The Irrawaddy Newscast

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we have an update on Thai politics and what that means for the country’s relationship with Myanmar’s junta. Also, regime officials say the China-Myanmar Economic Corridor is back on track. And ethnic violence continues in the northeastern Indian state of Manipur. Some have blamed that fighting on groups in neighboring Myanmar. Plus, a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Photo: Chinland Defense Forces in Thantlang, Chin State, in July. // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // China to Reinforce Myanmar Expansion with Free-Trade Zones on Border https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-china-watch/china-to-reinforce-myanmar-expansion-with-free-trade-zones-on-border.html // TNLA Reports Heavy Fighting Near Myanmar-China Border https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/tnla-reports-heavy-fighting-near-myanmar-china-border.html // Myanmar Military Column is on a Homicidal Rampage in Southeastern Sagaing https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-military-column-is-on-a-homicidal-rampage-in-southeastern-sagaing.html // Over 10,000 Civilians Flee Myanmar Junta Shelling in Western Sagaing https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-10000-civilians-flee-myanmar-junta-shelling-in-western-sagaing.html // Myanmar Expels top East Timor Diplomat https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/myanmar-expels-top-east-timor-diplomat.html // Myanmar Junta Makes Mass Arrest of ‘Human Shields’ in Kachin State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-makes-mass-arrest-of-human-shields-in-kachin-state.html // Chin Forces Fail to Retake Strategic Mountain Bases From Myanmar Military https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/chin-forces-fail-to-retake-strategic-mountain-bases-from-myanmar-military.html // Price Controls Trigger Turmoil in Myanmar’s Rice Market https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/price-controls-trigger-turmoil-in-myanmars-rice-market.html // Junta Arrests Chiefs of Myanmar Edible-Oil Industry as Prices Soar https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/junta-arrests-chiefs-of-myanmar-edible-oil-industry-as-prices-soar.html // As Dollars Vanish, Myanmar Regime Boss Blames Cooking Oil, Greed and Sanctions https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/as-dollars-vanish-myanmar-regime-boss-blames-cooking-oil-greed-and-sanctions.html // Yangon Food Charities Swamped as Hunger Stalks Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/yangon-food-charities-swamped-as-hunger-stalks-myanmar.html // Myanmar Junta Rallies Support to Defend Capital as Resistance Gets Closer https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-rallies-support-to-defend-capital-as-resistance-gets-closer.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we speak to economist Sean Turnell about Myanmar’s economy. We also hear from the author of a recent report documenting abuse in the garment industry since the coup. And we have an audio postcard from Chinland Defense Force territory in Hakha Township. Plus, a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Falling out of fashion: Garment worker abuse under military rule in Myanmar https://www.business-humanrights.org/en/from-us/briefings/falling-out-of-fashion-garment-worker-abuse-under-military-rule-in-myanmar/ // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // H&M’s Forced Exit Leaves 42,000 Myanmar Workers Asking How They Will Eat https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/hms-forced-exit-leaves-42000-myanmar-workers-asking-how-they-will-eat.html // Myanmar Junta’s Central Bank Had $6.8 Bn in Reserves at 14 Int’l Banks in March https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/myanmar-juntas-central-bank-had-6-8-bn-in-reserves-at-14-intl-banks-in-march.html // Several Resistance Attacks Reported Near Myanmar Regime’s Nerve Center https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/several-resistance-attacks-reported-near-myanmar-regimes-nerve-center.html // Swiss Director, Amateur Actors Arrested for Blasphemy by Myanmar Junta https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/swiss-director-amateur-actors-arrested-for-blasphemy-by-myanmar-junta.html // TNLA Reports Heavy Fighting With Myanmar Junta https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/tnla-reports-heavy-fighting-with-myanmar-junta.html // Myanmar Junta to Form Task Force to Tackle Soaring Exchange Rates, Gold Prices https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/myanmar-junta-to-form-task-force-to-tackle-soaring-exchange-rates-gold-prices.html // China Pouring in Billions to Prop Up Myanmar’s Military Regime https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-china-watch/china-pouring-in-billions-to-prop-up-myanmars-military-regime.html // Myanmar Will Get Sicker—Junta Shuts Another Hospital in Mandalay https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-will-get-sicker-junta-shuts-another-hospital-in-mandalay.html // Myanmar Junta on Retreat in Magwe: Resistance https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-on-retreat-in-magwe-resistance.html // Buddhist Monks Condemn Myanmar Junta for Arrests Over ‘Blasphemous’ Movie https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/buddhist-monks-condemn-myanmar-junta-for-arrests-over-blasphemous-movie.html // Generals Prepare to Target Cause of Myanmar’s Currency Crisis—‘Disloyal Banks’ https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/generals-prepare-to-target-cause-of-myanmars-currency-crisis-disloyal-banks.html // US Fires up Sanctions on Myanmar Junta: Targets Jet-Fuel Suppliers https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/us-fires-up-sanctions-on-myanmar-junta-targets-jet-fuel-suppliers.html // More Bodies Found in Fields After Junta Forces Raid Villages in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/more-bodies-found-in-fields-after-junta-forces-raid-villages-in-myanmar.html // More Children Hit From the Sky as Myanmar’s Military Intensifies Airstrikes in Kayah State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/more-children-hit-from-the-sky-as-myanmars-military-intensifies-airstrikes-in-kayah-state.html

In this week’s episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear about the state of Myanmar’s extractive industry. And volunteers in Chinland struggle to provide healthcare to residents. We speak to some of those doctors. Plus, we also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Chin Health Organization https://chinhealthorganization.org/ // This week we speak to Clancy Moore of Transparency International Australia https://transparency.org.au/ // Chinese mines a $700 million USD jackpot for Myanmar military https://www.pwyp.org.au/publications/15102021chinese-mines-a-700-million-usd-jackpot-for-myanmar-military // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Price Control Panel Fails to Stem Myanmar’s Growing Food Crisis https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/price-control-panel-fails-to-stem-myanmars-growing-food-crisis.html //Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Casualties, Defections in Battle for Karen Hilltop https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/myanmar-junta-suffers-heavy-casualties-defections-in-battle-for-karen-hilltop.html // Myanmar Regime to Arm Civil Servants https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-to-arm-civil-servants.html // New Myanmar Junta Defense Minister in Russia to Boost Bilateral Ties https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/new-myanmar-junta-defense-minister-in-russia-to-boost-bilateral-ties.html // Terror Campaign Intensifies in Sagaing Region as Myanmar Junta Fights to Hang On https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/terror-campaign-intensifies-in-sagaing-region-as-myanmar-junta-fights-to-hang-on.html // At Least 400 Flood-hit Villages in Myanmar’s Rakhine State Need Urgent Aid https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/at-least-400-flood-hit-villages-in-myanmars-rakhine-state-need-urgent-aid.html // US Bank Sanctions Will Harm Myanmar Junta War Efforts: Economist https://www.irrawaddy.com/in-person/interview/us-bank-sanctions-will-harm-myanmar-junta-war-efforts-economist.html // Child Killed as Myanmar Junta Shells Villages Around Chinese-Owned Mine https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/child-killed-as-myanmar-junta-shells-villages-around-chinese-owned-mine.html // 25 Dead After Myanmar Jade Mine Landslide https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/25-dead-after-myanmar-jade-mine-landslide.html // Myanmar Officials Arrest Nearly 150 Rohingya Attempting to Flee https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-officials-arrest-nearly-150-rohingya-attempting-to-flee.html // As Myanmar Currency Crisis Deepens, Junta Shuts More Money-Exchange Businesses https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/as-myanmar-currency-crisis-deepens-junta-shuts-more-money-exchange-businesses.html // Foreign Investment in Myanmar Continues Post-Coup Plunge, Drops 60% https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/foreign-investment-in-myanmar-continues-post-coup-plunge-drops-60.html // Myanmar Junta Troops Kill, Mutilate 6 Villagers in Sagaing https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-troops-kill-mutilate-6-villagers-in-sagaing.html // Myanmar Junta Suffers Heavy Losses in Failed Offensive: KNU https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/myanmar-junta-suffers-heavy-losses-in-failed-offensive-knu.html // Myanmar Junta Firebombing Villages on Key Sagaing-Magwe Route https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-firebombing-villages-on-key-sagaing-magwe-route.html

This week was the 35th anniversary of the 1988 uprising. In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear from the founder and editor of The Irrawaddy about his experience as a young activist during that time. And last week we visited Thantlang in Chin State. That town’s been emptied of civilians. We find out where they are now. Plus we also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Rohingyatographer https://www.rohingyatographer.org/about // U.N. Chin State IDP numbers: file:///C:/Users/HP/Downloads/230306%20Myanmar%20displacement%20overview.pdf // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Shan Army Claims 20 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Laikho Clashes https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/ethnic-issues/shan-army-claims-20-myanmar-junta-troops-killed-in-laikho-clashes.html // Tin Mining