The internet in Burma was cut during the recent protest from Sept. 29 to Oct. 13 according to a report by OpenNet Initiative, Pulling the Plug. Now it is back down. With the large flow of images that came out of the country during the prolonged protest, it is reasonable to assume this is a reaction to new gathering of over 200 monks in the city of Pakokku. Many have been saying the protests are not over. The expected return of UN envoy Gambari might be viewed as an opportunity to return to the streets, another reason to shut down internet communication.
Burma is one of thirty countries that has less than 1 percent Internet penetration. Nonetheless, the Internet had begun to enhance a bi-directional flow information and communication for many Burmese, especially the educated, urban elite. In recent years, Burmese have begun receiving information from overseas via basic Internet services such as blogs, chat, forums, and email. As a relatively cheap communication tool, much of the value of Internet is based on the availability of overseas Web sites and Internet services.
Not long after the fresh protest, monastery administrators were called to a meeting by local authorities and urged not to attempt to start a new wave of protest. Shutting down the internet seems like a precautionary measure to keep the rest of the world from witnessing the militaries methods of retaining control, even when only faced with peaceful marches.
Also, anticipating Gambari's return, the junta is seeking to expel Myanmar U.N. Resident Coordinator Charles Petrie.
Zalmay Khalilzad, the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations, said: "I hope that this is not an effort by the regime to deflect from the mission of Mr. Gambari."
Well, of course it is.
