The Foreign Service Journal, December 2007

D E C E M B E R 2 0 0 7 / F O R E I G N S E R V I C E J O U R N A L 13 than even most optimists dare to hope.” He also asserts that it will “reduce the Medicare deficits that pose an even greater threat to the long-term fiscal health of the U.S. Treasury than Social Security.” Moving abroad does not mean expatriates lose a say on issues that affect them. The Association of Americans Resident Overseas, a nonpartisan association representing members in 21 countries urges Con- gress to take into account the con- tributions, needs and issues of Ameri- cans abroad ( www.aaro.org ) . AARO is currently working to secure Medi- care coverage for eligible Americans residing overseas. Without language fluency or family connections to their new country, retirees may find integrating themselves into local communities difficult. Fortunately, however, many cities have large expat communities. The Internet has made it easier for expats to stay in touch with family and connect with other Americans abroad. Expat Communities ( www. expatcommunities.com ) , a direct- ory including more than 100 coun- tries, provides links to expatriate organizations, online forums and local newspapers. Online classified ads feature real estate, financial services, language lessons and domestic help (see www.expatriates.com ) . Guides are also available on for- eign residency requirements, proper- ty laws and security concerns — for example, www.liveabroad.com . —Marc Nielsen, Editorial Intern Burma: An Olympic Challenge Aug. 8, 2008, will mark the start of the Beijing Olympic Games, almost exactly 20 years to the day after the Burmese military junta put down student-led protests, killing more than 1,000 people. The September demon- strations in Burma (renamed Myan- mar by the junta) brought world attention to the isolated country and prompted calls for Chinese interven- tion. What started out as a protest over increased fuel prices grew into nationwide marches calling for national reconciliation. Thousands of Burmese took to the streets, em- boldened by maroon-clad monks demanding regime change. The ensuing military crackdown was reminiscent of 1988, when at least 1,000 protesters were killed and thousands imprisoned — most nota- bly, opposition leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize laureate. So far, the regime has arrested more than 3,000 protesters and admitted to killing 10, but diplomats and dissidents say many more have died. Students and activists used e- mail, blogs and cell-phone cameras to document military actions until the government cut telephone lines and blocked Internet and e-mail access. But using high-resolution satellite images, the American Association for the Advancement of Science has confirmed field reports of destroyed villages, forced relocations and a growing military presence (the full report can be accessed at www.aaas. org/news/releases/2007/media/09 28burma_report.pdf ). Following the September visit of the U.N.’s special envoy, Ibrahim Gambari, the Security Council offici- ally deplored the junta’s use of vio- lence and called for the release of all political prisoners, urging the govern- ment to engage opposition parties in dialog ( www.un.org/News/Press/ docs/2007/sc9139.doc.htm ). Reiterating its commitment to non-interference, Beijing threatened to veto any sanctions against the regime. The junta’s largest trading partner, China aims to ensure access to the country’s timber, oil, gas reserves and precious stones. Beijing also relies on the junta for access to the Bay of Bengal and the Andaman Sea — which the Chinese military monitors. In addition to unwavering diplomatic support, the PRC’s ties to the junta have been strengthened with billions of dollars in investment, trade and weapons sales. In an attempt to counter Chinese influence, India has provided the junta with light artillery, tanks, recon- naissance aircraft and small arms. Currently Burma’s fourth-largest trad- Site of the Month: www.opensecrets.org The 2008 candidates seeking to become president have raised record amounts of money, and the race seems on track to reach an unprecedented $1 billion total. While trying to determine where the candidates stand on an issue can be difficult, finding out their bottom line just got easier. Opensecrets.org conducts computer-based research on campaign finance issues with the aim of creating a more educated voter, an involved citizenry and a more responsive government. The organization compiles political contri- butions from more than 80 different industries and provides financial data for congressional, senatorial and presidential races. A project of the Center for Responsive Politics, opensecrets.org is a non- partisan, nonprofit group. Based in Washington D.C., CRP is funded by the Pew Charitable Trusts, the Carnegie Corporation of New York, foundation grants and individual contributions. It does not accept money from corporations, labor unions, political parties or other interest groups. —Marc Nielsen, Editorial Intern C Y B E R N O T E S