in Myanmar’s Wa State Faces Prolonged Ban https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/tin-mining-in-myanmars-wa-state-faces-prolonged-ban.html // US Closes Sanctions Window For Myanmar Junta Banks https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/us-closes-sanctions-window-for-myanmar-junta-banks.html // Myanmar Regime’s Airstrikes Kill Resistance Fighters in Kayah State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regimes-airstrikes-kill-resistance-fighters-in-kayah-state.html // Woman Raped Repeatedly While in NUG Jail in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/woman-raped-repeatedly-while-in-nug-jail-in-myanmar.html // Deadly Floods Displace Thousands in Three Myanmar Border States https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/deadly-floods-displace-thousands-in-three-myanmar-border-states.html // Chinese Copper Mine in Myanmar Expands With Land Grab https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-china-watch/chinese-copper-mine-in-myanmar-expands-with-land-grab.html // KIA Seizes Three Key Myanmar Junta Outposts https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/ethnic-issues/kia-seizes-three-key-myanmar-junta-outposts.html // Prominent Activist Calls for Public Boycott of Myanmar Junta’s ‘Blood’ Products https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/prominent-activist-calls-for-public-boycott-of-myanmar-juntas-blood-products.html // Chinese Miner Called on to Stop Aiding Myanmar Junta Atrocities https://www.irrawaddy.com/specials/myanmar-china-watch/chinese-miner-called-on-to-stop-aiding-myanmar-junta-atrocities.html // Myanmar Pro-Democracy Administrators Flog Women for Disrespecting Leaders https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-pro-democracy-administrators-flog-women-for-disrespecting-leaders.html // At Least 17 Dead After Rohingya Boat Breaks Up off Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/at-least-17-dead-after-rohingya-boat-breaks-up-off-myanmar.html // Myanmar Generals’ Favorite Overseas Bank to Cut Ties Next Month: Report https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/myanmar-generals-favorite-overseas-bank-to-cut-ties-next-month-report.html // Almost 75,000 Homes Incinerated by Junta Forces in Myanmar Since the Coup https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/conflicts-in-numbers/almost-75000-homes-incinerated-by-junta-forces-in-myanmar-since-the-coup.html // More Than 30 Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Bago: NUG https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/war-against-the-junta/more-than-30-myanmar-junta-troops-killed-in-bago-nug.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we travel to Thantlang Township in Chin State to meet local Chinland Defense Forces. Those are resistance fighters entering their third year of war against the Myanmar military. It’s the first in a series we’ll be broadcasting after spending some time in Chin State — a hotbed of anti-junta resistance and largely out of the military’s control. In following episodes we’ll hear from the internally displaced, some who have had their homes burned to the ground by junta troops. And we’ll have a story about those caring for refugees and others in Chinland. They’re volunteers and CDMers running a health system without a state. On this episode we also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Photo: CDF-Thantlang recruits are seen lining up for drills. // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency for 6 More Months https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-extends-state-of-emergency-for-6-more-months.html // Two Myanmar Junta Pilots Killed When Kayah Resistance Shot Down Fighter Jet https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/two-myanmar-junta-pilots-killed-when-kayah-resistance-shot-down-fighter-jet.html // PDFs Attack Regime Flotilla From Both Sides of Myanmar’s Great River https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/pdfs-attack-regime-flotilla-from-both-sides-of-myanmars-great-river.html // US ‘Deeply Concerned’ as Myanmar Junta Extends State of Emergency https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/us-deeply-concerned-as-myanmar-junta-extends-state-of-emergency.html // Myanmar Regime Reduces Jailed Leaders’ Sentences Under Prisoner Amnesty https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/myanmar-regime-reduces-jailed-leaders-sentences-under-prisoner-amnesty.html // Myanmar Junta Chief Repeats Vow to Bring Country Under Control as Emergency Extended https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/myanmar-junta-chief-repeats-vow-to-bring-country-under-control-as-emergency-extended.html // Myanmar Junta Appoints 20 Officers to Senior Posts at State-Owned Commercial Bank https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-appoints-20-officers-to-senior-posts-at-state-owned-commercial-bank.html // Junta’s Amnesty for Political Prisoners was Hostage Diplomacy: Myanmar Watchdog https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/juntas-amnesty-for-political-prisoners-was-hostage-diplomacy-myanmar-watchdog.html // Myanmar Junta Has Committed at Least 144 Massacres Since Coup: NUG https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/conflicts-in-numbers/myanmar-junta-has-committed-at-least-144-massacres-since-coup-nug.html // Junta