วันเสาร์ที่ 31 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2554

2012 the Year of the Dragon: In with a mighty roar

Eugenia Last January 1, 2012 1:00 am
2012 the Year of the Dragon: In with a mighty roar

Other years might seem to drag on, but the Year of the Dragon has the potential to breathe life-shaping fire, to be magical, even mythical. Keep one eye on the calendar and the other on the stars.


ARIES March 21-April 19
Prepare to make interesting and life-altering changes. The limitations of the past are lifting, and it's vital that you position yourself strategically to take advantage of opportunities that arise. It's what you do during the first half of the year that will determine the end results. A new job, a higher earning potential and love are all highlighted during the second half of the year.
Love: Your romantic diversity brings long-lasting love.
Money: Market what you have to offer and reboot.
Health: Minor health issues and injuries can be expected.

TAURUS April 20-May 20
As the year progresses, you will find it increasingly easier to fix any mistakes or situations that were problematic. The effective use of your networking skills during the first half of the year will pay off in terms of experience and knowledge you accumulate. Don't be afraid to use a little muscle to get what you want. Accept the inevitable and you can make it work to your advantage.
Love: Rely on experience to help you choose wisely.
Money: What you learn can be turned into a prosperous pastime.
Health: Physical and mental headaches can be expected.

GEMINI May 21-June 20
Don't be slowed down by the little aggravations that challenge you. Discipline and hard work will bring greater rewards, peace of mind and sweet revenge. Love is highlighted, along with expanding your plans for the future. Nothing is impossible if you express your goals knowledgeably and implement them with moderation. Success will be the result if you allow your imagination to be the conduit for your willpower.
Love: Free-spirited, no boundaries and plenty of action.
Money: A serious budget and conservative investing.
Health: Overdoing + overindulgence equals poor health.

CANCER June 21-July 22
You will have to exert your will if you want to get things accomplished. Put a little extra muscle behind your every move and you will make a convincing argument that will help raise the support you need to achieve your goals. Change will be inevitable, and the sooner you accept and move on, the easier it will be to get your own plans up and running. Live life and be a participant, not a spectator.
Love: Use your imagination. Routine will not suffice.
Money: Invest in you, your surroundings and your future.
Health: Discipline will help you stay in shape.

LEO July 23-Aug. 22
Your thirst for knowledge and lifestyle change will lead you in a new direction. Reinventing who you are and what you do will bring you up to date and put you where the action is. Helping others will expand your interests as well as your friendships. Greater stability will come from chaos, followed by transformation. Expect the unexpected and accept the inevitable. You will master moderate extremism.
Love: Flighty, flirty and fun-filled. No boundaries, no promises.
Money: Easy come and easy go. Empty promises and disillusionment.
Health: Poor diagnosis warrants a second opinion.

VIRGO Aug. 23-Sept. 22
Consider what you have to accomplish and stick to your game plan. As the year progresses, you will be tempted to take on unrealistic ventures that could end up costing you emotionally, financially or physically. Use your creativity wisely and keep what you do simple, moderate and perfectly balanced. Focus your energy on work and family to ensure that both are protected from outside influences.
Love: An imaginative approach will keep your lover engaged.
Money: Moderation and a strict budget will be key.
Health: Simple pleasures. Overindulgence is the enemy.

LIBRA Sept. 23-Oct. 22
Your insight and hard work will start to pay off. What you have learned from experience will pave the way to your success. The tables are turning, and you will finally get your chance to explore the benefits of being the flavour of choice. Prepare to pursue those long-awaited changes with fervour. Fear of failure is the enemy; bravery is your friend.
Love: You make the rules and set the stage.
Money: Your intuition will lead to riches.
Health: Confidence, enthusiasm and participation equal good health.

SCORPIO Oct. 23-Nov. 21
Don't be fooled by what others do or say. Your intuition is kicking in, and you must follow your gut when it comes to personal decisions that can affect your lifestyle and financial investments. It's your turn to call the shots and to put pressure on those you feel owe you. A strong alliance with an old friend or partner will make your goals easier to obtain.
Love: Passion will follow if you show your strengths and your weaknesses.
Money: Think outside the box, offer something unique and you will prosper.
Health: Listen to your body. Immediate attention will deter problems.

