Western Resistance: Our Stupid Human Rights Policy Strikes Again

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September 3, 2005

Our Stupid Human Rights Policy Strikes Again

This is a five-month old story, but it is so representative, it deserves scrutinity. Here it is: Congress to question Thai rights record

WASHINGTON, April 18 (UPI) -- Thailand's poor human rights record and its support of the Myanmar regime may lead to worsening U.S.-Thai relations, Thai newspaper The Nation reported Monday. As the U.S. Congress debates whether to renew sanctions on Myanmar, Thailand's support of the Myanmar government is expected to come under intense scrutiny.
Republican and Democratic sources in Congress have said the Myanmar Freedom and Democracy Act, which has banned imports of Myanmar products to the United States since 2003, will be renewed because human rights abuses in that nation have worsened.

The investigation comes about because of the Thai government campaign against the Muslim rebels in its souther provinces. This is so typical; however many abuses Muslim countries commit, however many Christians are abused in Pakistan or Saudi Arabia, the United States Congress uses its investigative muscle to alienate a potential ally. This is appeasement at its worst.

Posted by Ruy Diaz at September 3, 2005 12:39 AM