Political analyst Ben Domenech criticizes the Biden administration's approach to Israel, suggesting it is driven by election politics rather than genuine support for Israel's survival. He argues that the administration's actions are aimed at appeasing pro-Hamas Democrats to secure votes for the upcoming November election.

Myanmar is training hundreds of midwives to reduce maternal mortality, a leading cause of death among women in the country. The initiative is part of broader social reforms under Aung San Suu Kyi's government, supported by the United Nations Population Fund. The program aims to address the high maternal death rate, particularly in rural areas, by deploying trained midwives to remote clinics. Despite the government's efforts, public frustration with the slow pace of reforms persists.

Officials in Myanmar and Thailand incinerated illegal narcotics worth over $800 million to mark the UN day against drug abuse and trafficking. Despite these efforts, authorities continue to struggle with the influx of illicit drugs in the region. In Thailand, over 9 tons of drugs, including methamphetamines, were destroyed, while Myanmar incinerated drugs worth around $217 million. Myanmar remains a major producer of illicit drugs, with significant quantities smuggled into China. The UN estimates Southeast Asia's trade in heroin and methamphetamine was worth $31 billion in 2013.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was shocked by comments from Myanmar's military chief Min Aung Hlaing, who stated that the Rohingya minority had nothing in common with Myanmar's ethnicities and blamed their demand for citizenship for recent violence. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since the military's crackdown in Rakhine state, which has been described as ethnic cleansing by the U.S. and U.N. Guterres called for Myanmar's leaders to promote communal harmony and address the violence's root causes. The Rohingya, whose families have been in Myanmar for generations, are denied citizenship as they are not recognized among the official ethnic groups.

United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres was shocked by comments from Myanmar's military chief suggesting the Rohingya minority had nothing in common with the rest of the population, which exacerbated violence. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya fled to Bangladesh following a military crackdown in Rakhine state, which the U.S. and U.N. have labeled as ethnic cleansing, a claim Myanmar denies.

Myanmar cremated ten of the 31 bodies recovered from the Andaman Sea following the crash of a military transport plane with 122 people on board. The search, involving navy ships, sonar systems, and civilian boats, continues despite stormy weather. The Chinese-made Y-8-200F plane lost contact shortly after takeoff. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and no survivors have been found. The China National Aero-Technology Import & Export Corporation is assisting in the investigation.

Rescuers recovered 29 bodies from the Andaman Sea after a Myanmar military plane carrying 122 people went missing. The aircraft, a Chinese-made Y-8-200F, lost contact shortly after takeoff. The search continues with navy and civilian ships, though experts suggest the focus may soon shift to salvage operations. The incident highlights ongoing issues with aviation safety in Myanmar.

Myanmar is implementing a program to train hundreds of midwives to reduce the maternal death rate, which is currently the leading cause of death among women in the country, largely due to delays in accessing emergency care. This initiative is part of broader social policy reforms following the nation's transition from military rule.

Myanmar is training hundreds of midwives to reduce maternal mortality, a leading cause of death among women in the country. The initiative is part of broader social reforms under Aung San Suu Kyi's government. Despite efforts, public frustration persists due to the slow pace of development. The United Nations Population Fund supports the program, emphasizing the need to lower maternal mortality to improve living standards. Midwives play a crucial role, especially in rural areas, where healthcare infrastructure is lacking.

Myanmar is training hundreds of midwives to reduce maternal mortality, a leading cause of death among women in the country. The initiative is part of broader social reforms under Aung San Suu Kyi's government, supported by the United Nations Population Fund. Despite efforts, public frustration persists due to the slow pace of development. The midwives' training aims to address healthcare deficiencies, especially in rural areas, and improve living standards.

Myanmar's military defended its crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority as a lawful counterinsurgency operation, addressing accusations of human rights abuses that may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. General Mya Tun Oo expressed sadness over the accusations and highlighted the military's investigations, which found no evidence of abuses. The operation began after attacks on security posts near the Bangladesh border, leading to over 70,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh. The military cited international observers who found no evidence of abuses, though these visits were not meant to conclusively investigate the reports. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also denied the accusations, asserting that security troops were acting lawfully.

Myanmar's military held a news conference to defend its crackdown on the Rohingya minority, asserting the operation was a lawful counterinsurgency necessary for national defense. General Mya Tun Oo expressed sadness over accusations of human rights abuses, which U.N. experts suggest could constitute crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. The military claimed investigations found no evidence of abuses, a stance supported by Senior General Min Aung Hlaing. Over 70,000 Rohingya have fled to Bangladesh since the operation began following attacks on security posts on Oct. 9.

