By Victor Naing (88 Generation)

After almost two decade of struggle, many Burmese are asking, "is there any clue to overthrow the military government in Myanmar?" Here is our answer. Of course, there is a solution if we can play the game straight and shrewdly.

Students led nationwide uprisings for freedom and democracy in Burma in 1988 have 'flashed' to the world that there are people still living in fear and subjected to harsh and cruel deprivations by a military regime. And the debut of Daw Aung San Suu Kyi in the political arena of Burma and ultimately on the international stage has started the steps for Burma's democratization process.

The western world's endorsement of democratic reforms and involvement of the United Nations in the country's road to democracy have added some optimism on the country's democratic future.

However, we cannot ignore the fact that the ruling military generals are not willing to give up their power much less their ill-gotten wealth as evidenced today. They are well aware also, that they are 'untouchables' as long as China and Russia, including India and the ASEAN are around like today. Hence, they have dug in and well-entrenched at the moment.

Limited sanctions only will not work. But it would be a different story if universal embargo is imposed on the military regime like they did to South Africa a decade or so ago. But it is out of the question today for Burma, given China and Russia, including India the ASEAN and others exploiting the situation and looting Burma's vast natural and human resources for themselves.

Burma's case is synonymous with Indonesia's some years ago, of course. However, the ruling generals in Burma are not like their counterparts in Indonesia. Burma's lot respects nobody and no law, other than what they dictate. Simply, they don't have human values, much less self-respect, mutual respect and others, unlike those in Indonesia and elsewhere. They are just living for their own cause – eternal rule of Burma - and enrich themselves only. They have nothing for the people of Burma, unlike the generals in Indonesia even in Suharto era, sharing the country's wealth with the people to some extent at the least, while enriching themselves on the other hand as widely known.

Today, the military in Burma is ignoring the will of the people – 1990 election results – and instead pushing for their Seven Step Road Map that will lead to eternal military rule in the country only.

Ironically also and in all contrary to the norms of decency and democracy, a number of so-called democracy governments are pushing to accept Than Shwe's toy – Seven Step Road Map – as the path to Burma's democracy, in lieu of the 1990 election results still in place in Burma. This is an 'outrage' and an affront on the people of Burma who have given their heartfelt mandate to the National League for Democracy (NLD) to shape their lives and future since 1990.

The United Nations led international community including the stalwart of world democracy the United States is still powerless to deal effectively with the military junta in Burma backed by China, Russia, India and the ASEAN at the moment.

Mr. Gambari the UN special envoy for Burma has been shuttling on his mission of democratizing Burma, but to no avail until today. And the UN Special Rapporteur for Human Rights Mr. Pinheiro has already made two trips to Burma. He isn't faring well in his mission either. Their missions failed because they went on a guided tour of Burma only. In short they saw and heard what the Burmese generals wanted them to. As soon as they landed on Burma's soil they were duped by the generals and in their trance they were taken on a guided tour until shown the door. Their reports evidenced the fact that they have failed in carrying out their missions.

The bottom line is they are not doing their jobs in their respective capacities, much less as entrusted and under obligation in the first place. They are not willing to look in the eyes of the Burmese generals and state their work and purpose, as befitting their ilk, officials of the world body, responsible for the freedom, democracy, prosperity, well-being etc. of the world citizenry, that includes the people of Burma also.

Hence, anticipating help from the international community with no sign of making any commitment in Burma's case is like a child asking the moon for some candy as we have heard our mothers sing while trying to put us to sleep.

In this view, we have one option left, i.e. power sharing as today's events are calling for and as warranted given lack of substantial international support in our cause also.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is also, contemplating on a course of non-confrontation, though most people are not in favor of, saying that would be ignoring the sacrifices and blood shed by the people, students and the Buddhist monks.

There is only one common ground on which the opposition alliances in Burma and the military can talk according to the military rulers. That is obviously to embrace the Seven Step Road Map. If Daw Aung San Suu Kyi led opposition alliances succumb to Than Shwe's lop-sided game then we will see some movements in Burma's politics and others in a near future.

If this comes to pass, then we can at least call for Than Shwe's retirement or no show in the coming meetings that will shape Burma for the future. This is because Than Shwe, who has killed unknown number of Buddhist monks specifically, should be BANNED from the political and other scenes of Burma. His presence will certainly augur ill, especially, for the military's role in the future political landscape of Burma.

"Butcher of Buddhist Monks" should be sidelined and banned from participating in any political process of Burma much less given a place in the future coalition administration of the country. His presence in the country also, would be a sacrilege on Buddhism and the country of Burma and nobody not even in the rank and file of the Burma Armed Forces, if they professed Buddhism, should accept him as he is not only ranked as a common 'thief' but also, a 'butcher' of Buddhist monks as well.

Today's armed forces of Burma can 'wash their hands' off Than Shwe by banning him completely out of the political landscape of Burma and from the Buddhist society worldwide as well, a "donkey pension" as they say, to last him a life time, if he still wants to live after all.

Thus, the rank and file in the Armed Forces of Burma can enhance their role and reclaim their lost image, which Than Shwe has destroyed and tarnished, while using them as only tools in his own interests. If the armed forces personnel in Burma still harbor any good will and sympathy on the people of Burma and especially, the Buddhist monks representing Buddhism today, and who have shown the desire for peace, stability and prosperity in their country, risking their lives even, then they should get rid of Than Shwe and his thugs and push for a meaningful dialogue with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi led opposition alliances for the future and posterity of all in Burma..

That's a risk worth taking and a last opportunity for the military personnel in Burma not only to redeem themselves in the eyes of the people of Burma and the international community but also, render their services to their country in true light and as vowed – protect the people and country – like true sons and daughters of the people, that's what they are in the first place.

"All military officers Should Oust Gen. Than Shwe from Our Myanmar

 Tatmadaw"

"Our History Needs Heroes For Changes In Burma"

"Those Heroes, Saviors of Burma, Could Only Come From Myanmar Tatmadaw’

Gen. Mg Aye, Gen. Shwe Mann and Who Else Shall Be The Heroes of Burma?

(Victor Naing is a Washington based activist and now he is living in

New York closed by United Nation Head Quarter)