SAGITTARIUS Nov. 22-Dec. 21
Be careful what you wish for. Change can be a two-way street. Confusion is likely to lead you down the wrong path. Talk to a trusted friend before you make a move you cannot reverse. Excessive behaviour and financial, physical or emotional temptation will be your downfall. Bide your time, observe, listen to good advice and make the smart choice. Patience will be your saving grace.
Love: Hot, inviting and intense. Volatile and unconventional.
Money: Less is more. Saving and budgeting are a must.
Health: Minor setbacks due to overindulgence and injury.

CAPRICORN Dec. 22-Jan. 19
Take stock of your assets and liabilities so you can add the finishing touches that will bring your situation greater stability. Being responsible and using unique methods will grab attention and make an impression that leads to success. Do your due diligence during the first half of the year, and once everything is in place, you will be able to coast along and enjoy the ride.
Love: Aggressive action will bring passionate results.
Money: Know your limits, calculate strategically and play to win.
Health: A fast pace will keep you fit and out of harm's way.

AQUARIUS Jan. 20-Feb. 18
Prepare to reassess, review and redo. A serious look at your past, present and future will help you put your life in perspective and set realistic goals. You will advance quickly once your direction is clear. New beginnings and projects will confirm that you are on the right track. Greater success will unfold as you take advantage of the opportunities that are offered to you.
Love: An abundance of opportunities and choices may lead to confusion.
Money: Knowledge will lead to greater wealth.
Health: Discipline and strength of character will equal good health.

PISCES Feb. 19-March 20)
Work and personal partnerships must be looked at carefully. Consider what you give and what you get back from the people you deal with daily. Cut your emotional, physical and financial losses in order to move on to more rewarding times. Too much of anything will work against you. Find ways to get the most for the least. You must put your own needs first.
Love: Verify what's offered and what you'll give back.
Money: Settlements, hard work and good negotiations pay off.
Health: Do what you are told and avoid repercussions.
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North Korea country profile


Map of North Korea

For decades North Korea has been one of the world's most secretive societies. It is one of the few countries still under nominally communist rule.
North Korea's nuclear ambitions have exacerbated its rigidly maintained isolation from the rest of the world.
The country emerged in 1948 amid the chaos following the end of World War II. Its history is dominated by its Great Leader, Kim Il-sung, who shaped political affairs for almost half a century.

Overview


After the Korean War, Kim Il-sung introduced the personal philosophy of Juche, or self-reliance, which became a guiding light for North Korea's development. Kim Il-sung's son, Kim Jong-il, is now head of state, but the post of president has been assigned "eternally" to his late father.
AT-A-GLANCE
Parade in Pyongyang marking 60th anniversary of ruling party, 2005
Politics: Supreme leader Kim Jong-il heads a secretive, communist regime which tolerates no dissent
Economy: North Korea's command economy is dilapidated, hit by natural disasters, poor planning and a failure to modernise
International: The armistice of 1953 ended armed conflict on the Korean peninsular, but the two Koreas are technically still at war; tensions have been exacerbated in recent decades by North Korea's nuclear ambitions
Timeline
Decades of this rigid state-controlled system have led to stagnation and a leadership dependent on the cult of personality.
Aid agencies have estimated that up to two million people have died since the mid-1990s because of acute food shortages caused by natural disasters and economic mismanagement. The country relies on foreign aid to feed millions of its people.
The totalitarian state also stands accused of systematic human rights abuses. Reports of torture, public executions, slave labour, and forced abortions and infanticides in prison camps have emerged. A US-based rights group has estimated that there are up to 200,000 political prisoners in North Korea.
Pyongyang has accused successive South Korean governments of being US "puppets", but South Korean President Kim Dae-jung's visit in 2000 signalled a thaw in relations. Seoul's "sunshine policy" towards the north aimed to encourage change through dialogue and aid.
Nuclear tensions
This tentative reaching-out to the world was dealt a blow in 2002 by Pyongyang's decision to reactivate a nuclear reactor and to expel international inspectors.
In October 2006 North Korea said it had successfully tested a nuclear weapon, spreading alarm throughout the region.
Since then, intensive diplomatic efforts have aimed to rein in North Korea's nuclear ambitions. After years of on-and-off talks, a deal was thrashed out in February 2007 under which Pyongyang agreed to shut down its main nuclear reactor in return for aid and diplomatic concessions.
But negotiations stalled as North Korea accused its negotiating partners - the US, South Korea, Japan, China and Russia - of failing to meet agreed obligations.
Tensions between North Korea and the rest of the world increased steadily again from late 2008 onwards, especially after the new South Korean president, Lee Myung-bak, ended his predecessor's "sunshine policy" of rapprochement with the North.
In April 2009 North Korea walked out of international talks aimed at ending its nuclear activities. The following month the country carried out its second ever underground nuclear test and announced that it no longer considered itself bound by the terms of the 1953 truce that ended the war between the two Koreas.
Tensions reached a new high in spring 2010, when the South accused North Korea of being responsible for sinking one of its warships, the Cheonan, and cut off all cross-border trade. Pyongyang denied the claims, and in turn severed all ties with Seoul.
After the US imposed tough sanctions in August, the North began to make overtures again. Kim Jong-il signalled a readiness to resume six-party nuclear talks during a visit to China, and indicated a willingness to accept Southern aid to cope with major flood damage.
However, a serious cross-border clash in November 2010, in which two South Korean marines were killed, threatened to set relations back once more.
North Korea maintains one of the world's largest standing armies and militarism pervades everyday life. But standards of training, discipline and equipment in the force are said to be low.

