Myanmar people can learn from RI

I would like to make a comment about an article titled ""UN must give Myanmar junta an ultimatum, posted by Thang Nguyen in the Oct. 4 The Jakarta Post.

People all over the world were shocked by the Myanmar's junta recent crackdown against peaceful protesters, consisting of monks and pro-democracy activists. However, exaggerated disappointment and anger is not the right reaction, nor is military action against the regime -- even if backed by the UN. The reasons are as follow.

First, we don't know if there is any possibility of such action, as mere sanctions against Myanmar would need to be unanimously agreed upon by the Security Council. Russia and China, as the permanent members of the Security Council, didn't approve such a resolution because they see the problem as one of Myanmar internal affairs. A resolution on military action would be even more difficult.

Second, even if Russia and China were to approve military action, it wouldn't take place in the near-term because the junta enjoys an ample supply of armaments provided its arch-ally, China. Also, Myanmar's new capital, Naypyidaw, is remote and relatively chose to China so as to protect against invasion. Thus, military action would be very costly in terms of economics and human lives.

Thirdly, UN-backed military action would provoke genocide, as the junta would desperately defend itself against invading troops. This would lead to more gross human rights violations. Other crises would follow -- famine and epidemics.

Therefore, military action on the part of the UN or other entities is not only erroneous in military perspective, but would also put Myanmarese lives in jeopardy.

The only viable alternative for change is for the Myanmarese themselves to lead the struggle to topple the regime, with support from the rest of the world. This was also the path taken by Indonesia and the Philippines.

RISTIAN ATRIANDI
Depok, West Java