| INTRODUCTION
Burma: Country in Crisis was prepared by the Open Society
Institute's Burma Project to provide background information on current
events in Burma. Resource and contact lists suggest where to obtain more
extensive and detailed information.
The publication is designed as an educational and information
resource. Permission to link to, copy, or print and distribute material
included in this publication is freely given.
The core of Burma: Country in Crisis is twelve "Burma
Backgrounders." Each provides a synopsis of an important issue
facing Burma today and ends with a short list of resources for further
information. The separate backgrounders stand alone, but together tell
the story that is outlined in the "Executive Summary." "Frequently
Asked Questions" answers some of the most common queries about
Burma and international policies toward the country. The booklet also
includes a number of charts, tables, and other graphics depicting the
political, economic, and social situation in Burma today.
We hope this publication will not only educate a broader public about
events in Burma, but will also encourage many more people to join the
international debate over what policies may best promote peace,
prosperity, and respect for human rights in that country. Links to
websites, and email, fax, phone and postal contacts for various
organizations engaged in research, development, and advocacy regarding
Burma are provided.
This online version will be regularly updated.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS:
Special appreciation is extended to the Most Reverend Desmond M.
Tutu, for contributing a foreword that reflects his deep and enduring
commitment to the pursuit of peace and justice in Burma and around the
world. Thanks also to experts and specialists who reviewed sections and
offered constructive comments. Any inaccuracies, however, remain the
sole responsibility of the author, Thomas
R. Lansner, consultant to the Burma Project. Valuable editorial and
research assistance was provided by Colleen Craig of the Burma Project.
Graphics and design were prepared by Zeke Volkert of the Open Society
Institute's Communications Department. Updates for this revised version
were researched by Shan
Jayakumar and Sonam Wangmo Dukpa.
Comments are welcomed and may be directed to: burma@sorosny.org
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