Aerial Attacks Soar Twofold in Myanmar’s Kayah State: Report https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/conflicts-in-numbers/junta-aerial-attacks-soar-twofold-in-myanmars-kayah-state-report.html // Myanmar’s Civilian Government Releases Blacklist of Junta Collaborators in Yangon https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/politics/myanmars-civilian-government-releases-blacklist-of-junta-collaborators-in-yangon.html // Ta’ang Army Ambushes Junta Convoy in Myanmar’s Shan State, Killing Two https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/taang-army-ambushes-junta-convoy-in-myanmars-shan-state-killing-two.html // Singapore Urged to Stop Aiding War Crimes in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/myanmars-crisis-the-world/singapore-urged-to-stop-aiding-war-crimes-in-myanmar.html // Myanmar’s Depayin Swamped by 25,000 Refugees Amid Junta Onslaught https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-depayin-swamped-by-25000-refugees-amid-junta-onslaught.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear from Myanmar’s guerilla filmmakers. And scamming centers are flourishing on the Thai-Myanmar border. We speak to victims on both sides of a popular cryptocurrency scam. Plus, we have a rundown of this week’s headlines. // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Photo: Magwe district battalion 2 of the People’s Defense Force marks Martyrs’ Day. (NUG) // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Alarm Rising Over Abduction of Myanmar Activist and Her Family in Malaysia https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/alarm-rising-over-abduction-of-myanmar-activist-and-her-family-in-malaysia.html // EU Imposes Sanctions on Six More Myanmar Junta Officials https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/eu-imposes-sanctions-on-six-more-myanmar-junta-officials.html // NUG to Launch Myanmar’s First Crypto Bank https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/nug-to-launch-myanmars-first-crypto-bank.html // Myanmar Junta Names Six More Dead Political Prisoners https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-names-six-more-dead-political-prisoners.html // Nine Myanmar Political Prisoners Unaccounted for After Yangon Jail Beatings https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/nine-myanmar-political-prisoners-unaccounted-for-after-yangon-jail-beatings.html // Myanmar’s National Unity Government Commemorates Martyrs’ Day https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-national-unity-government-commemorates-martyrs-day.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear about a space for artists in exile. And we speak to the National Unity Government’s new deputy human rights minister — the first Rohingya appointed to a senior level of government since 1962. Plus, India continues to engage Myanmar’s junta. We hear from an expert about the reasons why. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Artists’ Shelter https://artists-shelter.org/ // Angshuman Choudhury https://cprindia.org/people/angshuman-choudhury/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Seven Myanmar Political Detainees Dead After ‘Prison Transfer’, Group Says https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/seven-myanmar-political-detainees-dead-after-prison-transfer-group-says.html // Junta Bombing Raid Kills Child and Nursing Mother in Myanmar's Chin State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/junta-bombing-raid-kills-child-and-nursing-mother-in-myanmars-chin-state.html // Widening Split Overshadows ASEAN’s Latest Push for Peace in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/widening-split-overshadow-aseans-latest-push-for-peace-in-myanmar.html // Karen National Union Reports Heavy Myanmar Junta Losses This Year https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/karen-national-union-reports-heavy-myanmar-junta-losses-this-year.html // KIA Renews Attacks on Myanmar Junta Troops in Northern Shan State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/kia-renews-attacks-on-myanmar-junta-troops-in-southern-shan-state.html // Myanmar Junta Condemned For Using ‘Prison Transfers’ as a Pretext For Murder https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-condemned-for-using-prison-transfers-as-a-pretext-for-murder.html // Chin Resistance Reports Dozens of Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in 7-Hour Battle https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/chin-resistance-reports-dozens-of-myanmar-junta-troops-killed-in-7-hour-battle.html // Thousands Flee to Thailand After Myanmar Junta Bombs IDP Camp in Kayah State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/thousands-flee-to-thailand-after-myanmar-junta-bombs-idp-camp-in-kayah-state.html // Outgoing Thai Foreign Minister Met Myanmar’s Jailed Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in Secret Visit https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/outgoing-thai-foreign-minister-met-myanmars-jailed-daw-aung-san-suu-kyi-in-secret-visit.html // Myanmar Junta Attacking Kachin Independence Army Headquarters https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-attacking-kachin-independence-army-headquarters.html // NUG Foreign Minister: Thai Counterpart’s Meeting With Daw Aung San Suu Kyi Was ‘Hostage Diplomacy’ https://www.irrawaddy.com/in-person/interview/nug-foreign-minister-thai-counterparts-meeting-with-daw-aung-san-suu-kyi-was-hostage-diplomacy.html // Divided ASEAN Condemns Myanmar Violence Again, Supports Five-Point Plan https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/divided-asean-condemns-myanmar-violence-again-supports-five-point-plan.html // Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Lawyers Appeal for Her Release https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/daw-aung-san-suu-kyis-lawyers-appeal-for-her-release.