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Article: What does Cyclone Nargis tell us about Burma? Peter Perry and Samuel Winkleman consider the performance of Burma's junta in response to a major natural disaster.(Report)
- Article from:
- New Zealand International Review
- Article date:
- July 1, 2009
- Author:
CopyrightCOPYRIGHT 2009 New Zealand Institute of International Affairs. This material is published under license from the publisher through the Gale Group, Farmington Hills, Michigan. All inquiries regarding rights should be directed to the Gale Group. (Hide copyright information)
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[ILLUSTRATION OMITTED]
Cyclone Nargis struck Burma on 2-3 May 2008. A devastating natural event was exacerbated by an inept government response in turn determined by an agenda which places the well being of the population--the common good--well down the list of priorities. The event itself was as well and widely reported as circumstances (and the regime) permitted: the aftermath, although surprisingly well documented, has not been. And yet over and above the matter of intrinsic interest Cyclone Nargis is extremely informative as to the nature of a regime which is almost certain to remain in power for at least several years.
Nargis made landfall at near ...