Myanmar's military defended its crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority as a lawful counterinsurgency operation, addressing accusations of human rights abuses that may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing. General Mya Tun Oo expressed sadness over the accusations and presented media reports claiming no knowledge of abuses by villagers. The military launched the operation following attacks on security posts, leading to over 70,000 Rohingya fleeing to Bangladesh. The military quoted international observers who found no evidence of abuses, though these visits were not conclusive investigations. Senior General Min Aung Hlaing also denied the accusations, asserting the military's adherence to the law.

Myanmar's military defended its crackdown on the Rohingya Muslim minority as a lawful counterinsurgency operation, stating it was necessary to defend the country. This was the first time top generals addressed accusations of human rights abuses, which U.N. experts suggest may amount to crimes against humanity and ethnic cleansing.

A Malaysian aid ship carrying 2,200 tons of food and emergency supplies arrived in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine State. The shipment faced protests from Buddhist monks and nationalists who oppose the recognition of the Rohingya identity. The Myanmar government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has denied reports of abuse against the Rohingya and insists on equal distribution of aid between Buddhists and Muslims. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a vocal critic of Myanmar's actions, labeling them as 'genocide.' The aid was handed over to the Myanmar government for distribution, with assurances of non-discriminatory aid delivery.

A Malaysian aid ship carrying 500 tonnes of food and emergency supplies arrived in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine State. The shipment faced opposition from Buddhist nationalists and monks who protested against the use of the term 'Rohingya.' The Myanmar government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has denied reports of abuse against the Rohingya and insisted on equal distribution of aid between Buddhists and Muslims. Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a vocal critic of Myanmar's actions, describing them as 'genocide.' The aid delivery aims to build confidence between the international community and Myanmar, despite ongoing tensions and accusations of political exploitation.

A Malaysian aid ship carrying 2,200 tonnes of food and emergency supplies arrived in Yangon, Myanmar, to assist the Rohingya Muslim minority in Rakhine State. The shipment faced protests from Buddhist monks and nationalists who oppose the recognition of the Rohingya identity. The Myanmar government, led by Aung San Suu Kyi, has denied allegations of abuse against the Rohingya, despite reports from refugees and international organizations. Malaysia's Prime Minister Najib Razak has been a vocal critic of Myanmar's actions, labeling them as 'genocide.' The aid was handed over to the Myanmar government for distribution, with a stipulation for equal distribution between Buddhists and Muslims in Rakhine.

Former U.N. chief Kofi Annan and his commission arrived in Myanmar's Rakhine State to address the Rohingya Muslims' situation amid a military crackdown that resulted in at least 86 deaths and 10,000 fleeing to Bangladesh. The commission, appointed by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi before the recent violence, was met with protests. Suu Kyi has been criticized internationally for her government's response to the crisis and for appointing vice president Myint Swe, a former military intelligence chief, to head an investigation into the violence.

Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi accused the international community of exacerbating tensions between Buddhists and Muslims in the northwest, where a military crackdown has resulted in significant casualties and displacement. Suu Kyi emphasized the need for international support to maintain peace and improve inter-community relations, while defending the military's actions as a response to insurgent attacks. The situation has drawn international criticism, particularly regarding the treatment of the Rohingya Muslim minority. Former UN chief Kofi Annan's commission is working on long-term solutions, but humanitarian access remains a critical issue. Suu Kyi's appointment of Myint Swe to lead an investigation into the crisis has raised concerns due to his controversial past.

A 6.8 magnitude earthquake in Myanmar damaged at least 187 Buddhist temples in Bagan, prompting a response from soldiers, police, and President Htin Kyaw. The quake's tremors were felt across Southeast Asia, but wider damage was limited and no major international assistance was requested. Three fatalities were reported, and some infrastructure was damaged. Restoration efforts for the temples, which are key to Myanmar's tourism, are expected to begin after the monsoon season, with offers of support from UNESCO, Japan, and China.

Truckloads of soldiers and police sealed off centuries-old Buddhist pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that damaged at least 187 temples. President Htin Kyaw visited the site to assess the damage and announced that UNESCO, Japan, and China have offered support for restoration. Despite the quake's magnitude, the overall humanitarian impact was low, with three confirmed deaths and limited structural damage outside Bagan. The earthquake's epicenter was near Chauk, and tremors were felt as far as Thailand, Bangladesh, and India. The tourism industry in Bagan is expected to remain largely unaffected.