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear about potential legal repercussions for the junta’s leaders. And due to severe repression, mass strikes and untold numbers fleeing — scientific research in Myanmar may not recover for decades. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Photo: Soldiers from the TNLA, a member of the ‘three army brotherhood,’ during a parade in 2019. (The Irrawaddy) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Myanmar Accountability Project https://the-world-is-watching.org/ // Science in Exile initiative https://scienceinexile.org/ // In this episode we speak to Chris Gunnes of the Accountability Project. // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Sagaing Resistance Seizes Myanmar Junta Base https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/sagaing-resistance-seizes-myanmar-junta-base.html // Committee to Protect Journalists Demands Myanmar Junta Free The Irrawaddy’s ex-Publisher https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/committee-to-protect-journalists-demands-myanmar-junta-free-the-irrawaddys-ex-publisher.html // Blackouts Persist Across Myanmar Despite Rainy Season https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/blackouts-persist-across-myanmar-despite-rainy-season.html // Junta Blames Ousted Government for Myanmar’s Economic Crisis https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/economy/junta-blames-ousted-government-for-myanmars-economic-crisis.html // Six Coordinated Explosions Rock Myanmar Junta Targets in Yangon https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/six-coordinated-explosions-rock-myanmar-junta-targets-in-yangon.html // Nearly 100 More Singapore-Based Entities Found to Have Supplied Myanmar Military https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/nearly-100-more-singapore-based-entities-found-to-have-supplied-myanmar-military.html // Chin Rebels Open New Front with Myanmar Junta on Rakhine Border https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/chin-rebels-open-new-front-with-myanmar-junta-on-rakhine-border.html // Myanmar Junta Targets PDF Camps in Sagaing Region for Destruction https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-targets-pdf-camps-in-sagaing-region-for-destruction.html // Six French Financial Institutions Still Investing in Myanmar Junta-Linked Firms: Report https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/six-french-financial-institutions-still-investing-in-myanmar-junta-linked-firms-report.html // Myanmar Junta Troops Slaughter Seven Villagers in Sagaing Region https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-troops-slaughter-seven-villagers-in-sagaing-region.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we talk to an expert about crime enclaves along Myanmar’s borders. And malaria has seen a resurgence in the country as health services collapse. We report on what that means for the fight against this drug-resistant parasite. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Photo: The funeral of civilians in Hpasawng, Kayah State. (Free Burma Rangers) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // USIP: A Criminal Cancer Spreads in Southeast Asia https://www.usip.org/publications/2023/06/criminal-cancer-spreads-southeast-asia // World Bank: Myanmar’s economic recovery slowed by high prices and shortages https://www.worldbank.org/en/news/press-release/2023/06/25/myanmar-s-economic-recovery-slowed-by-high-prices-and-shortages // Shoklo Malaria Research Unit https://www.shoklo-unit.com/smru-news // In this episode we speak to Jason Tower with the United States Institute of Peace. // Stories mentioned in this episode: // 35 Resistance Fighters Killed by Myanmar Junta in Sagaing in Four Days https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/35-resistance-fighters-killed-by-myanmar-junta-in-sagaing-in-four-days.html // Myanmar Regime Troops Pinned Down in Mindat https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-pinned-down-in-mindat.html // Power Outages, Malnutrition Plague Myanmar, World Bank Says https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/power-outages-malnutrition-plague-myanmar-world-bank-says.html // Myanmar Junta Airstrikes Kill 11 Sagaing Civilians https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-airstrikes-kill-11-sagaing-civilians.html // Zara Factory Staff Face Prison in Myanmar After Protest For Wage Rise https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/zara-factory-staff-face-prison-in-myanmar-after-protest-for-wage-rise.html // Myanmar Junta Drives Largest Micro Lender Out of Business https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-drives-largest-micro-lender-out-of-business.html // Dozens of Myanmar Regime Troops Surrender to Resistance in Kayah https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/dozens-of-myanmar-regime-troops-surrender-to-resistance-in-kayah.html // Over 70,000 Houses Burned Down by Junta Since 2021 https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-70000-houses-burned-down-by-junta-since-2021.html // Myanmar Junta Outposts Fall to Karenni Resistance in Kayah State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-outposts-fall-to-karenni-resistance-in-kayah-state.html // Junta Condemns Indo-US Statement on Deteriorating Situation in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/junta-condemns-indo-us-statement-on-deteriorating-situation-in-myanmar.