In the history of Burma, there were very few Burmese kings who ever
cared about the people and acted in the interest of the common
people. Even the one who cared initially, ended up being not so for
one reason or another. Example, King Alaung-paya. The reasons may
include reason such as society not developing enough to see all people
as equal and consider individual rights important, and not birth
rights. The royal circle exploited the commoners and kept the country
backward. In modern era, Ne Win did the same. Now, his protege Thug
Shew are performing the evil acts taught by Ne Win more masterfully
than his teacher. The good news is that the society - society is
represented by the commoners - is not being fooled anymore. People do
not see those in power as superior people with divine...

July 10, Irrawaddy
Rise of factions roils relations within Burmese junta - Min Lwin

On the surface, the high-ranking generals in the Burmese military junta
appear to be united. But since a reshuffle in early June, speculation has
been rife that the regime is undergoing a major realignment, with
competing forces jostling for influence.

There are persistent rumors that several of the former Bureau of Special
Operations heads who were sacked in June are now under investigation on
corruption charges. Some are even believed to be under house arrest,
facing charges of high treason.

Although international news agencies reported that around 150 officers
were reshuffled, well-informed observers say the number who were
reassigned or removed outright was probably closer to 400.

It is believed that three powerful factions have now emerged, all of them
loyal to Snr-Gen Than Shwe, who remains the commander in chief of the
armed forces.

The three factions are led by Gen Thura Shwe Mann, Lt-Gen Myint Swe and
Lt-Gen Thiha Thura Tin Aung Myint Oo.

July 10, Democratic Voice of Burma
Burma's declining basic education - Moe Aye

Former Rangoon University lecturer Daw Nyein Khet Khet has criticised the
two-tier education system in Burma for denying children from poor families
an adequate basic education.

Among the schools in Rangoon under the administration of the military
regime's Ministry of Education, many that are attended by the children of
government officials or those from rich families demand sizeable fees and
contributions from parents.

The schools in which the children of the elite study and those attended by
the majority of ordinary students differ significantly in terms of
teaching, collecting money, quality of teaching, exam results and the
percentage of students who obtain distinctions in their exams.

DVB interviewed Daw Nyein Khet Khet, a former lecturer from Rangoon
University's Burmese Department, to find out about the declining state of
Burma's basic education.

DVB: Why are there differences between schools in terms of exam pass rates
and so on?

July 10, World Association of Newspapers
World's press calls for release of Burmese journalist

The World Association of Newspapers and World Editors Forum have asked the
government of Burma to release the country's longest serving political
prisoner, journalist U Win Tin, on the anniversary of his imprisonment 19
years ago.

U Win Tin, 78, is suffering from lung problems and severe asthma. He has
suffered two heart attacks and has high blood pressure, diabetes and a
prostate gland disorder.

"The continued imprisonment of U Win Tin constitutes a deep blemish on the
international standing of Myanmar (Burma) which can only be erased by his
release," WAN and WEF said in a letter to General Than Shwe, leader of the
ruling junta.