Last May's release of Ms Suu Kyi, the leader of the National League for Democracy (NLD), after 19 months under house arrest, signalled a detente between the country's military rulers and opposition groups. However, her detention at the weekend, after clashes in the north between her supporters and a pro-junta mob, led the Singapore Straits Times to suggest that "the dark days of military crackdown and political subjugation are descending again". It appeared that "the regime had Ms Suu Kyi 'stopped' because she has been making inroads into its base support".
In Thailand, the Nation heard from across its western border "the death knell for the peace process". This was plainly an attempt to "wreck the opposition movement", and outside pressure was now imperative: "For 15 years the Burmese people have suffered under the regime," it said. "The time has come for the international community to rethink ... If there ever was a case for sanctions, it is now."
As far as the New Light was concerned, however, the only problem in Burma was "the undemocratic activities of Ms Suu Kyi". ("Finding fault with the government and making false accusations against the service personnel are acts that are contrary to democracy," readers were helpfully reminded.) NLD rallies had an effect "somewhat like throwing a stone into water". But the editors seemed confident the ripples would settle: "We believe that the entire national people, hand in hand with the government, will preserve and safeguard peace, stability and prosperity of the state while keeping vigilant against the undemocratic acts of Ms Suu Kyi and her followers."
Irrawaddy, the Thailand-based publication formed by Burmese emigrés, was certainly in no mood to hold hands. "It is time for the people of Burma to rise up against the hated regime," it rallied in an online editorial. "It is time for 1,000 rebellions in 1,000 ways against a dictatorship that dares to harm pro-democracy leaders." It urged readers to take inspiration from the shortlived uprising of 15 years ago. "It is time for another 8-8-88. And this time, nothing short of complete victory will do."