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we hear about the first ethnic area to form an interim government following the coup. Also, analysts think the conflict in Myanmar could enter a Cold-war spiral. And former university students now spend their time studying the theory of war. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Photo: People take part in a flower strike to mark Daw Aung San Suu Kyi's 78th birthday on Monday in Monywa in Sagaing Region. (Monywa-Amyint Leading Strike Committee) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // “Is Myanmar the Frontline of a New Cold War?” https://www.foreignaffairs.com/burma-myanmar/new-cold-war-hein-myers // In this episode we speak to Lucas Myers of the Wilson Center. // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Thai Election Winner Reaffirms Commitment to Peace in Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/thai-election-winner-reaffirms-commitment-to-peace-in-myanmar.html // Myanmar People’s Thoughts With Detained Daw Aung San Suu Kyi on 78th Birthday https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-peoples-thoughts-with-detained-daw-aung-san-suu-kyi-on-78th-birthday.html // Singapore: 'Premature' for any ASEAN talks with Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/singapore-premature-for-any-asean-talks-with-myanmar.html // Over 6000 People Displaced by Myanmar Junta Raids in Tanintharyi https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-6000-people-displaced-by-myanmar-junta-raids-in-tanintharyi.html // Thailand’s Attempt to Reengage Myanmar Junta Leaders Sparks Regional Backlash https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/thailands-attempt-to-reengage-myanmar-junta-leaders-sparks-regional-backlash.html // Myanmar Junta Raids KIO Office, Kills Seven https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-raids-kio-office-kills-seven.html // Nearly 100 Arrested in Myanmar for Wearing Flowers on Daw Aung San Suu Kyi’s Birthday https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/nearly-100-arrested-in-myanmar-for-wearing-flowers-on-daw-aung-san-suu-kyis-birthday.html // Swedish Arms Exported to Myanmar via India Despite EU Embargo: JFM https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/swedish-arms-exported-to-myanmar-via-india-despite-eu-embargo-jfm.html // Myanmar Junta Kills 33 Civilians In and Near Moebye in Three Weeks https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-killed-33-civilians-in-moebye-in-3-weeks-rights-group.html // Kayah Border Guard Forces Defect to Join Fight Against Myanmar Military https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/kayah-border-guard-forces-defect-to-join-fight-against-myanmar-military.html // Tanintharyi Resistance Groups Drive Out Raiding Myanmar Regime Troops https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/tanintharyi-resistance-groups-drive-out-raiding-myanmar-regime-troops.html // US Slaps Sanctions on Myanmar Junta Defense Ministry, Regime-Run Banks https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/us-slaps-sanctions-on-myanmar-junta-defense-ministry-regime-run-banks.html

It’s been one month since Cyclone Mocha hit northwestern Myanmar. People are still in need. But the junta has blocked the United Nations from delivering more aid. We hear about what communities are facing. And the non-profit Skills for Humanity provides assistance in conflict areas of Myanmar. We speak to that group's founder. Plus, documents show an Israel arms company sold gun molds to the Myanmar military. An Israeli lawyer wants a criminal probe into that company aiding crimes against humanity. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Picture: PDF troops in Kayah State. (PDF Loikaw) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) aappb.org/ // Skills for Humanity https://www.facebook.com/Skillsforhumanity/ // Justice for Myanmar https://www.facebook.com/Skillsforhumanity/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Myanmar Junta Soldiers Storm Moebye, Slaughter 5 Civilians https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-soldiers-storm-moebye-slaughter-5-civilians.html // Online Jewelry Model Jailed by Myanmar Junta for using Black Facebook Profile https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/online-jewelry-model-jailed-by-myanmar-junta-for-using-black-facebook-profile.html // Moebye Braces for Airstrikes as Resistance Repels Latest Myanmar Junta Assault https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/moebye-braces-for-airstrikes-as-resistance-repels-latest-myanmar-junta-assault.html // Resistance Groups Seize Myanmar Military Outposts, Police Station Near Thai Border https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/resistance-groups-seize-myanmar-military-outposts-police-station-near-thai-border.html // Myanmar Junta Turns Myingyan Prison into Torture Chamber for Political Detainees https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-turns-myingyan-prison-into-torture-chamber-for-political-detainees.html // Hunger and Destruction Haunt Myanmar’s Rakhine, One Month After Mocha https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/hunger-and-destruction-haunt-myanmars-rakhine-one-month-after-mocha.html // Myanmar Junta Steps Up Efforts to Monitor, Silence Perceived Online Critics https://www.irrawaddy.com/opinion/analysis/myanmar-junta-steps-up-efforts-to-monitor-silence-perceived-online-critics.html // Myanmar’s Ousted NLD Says 93 Members Killed, 1,200 Detained by Junta https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-ousted-nld-says-93-members-killed-1200-detained-by-junta.html // Myanmar Junta Sentences 730 Political Prisoners in Less Than Six Months https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-sentences-730-political-prisoners-in-less-than-six-months.html

We receive daily updates from the battlefield in Myanmar. But seeing through the fog of war is hard. This week we speak to a military expert about the current state and potential future of the conflict. And American legislators passed the BURMA Act this year. That was after a major campaign by American Baptist groups. The Baptist-Myanmar connection runs deep — over 200 years deep. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Picture: Myanmar junta boss Min Aung Hlaing examines a ruby donated to the military by a supporter in 2022. (Junta website) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // This week’s interview is with Dr. Zachary Abuza, professor at the National War College, in Washington, D.C. https://nwc.ndu.edu/About/Faculty/ArticleView/Article/626410/abuza-dr-zachary-m/ // Burma Advocacy Group https://burmaadvocacyegroup.com/ // Chin gospel Music by Damnak Petu Bawi (Pathian Hla Thar 2017) https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=zDiILJmB4Ac&list=PLY-HP3ejWuxjMVlxaD4nUDaeoGtfkHA2J // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Child Killed as Myanmar Junta Pounds Shan State Town With Artillery https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/child-killed-as-myanmar-junta-pounds-shan-state-town-with-artillery.html // Thailand Can Take Lead on Restoring Stability in Myanmar: Election-Winning MFP https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/thailand-can-take-lead-on-restoring-stability-in-myanmar-election-winning-mfp.html // Myanmar Junta, Kokang Forces Clash as Negotiators Meet for Peace Talks https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-kokang-forces-clash-as-negotiators-meet-for-peace-talks.html // Political Prisoners Report Rise in Torture by Myanmar Regime https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/political-prisoners-report-rise-in-torture-by-myanmar-regime.html // Rakhine Minorities Report Food, Shelter Crisis as Aid Fails to Arrive https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/rakhine-minorities-report-food-shelter-crisis-as-aid-fails-to-arrive.html // Over 20 Myanmar Junta Soldiers Killed in Fighting With MNDAA in Northern Shan https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-20-myanmar-junta-soldiers-killed-in-fighting-with-mndaa-in-northern-shan.html // Myanmar Junta Bans Dollars for Border Trade With China https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-bans-dollars-for-border-trade-with-china.html // Myanmar Regime Escalates Campaign of Airstrikes on Schools https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-regime-escalates-campaign-of-airstrikes-on-schools.html // Foreign Investment in Myanmar Plunges 60% on-Year in First Quarter https://www.irrawaddy.com/business/economy/foreign-investment-in-myanmar-plunges-60-on-year-in-first-quarter.html // UK Jewelry Giant Withdraws ‘Blood Gems’ Funding Myanmar Junta https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/uk-jewelry-giant-withdraws-blood-gems-funding-myanmar-junta.html // Myanmar’s Chin National Front Bars Outsiders From Entering State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmars-chin-national-front-bars-outsiders-from-entering-state.html // Myanmar Junta Troops Slaughter Nine Villagers in Sagaing Killing Spree https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-troops-slaughter-nine-villagers-in-sagaing-killing-spree.html // Brother of Myanmar Civilian Govt Advisor ‘Assassinated’ in Yangon https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/brother-of-myanmar-civilian-govt-advisor-assassinated-in-yangon.html

In this week’s episode of the Irrawaddy Newscast we report on a study center in Thailand where Burmese students learn English — and the stories of fellow compatriots. And a museum of political prisoners provides a look into past and current crackdowns by the military. Plus, we head to a safe house buzzing with recovering People’s Defense Force fighters on the Thai border. // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Picture: The Assistance Association for Political Prisoners' museum in Mae Sot, Thailand, provides visitors with a crash course in resistance to Myanmar's military. (Justin Higginbottom) // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Burma Study Center https://burmastudy.org/