Facts



  • Full name: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea
  • Population: 23.9 million (UN, 2010)
  • Capital: Pyongyang
  • Area: 122,762 sq km (47,399 sq miles)
  • Major language: Korean
  • Major religions: Mainly atheist or non-religious, traditional beliefs
  • Life expectancy: 76 years (men), 83 years (women) (UN)
  • Monetary unit: 1 won = 100 chon
  • Main exports: Minerals and metals, cement, agricultural products
  • GNI per capita: n/a
  • Internet domain: .kp
  • International dialling code: +850

Leaders


Eternal president: Kim Il-sung (deceased)
Chairman, National Defence Commission: Kim Jong-il
Beyond the elaborate personality cult through which he rules, little is known about Kim Jong-il's character.
Kim Jong-il
"Dear Leader" Kim Jong-il
He is rarely photographed and is almost never heard in radio and TV broadcasts.
After the death of Kim Il-sung in 1994, Kim Jong-il did not immediately assume his father's titles; there were reports that Kim Il-sung's first choice as successor was the younger brother, Kim Yong-ju. Kim Jong-il eventually became head of the Korean Workers' Party in 1997.
He is credited with writing six operas in two years, and with personally designing the huge Juche tower in Pyongyang.
In recent years he has met several world leaders, including the South Korean president and the Japanese prime minister. He has attended summits in Moscow and Beijing.
Mr Kim is sometimes caricatured as a reclusive playboy with bouffant hair, platform shoes and a taste for cognac.
There has been speculation about his health. Mr Kim is said to have gastric problems arising from his love of spicy food. Other reports suggest that he has liver problems.
Rumours of poor health were given fresh impetus when Mr Kim failed to appear at a parade to mark North Korea's 60th anniversary in October 2008.
Kim Jong-il's youngest son, Kim Jong-un
Kim Jong-un is widely seen as being groomed to succeed his father
These rumours in their turn gave rise to intense speculation over which member of Mr Kim's family was most likely to succeed him. His youngest son, Kim Jong-un, gradually emerged as the favourite, and by September 2010 he was widely regarded as the heir apparent.
Kim Jong-il was born in Siberia in 1941 during his father's period of exile in the former Soviet Union.
But official North Korean accounts say he was born in a log cabin at his father's guerrilla base on the country's highest mountain - an event marked by a double rainbow and a new star in the sky.

Media


Radio and TV sets in North Korea are pre-tuned to government stations that pump out a steady stream of propaganda. The state has been dubbed the world's worst violator of press freedom by the media rights body Reporters Without Borders (RSF).
The totalitarian regime in North Korea keeps its people in a state of ignorance through tight control of the media
Reporters Without Borders
Meagre media for North Koreans
Press outlets and broadcasters - all of them under direct state control - serve up a menu of flattering reports about Kim Jong-il and his daily agenda. North Korea's economic hardships or famines are not reported.
Ordinary North Koreans caught listening to foreign broadcasts risk harsh punishments, such as forced labour. The authorities attempt to jam foreign-based and dissident radio stations.
The "only glimmer of hope", according to RSF, is the "communications black market" on the North Korean-Chinese border. Recordings of South Korean TV soaps and films are said to circulate.
North Korea has a minimal internet presence. The web pages of official news agency KCNA are hosted by the agency's bureau in Japan.
Online access is "exceedingly rare", and limited to sites that comprise the domestic intranet, says OpenNet Initiative. Content is chosen, and user activity monitored, by the authorities.
North Korea is one of RSF's "Enemies of the Internet". North Korean journalists are active on blog sites hosted in Japan and South Korea, the organisation says.
A South Korean newspaper has said the North is believed to employ up to 1,000 hackers targeting other nations.
There is a 3G mobile phone service - a joint venture with an Egyptian firm. Take-up has proved popular among wealthier citizens in Pyongyang.
The press
  • Rodong Sinmun (Labour Daily) - organ of Korean Workers' Party
  • Joson Inmingun (Korean People's Army Daily)
  • Minju Choson (Democratic Korea) - government organ
  • Rodongja Sinmum (Workers' Newspaper) - organ of trade union federation
Television and radio
  • Korean Central Broadcasting Station - radio station of Korean Workers' Party
  • Korean Central TV - TV station of Korean Workers' Party
  • Mansudae TV - cultural station
  • Voice of Korea - state-run external service, via shortwave
News agency



