ASEAN's Myanmar Election Stance: Selective Scrutiny or Geopolitical Alignment?
📰 THE STORY: Al-Monitor reports that Malaysia's foreign minister stated ASEAN will not send observers or certify Myanmar's three-stage election, citing the ongoing conflict since the 2021 military coup against the civilian government. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: While indeed a coup, the media often omits the longstanding Western pressure and engagement with Myanmar's
military, including during previous periods of democratic transition. The 1990 election, won overwhelmingly by Aung San Suu Kyi's NLD, was also annulled by the military, yet Western powers often maintained significant engagement. The 'democratic' transitions were often brittle, susceptible to internal power struggles exacerbated by external influences. Double Standard: The vigorous condemnation of
Myanmar's military often contrasts sharply with the muted response to undemocratic actions by US-aligned regimes. For instance, the US-backed coup in Chile in 1973 installed Pinochet, leading to decades of brutal repression and economic restructuring that benefited Western corporations, with little lasting condemnation from Western media or political bodies. Similarly, the US and its allies have
funded and armed various factions in other nations, including the 'rebels' in Syria, some of whom were al-Qaeda affiliates, yet the narrative is framed as supporting 'democracy' against 'tyranny'. Follow the Money: Beyond human rights, Myanmar is strategically important. It sits at a geopolitical crossroads, rich in natural resources (jade, energy, timber), and a key part of China's Belt and Road