Myanmar deployed soldiers and police to protect and rebuild ancient Buddhist pagodas in Bagan after a 6.8 magnitude earthquake damaged at least 187 temples. The quake, which struck near Chauk, resulted in three fatalities and caused limited overall damage. The International Red Cross is assisting but does not consider it a major emergency. Bagan, a key tourism site with thousands of pagodas, saw significant damage, prompting local authorities to assess and manage the situation.

Truckloads of soldiers and police sealed off centuries-old Buddhist pagodas in Bagan, Myanmar, following a 6.8 magnitude earthquake that damaged at least 187 temples. President Htin Kyaw visited the site, and authorities are assessing the damage. The quake, felt as far as Thailand, Bangladesh, and India, resulted in three fatalities and limited wider damage. The U.N.'s Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs and the International Red Cross are involved in the response, with no major international assistance requested. UNESCO, Japan, and China have offered support for restoration, which will begin after the monsoon season. Despite the damage, the impact on tourism is expected to be minimal.

Unsuccessful jade scavengers in Myanmar's Kachin state are increasingly turning to drug abuse, presenting a significant challenge for the newly elected government led by Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. The northern township of Hpakant, known for its high-quality jade, sees many 'handpickers' hoping to find overlooked precious stones, but instead, they often fall into narcotics addiction.

In Kachin state, Myanmar, unsuccessful jade scavengers are increasingly turning to heroin, exacerbating a drug abuse crisis. The influx of drug users, particularly among the youth, poses a significant challenge for Aung San Suu Kyi's newly elected government. Despite the government's claims of progress, activists argue that drug addiction remains rampant, with many young people falling victim. The military's control over key ministries complicates counter-narcotics efforts, as much of the drug production occurs in areas controlled by ethnic rebel armies or military-aligned militias. The United Nations reports steady opium production, highlighting the ongoing struggle to address the issue.

A group of young programmers in Myanmar, known as Team Pop Stack, has launched the country's first election app, MVoter2015, aimed at helping voters navigate the upcoming elections. The app targets Myanmar's growing number of Internet users, particularly on Facebook, and provides information on over 6,000 candidates. The initiative, which won a $4,000 prize in a competition organized by the Asia Foundation, addresses the lack of accessible information on the election commission's website. The app is especially beneficial for first-time voters and the younger generation.

Myanmar President Thein Sein met with leaders of ethnic minority guerrilla groups in Naypyitaw for ceasefire talks, marking his first public appearance since the start of the campaign for the Nov. 8 general elections. Achieving a ceasefire would be a significant political victory for Thein Sein and his ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party. However, experts suggest that a comprehensive agreement with all ethnic armies is unlikely. Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi has urged rebels to take their time to ensure lasting peace. Suu Kyi is also actively campaigning in Kayah state to support her party's candidates.

A Myanmar court sentenced New Zealander Phil Blackwood and his Myanmar colleagues, Htut Ko Ko Lwin and Tun Thurein, to two and a half years in jail with labor for insulting religion by using an image of Buddha wearing headphones to promote their bar. The verdict, amid rising Buddhist nationalism, was condemned by rights groups as an attack on freedom of expression. Blackwood's family and friends expressed their devastation and disbelief, while some Buddhist groups supported the sentence as a deterrent. The case highlights tensions between religious sensitivity and freedom of expression in Myanmar.

A Myanmar court sentenced New Zealander Phil Blackwood and his two Myanmar colleagues, Htut Ko Ko Lwin and Tun Thurein, to two and a half years in prison for insulting religion by using an image of Buddha to promote their bar. The verdict, condemned by rights groups as an attack on freedom of expression, comes amid rising Buddhist nationalism in Myanmar. The case has drawn comparisons to inflammatory remarks by prominent monk Wirathu, who has not faced charges. Despite reforms lifting restrictions on speech and media, the rise in Buddhist nationalism has primarily targeted the Muslim minority.

Myanmar released over a dozen students detained during a violent crackdown in Letpadan, where riot police arrested 127 protesters after a week-long standoff. The students were protesting an education bill they believed would limit academic freedom. The government plans to release a total of 27 students, while criminal charges against student leaders could incite further protests. The United States and European Union condemned the police violence, while the Myanmar government justified the crackdown as a legal obligation. Key figures include student protester Yin Mon Mon Aung and 88 Generation leader Ko Ko Gyi.