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Flag of North KoreaTimeline: North Korea
A chronology of key events

COUNTRY PROFILES

A GUIDE TO ASIA-PACIFIC

 

 

Compiled by BBC Monitoring

Kim Jong-il dead

Background

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วันศุกร์ที่ 30 ธันวาคม พ.ศ. 2554

Gold and antimony in KNU areas attract investors

Wednesday, 21 December 2011
Chiang Mai (Mizzima)– Gold and antimony mining permits are being sought by companies interested in exploring and operating mines in Karen National Union (KNU) controlled areas.

The KNU operates seven brigades, and gold can be extracted in areas controlled by Brigade No. 2, 3, 5. Antimony can be extracted in areas controlled by Brigade No. 1, 4, 6.

Currently, antimony is being extracted in Dupalaya District controlled by Brigade No. 6. The area controlled by KNU brigade No. 7 also has potential to produce iron and antimony, officials said.

Companies operating mines in KNU areas pay taxes to the KNU Mining Department. Some companies are now carrying out initial explorations.

“Some companies use intermediaries to negotiate. Other companies use their connections in border areas. They talk about how they will divide the profits,” a senior KNU officer told Mizzima. He declined to give the companies names.

KNU Vice Chairman David Thackerbaw told Mizzima, “When the government held peace talk with us, some businessmen acted as intermediaries. Some intermediaries think that they will gain an advantage from both sides.”

The Dawei Development Project including the US$ 58 billion Dawei deep-sea port project is in the area of KNU Brigade No. 4.

At least eight companies including the Thuwunna Company and Lin Phone Pyi Company now operate antimony mines in Kyainseikkyi and Kawkareik townships in areas controlled by KNU Brigade No. 6, residents told Mizzima.

Saw Than Kyaw Oo, the former chairman of the Phalon-Sawaw Democratic Party (PSDP) who resigned to form a new party, the Kayin Democratic Party (KDP), has operated antimony mines in Hlaingbwe Township in the area of KNU Brigade No. 7.

“The antimony produced by us is sold inside the country,” he told Mizzima. “The antimony is sent to me, and then I send it to Rangoon. Mostly, we run the mines in Kyainseikkyi under an agreement with the KNU.”

Meanwhile, KNU joint General-Secretary Major Saw Hla Ngwe said that the central government’s decision on affairs regarding the mines in the KNU areas would be clarified only after peace talks with the central government. He said the KNU wants a genuine cease-fire based on political solutions.

“The issue [regarding the mines] and the delay to establish a cease-fire are not related. We have not thought about development work [businesses]. To get a genuine cease-fire, we need to talk about politics,” he said.

On Wednesday, central government representatives and KNU representatives held preliminary peace talks on the Thai-Burmese border to discuss a cease-fire.
The government delegation was led by Aung Min. General Mutu Saypo, Pado Rtoe and Pado David Htaw led the KNU delegation. In January, the two sides will hold official peace talks in Hpaan in Karen State.

According to a report by Burma’s Environmental Working Group in June: The Burmese government maintains that “all naturally occurring minerals found either on or under the soil of any land on the continental shelf are deemed to be owned by the state.” The mining sector is directed by the Myanmar Ministry of Mines whose various branches investigate potential mineral deposits and grant mining concessions to close partners including regional commanders, the Burmese private sector, and some cease-fire groups. Since 1988, when the economy was opened up to foreign investment, the Ministry of Mines began to encourage local and foreign investment in the mining industry.

