will the protests in Myanmar (Burma) lead to democracy?

Answer 1

The generals ruling the country are afraid of losing the grip of power and their immense wealth they have achieved in the past two decades.
They want to change in their own pace and to their own advantage and control.
people has not much choice about it unless they do mass protests and unrest.

The most peaceful transformation without much blood shed is to make the generals understand the norms accepted by the international community.

They must learn to respect their own people. they must know what they have today is not real.

as Buddhists I hope they know but hey, when you are blinded by greed, lust and power and surrounded by people who kiss your a the whole day, they can forget about the truth.

Answer 2

Probably not.

It's difficult for an outgunned populace to depose a military dictatorship. Generally, military dictatorship falls from outside pressure, a coup, or an erosion of in-government support for the leader or his/her policies. One exception is Chile, which evolved a democratic system out of the Pinochet regime - though that doesn't necessarily compare with the Burma/Myanmar government. I think Pinochet left a lot of the democratic machinery in place during his reign, which was probably good for the country throughout its post-coup history.

For Burma, the challenge will be finding and supporting a democratic government the people, and ultimately the army, can support. Aung San Suu Kyi, or another figure, would have to be well enough known and loved in-country for the public to support her.

Unfortunately, she's now in a high-security prison.

Burma's democracy may emerge slowly and bloodily, like France's between the Bastille raid and the second deportation of Napoleon. We may look at it over the next decade or more and wonder when democracy is coming, not seeing what is already building.

In fact, that may have been occurring already. The Buddhist monasteries have been occupied by the government - is that because the monks were organizing democratic opposition, hidden in the open?

One day, this will make an excellent history book. I hope the final chapter is about the success and stability of Burmese democracy.

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Poll question: What should the international community do about Burma? http://blog.360.yahoo.com/on_message

Answer 3

The latest news is that people are very angry with the military who beats and kill monks including one chief abbot.
They shoot into and above the crowd with guns.
Burmese are very peaceful people and not used to any guns.
This will not end. There will never be peace forever in the country unless they have democracy.
Burmese outside and inside are so angry and helpless.
Please petition to UN for immediate intervention.

Answer 4

It depends how the situation unfolds.

Currently at present the situation is leading towards violence.

I will say it needs to be closely watched.

But at least someone has challenged the authority of the millitary.

I think its a big step in the right direction

Answer 5

I hope so! Sign the petition to support the protesters:

http://www.avaaz.org/en/stand_with_burma/tf.php

Answer 6

I fear it will get a lot worse before it gets better, but I hope they get rid of the despots

Answer 7

maybe why not , i hope so , Democracy gonna be every where sooner or later

Answer 8

maybe