A brief overview of “The Cell, Exile and the New Burma” by Dr. Kyaw Zwa Moe
The book is a collection of essays by Kyaw Zwa Moe, a prominent Burmese journalist and editor of The Irrawaddy magazine. He was a teenage activist during the 1988 uprising against the military dictatorship in Myanmar (formerly Burma) and spent eight years in prison for his involvement. He later went into exile in Thailand, where he continued to report on the political and social situation in his homeland. He returned to Myanmar in 2012, after the country began a process of democratic transition.
The book is divided into four parts: prison, exile, profiles, and the new Burma. In the first part, Kyaw Zwa Moe recounts his experiences and observations as a political prisoner in the notorious Insein and Tharrawaddy prisons. He describes the harsh conditions, the torture, the hunger strikes, the secret library, and the resilience of his fellow inmates. He also reflects on the history and role of political prisoners in Myanmar’s struggle for democracy.
In the second part, Kyaw Zwa Moe narrates his life and work as an exiled journalist in Thailand. He covers various topics such as ethnic conflicts, the refugee crisis, the cyclone Nargis disaster, the 2007 Saffron Revolution, the 2010 elections, and the emergence of Aung San Suu Kyi as a political leader. He also discusses the challenges and dilemmas of being an independent media outlet in a hostile environment.
In the third part, Kyaw Zwa Moe presents a series of personal profiles of various individuals who have played a significant role in or have been affected by Myanmar’s political upheaval. They include activists, politicians, artists, monks, soldiers, students, celebrities, and ordinary people. He portrays their stories, perspectives, achievements, failures, hopes, and fears with empathy and insight.
In the fourth and final part, Kyaw Zwa Moe evaluates the changes and challenges that Myanmar faces in its transition to democracy. He analyses the reforms initiated by President Thein Sein’s government, the role of the military, the peace process with ethnic armed groups, the 2015 elections that brought Aung San Suu Kyi’s party to power, and the ongoing humanitarian crisis in Rakhine State. He also shares his personal feelings and expectations about returning to his homeland after 12 years of exile.
The book is a testament to Kyaw Zwa Moe’s determination, courage, and professionalism as a journalist and a citizen. It is also a valuable source of information and analysis for anyone interested in Myanmar’s history, politics, society, and culture. The book offers a political education amid the unfinished journey toward democracy