Monks march in Burma

It has been a brutal night in Burma. Yesterday the Burmese military killed nine of its own citizens. Overnight the military attacked monks in their monasteries - many have been beaten and carried away. Aung San Suu Kyi, the embodiment of hope in Burma, has not been seen since the crackdown began.

There are reports coming out of Thailand that the family of General Than  Shwe, the leader of the military junta, has left Burma for Thailand. If the reports are true, then Than Shwe may consider his situation in Burma to be precarious. He may be overthrown by another military man or the regime may itself be in danger. However, in the past, the Burmese military has not hesitated to suppress protests by killing thousands. Dangerous days lay ahead for the Burmese people. Democracy in Burma is being earned today with the blood of brave monks and citizens.

Bangladesh’s neighbor Burma, long forgotten by the world, wakes today to another day of protest, danger, and hope.

Aung San Suu Kyi