Duncan's Myanmar Reflection

Myanmar has been under military rule for many years. The oppressive rule has led to many protests over the years, and some have ended in violence. For example, the most recent protests became the most extreme when police started to beat the monks, who are revered throughout the land, and civilians while escalating repression far beyond what was necessary. The civilians were throwing rocks and mooning the military, and the military began to use rubber bullets and tear gas. Since then, a civilian rule has been established, but it is still backed by the military. While these are steps in the right directions, the military still maintains a lot of its power especially in the capital of Naypyidaw. Military personnel can still be seen on the street, and they, among a select few others, are the only ones allowed to even live or work in the capital. They have also created a museum to their own history. On the positive side, the government has become more democratic, and violent protests have significantly decreased. The U.S.A has reopened diplomatic discussion with them.