September, 2009 - Volume 17 No.6
China’s Troublesome Little Brother
Behind displays of friendship, Beijing is showing signs that it is losing patience with Burma’s politically inept ruling generals, writes AUNG ZAW.

Is China Two-timing the Generals?
Burma’s military junta has to compete with ethnic groups such as the Wa, the Kokang and the Shan to win Beijing’s favor. WAI MOE reports.

The Yunnan Connection
LARRY JAGAN reveals how closer ties between Burma and China’s southwestern province are raising concerns in Beijing.



The Coils of Custom
As tourism drops, many Padaung abandon the tradition of putting bronze coils on the necks of their daughters, writes AYE CHAN MYATE.

The Grass is Greener
SAW YAN NAING finds that despite the difficulties facing Shan migrants seeking work in Thailand, their numbers are increasing.

Indonesia Steps into the Spotlight
SIMON ROUGHNEEN asks if Southeast Asia’s largest and most democratic country is ready to take the lead in pushing the Burmese junta toward political reform.

No Turning Back
Burma’s rulers would like to return to the good old days of friendly ties with Washington, but that won’t happen unless they make significant changes, writes AUNG ZAW.



Cracks in the Castle Wall
MIN ZIN explains how loopholes in the new Burmese constitution could be exploited by opposition groups to win influence after next year’s election.



Dark Clouds Over Burma
KYAW ZWA MOE examines Burma’s political landscape and finds little reason for hope in the near future.



CULTURE
Political Prisoners Remembered
DAVID PAQUETTE introduces the work of a photographer who is documenting the plight of Burma’s political prisoners with the help of former detainees living in exile.

Ex Libris
JIM ANDREWS looks behind the doors of a Rangoon collector’s amazing library.


BOOK REVIEW
On the Tourist Trail to War
“Conflict: Journeys through War and Terror in Southeast Asia,” by Nelson Rand, is reviewed by DAVID SCOTT MATHIESON.


THE BACK PAGE
The ‘Bit of Fun’ that Turned Sour
A group of young monks draws fire for showing off their tattoos.

Wanted: Actor to Play Aung San
One of Burma’s best-known directors is looking for someone to play the lead in a new movie about the Tatmadaw.



A Visit to Chinatown
Rangoon’s Chinatown is thriving but, as a Rangoon-based journalist discovers, not everyone is happy about growing Chinese influence in the former capital.



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