Imran Aslam, president of GEO television in Pakistan said, “Technology has progressed beyond the governments imagination and we believe this is the best time to put new media into operation.”

Although President Bush has threatened to cut aid to Musharraf’s government if he does not restore the constitution these threats have been seen as largely symbolic since they would not affect military aid. Today U.S. National Security Council spokesman, Gordan Johndroe said , “This is not a never ending process, they need to release the people they have arrested, they need to stop beating people in the streets, they need to restore press freedom and they need to get back on the path to democracy soon--now”

A number of countries including Canada have condemned president Musharraf’s actions however only the Netherlands has frozen developmental aid to Pakistan. It remains to be seen what effect if any, international pressure and calls from two of Pakistan’s former prime ministers, Benazir Bhutto and Nawaz Sharif who is living in exile in Saudi Arabia, for protesters to take to the streets will have on Musharraf’s hold on power or the transformation to democracy.

Burma, More Forceful Sanctions May be Needed

On December 19 the Senate approved "The Burma Democracy Promotion Act", this places a new round of sanctions as well as travel restriction on Junta leaders and associates. The act also effectively outlaws the importing of gems and timber from Myanmar. Senate Foreign Relations Chairman, Joe Biden was quoted as saying, "The message to the people of Burma today is clear: The United States stands with you as you seek a peaceful, negotiated, transition to democratic civilian rule." A week earlier, U.S. President George W. Bush threatened to lead a a global campaign of sanctions against Myanmar If the Junta continues to defy calls for democratic rule.

It appears that more drastic steps may be necessary as today "The Democratic Voice Of Burma" is reporting that government brigade 66 continues to conscript new recruits by force. Brigade 66 is demanding that each village tract contribute one new recruit or pay 1500 Kyat (local currency) per household if they fail to do so. A villager from Chaung Gwa village in Nattalin township is quoted as saying “Our village group, which consists of four villages, had to pay 900,000 kyat to the military to hire a mercenary. We do not dare to complain about it,”

Meanwhile in Sibaw and Kyauk Mae townships in northern Shan state it is reported that local military brigades are demanding one new recruit from every household that has at least one male member.Failure to comply results in the family having to pay 100,000 kyat, a price many simply can not afford.

In other news from Burma today, Myo Thant or John Naw Thar as he is also known and two others, university student Zin Lin Aung and protester Htin Kyaw have been place in solitary confinement for staging a hunger strike while being held in Insein prison. the hunger strike is being staged as a call for the release of political prisoners. The trio reportedly began there strike at the end of November.

Preparing for Future Protest in Myanmar

A student at the Rangoon Eastern University says that the riot police battalion from Syriam has been seen taking additional anti-riot training at a football Field near the university. Apparently the police departments from Rangoon and Pakokku are undergoing the additional training so that they will be better prepared for any additional pro-democracy protest that should occur.

According to the student there were three instructor who had approximately 40-50 people line up as if they were protesters. The trainees would then kneel and aim mock rifles (sticks) at the crowd while keeping there batons handy students believe this is being done near the University as a show of strength and an attempt to intimidate them. The training is expected to last for about a month and focus on crowd control and basic military training.

The effectiveness of this attempt at intimidation may be questionable, in Pakhokku it has been reported that posters urging the monks to rise up again are being seen. The posters are thought to be an attempt to re spark the September uprising and are usually removed by police as quickly as they are found. The posters call for protest to be staged on January 4, Burma's Independence day. Some government employees say they have been ordered to work at monasteries so they can keep a close eye on the monks.

Pegu Division of the Zigone based Light Infantry Division known as LID 66 is now conscripting by force at least one person from each "village tract" in the rural areas of Myanmar. A village tract consist of about three to four villages. Zigone Township, for example, has 29 village tracts and therefor is required to conscript at least 29 new recruits by force if necessary.

On a more grim note the Junta has recently honored the soldiers who cracked down on the protesters during the September uprising with the Distinguished Social medal at the Tatmadaw (Army) museum while about 100 police vehicles performed military exercises in the Aung San Stadium.