Cyclone Mocha devastated already vulnerable Rohingya communities in Myanmar. We hear about their plight as the junta moves forward with a pilot repatriation plan and the U.N. cuts their food aid. And the Thai government has had an accommodating relationship towards the junta. That will likely change with the Move Forward Party’s rise. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // Fortify Rights https://www.fortifyrights.org/ // Our episode on CDMers: https://tinyurl.com/yyxdu4ee // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Livestock in Myanmar’s Rakhine State Decimated by Cyclone Mocha https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/livestock-in-myanmars-rakhine-state-decimated-by-cyclone-mocha.html // Over 120 Myanmar Lawmakers Arrested by Regime Since Coup https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-120-myanmar-lawmakers-arrested-by-regime-since-coup.html // Myanmar Junta Alerts Troops After Move Forward Party's Statements on Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/the-world-myanmar/thai-pro-democracy-partys-electoral-victory-troubles-myanmar-junta.html // Myanmar Junta Arrests Resistance Members Accused of Assassinations and Robberies https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-arrests-resistance-members-accused-of-assassinations-and-robberies.html // Cyclone Mocha and Its Aftermath in Numbers https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-and-its-aftermath-in-numbers.html // Over 50,000 Displaced as Myanmar Regime Column Torches Sagaing Villages https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/over-50000-displaced-as-myanmar-regime-column-torches-sagaing-villages.html // Myanmar Junta Releases Detained Rakhine Charity Leader https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/asia/myanmar-junta-releases-detained-rakhine-charity-leader.html // Myanmar Junta Arrests Two People in Rakhine for ‘Links with Outlawed Media’ https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-arrests-two-people-in-rakhine-for-links-with-outlawed-media.html

In this week's episode of The Irrawaddy Newscast we cover the impacts of Cyclone Mocha and how the junta blocks humanitarian aid in the country. Plus, artists from Myanmar practice guerilla filmmaking. We also have a rundown of this week’s headlines and the latest news from the ‘War Against the Junta.’ // Show Notes: // Contact the show: justin.higginbottom@irrawaddy.org // Help The Irrawaddy report the truth from Myanmar bit.ly/3btQYpR // Picture: A flooded compound of Arnanda Temple in Bagan. // Assistance Association for Political Prisoners (Burma) https://aappb.org/ // The Billion Dollar Death Trade: The International Arms Networks that Enable Human Rights Violations in Myanmar https://news.un.org/en/story/2023/05/1136762 // In this episode we speak to Phil Robertson of Human Rights Watch. https://www.hrw.org/about/people/phil-robertson // နွေဦးရုပ်ရှင်ပွဲတော် - Myanmar Spring Film Festival Japan https://www.facebook.com/mmfilmfestival // The Hollywood Reporter: ‘What Happened to the Wolf?’ Director Na Gyi on His Life in Hiding From the Myanmar Junta https://www.hollywoodreporter.com/movies/movie-news/burma-director-na-gyi-hiding-myanmar-military-oldenburg-1235014995/ // Stories mentioned in this episode: // Myanmar Junta Massacres 18 Bago Villagers, Including Five Children https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-massacres-18-bago-villagers-including-five-children.html // Thousands Flee Homes as Cyclone Mocha Nears Myanmar’s Coast https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/thousands-flee-homes-as-cyclone-mocha-nears-myanmars-coast.html // Cyclone Mocha Wreaks Havoc in Myanmar’s Northern Rakhine https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-wreaks-havoc-in-myanmars-northern-rakhine.html // Myanmar Junta Troops Force 16,000 to Flee Amid Cyclone Mocha https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-troops-force-16000-to-flee-amid-cyclone-mocha.html // Eight Myanmar Junta Troops Killed in Myawaddy Clashes: Cobra Column https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/eight-myanmar-junta-troops-killed-in-myawaddy-clashes-cobra-column.html // Cyclone Mocha Destroys Thousands of Homes Across Western Myanmar https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-destroys-thousands-of-homes-across-western-myanmar.html // Cyclone Mocha Causes Heavy Damage in Chin State https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-causes-heavy-damage-in-chin-state.html // Cyclone Mocha Destroys Myanmar’s Farmland in Sagaing and Magwe https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-destroys-myanmars-farmland-in-sagaing-and-magwe.html // Myanmar Political Prisoners Escape in Taungoo Jailbreak https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-political-prisoners-escape-in-taungoo-jailbreak.html // Cyclone Mocha Kills 145 in Myanmar, Military Junta Says https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/cyclone-mocha-kills-145-in-myanmar-military-junta-says.html // Myanmar Junta Court Hands Death Sentence to 5 Resistance Members https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-junta-court-hands-death-sentence-to-5-resistance-members.html // Myanmar Protest Leader Gets Extra 20 Years in Jail for High Treason https://www.irrawaddy.com/news/burma/myanmar-protest-leader-gets-extra-20-years-in-jail-for-high-treason.html