AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
The Global Story
The undercover rebels in Myanmar's military
Dec 24, 2024
Rebecca Henschke, a BBC journalist known for her investigative work on the Myanmar resistance, joins Soe Win Than, editor of the BBC's Burmese service, to discuss the changing dynamics of Myanmar's military and the rise of a potent resistance movement. They delve into how young activists, driven by a crushed political landscape, have taken up arms and adopted guerrilla warfare. Insights on the role of spies, aptly dubbed 'watermelons,' reveal their strategic importance in undermining military operations. Despite victories, the path to freedom remains fraught with challenges.
26:29
Episode guests
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- Myanmar's military now controls less than a quarter of the country, showcasing the effectiveness of the resistance movement led by young activists.
- The emergence of spies known as 'watermelon' soldiers has enhanced the rebel forces' intelligence-gathering capabilities, challenging military authority from within.
Deep dives
Aung San Suu Kyi's Fall from Grace
Aung San Suu Kyi was initially celebrated as a symbol of hope and democracy in Myanmar after decades of military oppression, earning international acclaim, including the Nobel Peace Prize. However, her tenure as leader revealed troubling concessions to the military, which turned her into an international pariah as she appeared complicit in the military's brutal actions against the Rohingya population. Even as atrocities were highlighted by global watchdogs, she downplayed the situation, stating that the term 'ethnic cleansing' was too strong to describe the military's actions. Ultimately, her government was overthrown in a coup in 2021, leading to her imprisonment and the reinstatement of a harsh military regime.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode