Myanmar

Peaceful protests in Myanmar, which started with rallies led by Buddhist monks, have turned violent as the Myanmuar junta has cracked down on protesters, killing many. International pressure from Gordon Brown and Bush is likely to have little effect on this repressive regime..but it is good to see them speak up early, as against their reticence in places like Zimbabwe.

Unfortunately, seemslike ..."even though there has been the strongest condemnation ever from Asian leaders and the U.S. has ordered limited sanctions, the international community has very few pressure points on the brutal military junta that has ruled Myanmar for decades."

Human rights violations abound!

Before and after satellite pictures show disappearance of villages, reports AP. Also seen is evidence of forced relocation of villagers, military buildup.

Television footage broadcast appear to show Myanmar troops shoved down a Japanese journalist and shot him dead at close range

Update: In an interview with The Daily Mail, the most senior officer to defect from Burma revealed that the junta has killed thousands of protesters and that the bodies of hundreds of executed monks have been dumped in the jungle.

Other reports:
Myanmar crisis: Risks and responsibilities for China
UK: Myanmar deaths ' far greater' than reported
Internet cut in Myanmar, blogger presses on
Myanmar Breaks Up Rallies, Cuts Internet