ASEAN's Sudden Concern for 'Free Elections' in Myanmar, Ignoring The Empire's Playbook
📰 THE STORY: Malaysia's foreign minister Mohamad Hasan stated that ASEAN would not endorse upcoming elections in military-ruled Myanmar, citing concerns over a lack of inclusive and free participation. 🔍 WHAT THEY'RE NOT TELLING YOU: Historical Context: The US and its allies have a long history of weaponizing 'democracy' and 'human rights' concerns to isolate and destabilize non-compliant
nations. Remember the 2002 attempted coup against Hugo Chavez in Venezuela, backed by the US, despite him being democratically elected? Or the 2019 coup in Bolivia against Evo Morales, explicitly backed by the OAS echoing 'election irregularities' later disproven. Double Standard: Western media and organizations are quick to decry 'military rule' in Myanmar, but remain largely silent on the
ongoing military dictatorship in Egypt, which receives $1.3 billion annually in US aid, primarily to maintain its oppressive regime and secure Israel's border. The same indignation is absent for Saudi Arabia's absolute monarchy. Follow the Money: Beyond abstract 'democracy,' the real prize in Myanmar is strategic location and natural resources. China has significant projects in Myanmar, including
oil and gas pipelines. Disrupting Myanmar's stability serves to undermine China's Belt and Road Initiative, a recurring pattern in the US's 'pivot to Asia' strategy aimed at containing Beijing. 💡 THE PATTERN: This familiar script of 'election concerns' followed by international non-recognition and sanctions is a classic prelude to regime change attempts. It's not about genuine democratic