Very little information on the hundreds of official and unofficial mining concessions given by Burma’s Ministry of Mines to local and foreign investors (mostly Chinese enterprises) in the past 20 years is available to the public. Many of the mining companies have friendly ties to non-state armed groups all across the nation.

One reason that the extent of China’s stake in Burma’s mining sector is incredibly complicated to gauge is that a sizeable portion of mining operations in the country are smaller in scale, remote, and difficult to access.

Due to the lack of laws and regulations protecting the environment against the impacts of mining, mining poses a grave threat to the mountainous regions in the north and delicate coastal areas where tin is collected. Up until about 20 years ago, mining operations were relatively small in scale and cause minimal impacts to the environment.

Traditional methods of mining for gold, gems, and other valuable minerals rely mostly on shovels, picks, pans and screen. For the past two decades, there has been a shift towards large- scale and much more environmentally destructive techniques.
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The World's Longest Ongoing War
(An Al Jazeera/Mizzima Production)
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What will happen in 2012 Burma politics?

Friday, 30 December 2011 21:21 Salai Z T Lian
                                                                                                                                            
(Commentary) – The way the political game was played in 2011 will have a huge impact in 2012 Burma politics. 2011 was the year Burma took on a new political shape from dictatorship to quasi-civilian government. Right after the quasi-civilian Burmese government came in to power amid alleged fraud votes, the most powerful military chief, Senior Gen Than Shwe and Vice Senior Gen Maung Aye, were technically retired from their post.

Throughout 2011, the quasi-civilian Burmese government has continuously showed that it was changing and they were not the same with the previous government. It suspended controversial U$ 3.6 billion Myintsone dam project. It announced a peace offer to ethnic armed groups. President Thein Sein met with opposite leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi. It relaxed media censorship somewhat. It granted amnesty including about 200 political prisoners. It secured the rotating Asean chair for 2014. It amended the political registration law, and the NLD left the 1990 elections result behind and re-registered as a political party. Some ethnic armed groups formed the UNFC to face the Burmese government. Burmese soldiers launched offensive wars against the KIA and SSA (N).  It engaged in several talks with non-cease-fire groups and reached a ceasefire with UWSA, NDAA-ESS, SSA(S) and the DKBA, but UNCF members still are in talks with Burmese government. It formed the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission (MNHRC). Unlike previous Burmese governments, the quasi-civilian Burmese government officials including President Thein Sein’s advisors have interactions with domestic media, exile media and the foreign media. Also, many foreign diplomats such as US secretary Hillary Clinton were in and out in the country.

The reforms that it has taken may be fake or a strategic show or whatever in 2011, but it was welcomed with caution and calls for further change.

 It is important to analyze the possible 2012 Burmese government policy   based on what it has done in 2011. It changed political party registration law in 2011, and it shows it has the capacity of changing   the rules or laws in future if it wants to do so. The so-called lower house and upper house are neither the real decision-makers nor lawmakers; they are instead just for democratic style show. In fact, President Thein Sein, Vice President Thiha Thura  Tin Aung Myint and U Khin Aung Myint, and Thura Shwe Mann are the decision makers and the main players in the government body. Among them, President Thein Sein and Thura Shwe Mann will be popular again in 2012 as the moderate and reformer.

So, instead of trying to change something in those two houses of Parliament, Daw Aung San Suu  Kyi and opposite groups should try to convince them, if they  are elected as MPs and want to change any law or rule. Of course, finding asolution in those two houses is theoretical right, but it could be a waste of time since the main players are  decision-makers and policy-makers rather than the  upper house and lower house. It is the reality of how the Burmese government is functioning.  Until the next general election, we will likely see the same Burmese government with the same leadership style.

If it granted amnesty to all of political prisoners including the 88-generation group in 2012, the democratic movement and national reconciliation process will move faster. 88-generation group members were in fact the de facto ones who organized the 8888 uprising and 2007 demonstration. It is important to note that many Burmese politicians and activists still believe people power is the only solution to end the era of dictatorship in Burma. Of course, the Arab spring successes were because of people power.

Without Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, change for Burma may look impossible and unimaginable, but Burmese people have the power to change Burma. They need to realize that they cannot depend on her alone to change the country, and then they can empower themselves and finally they can bring down the quasi-civilian government like the Arab spring ended dictators’ era in Tunisia, Egypt and Libya. If they wait for Daw Aung San Suu Kyi to change Burma, it be like watching a very long and boring movie without knowing when it will end. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi will not encourage mass demonstrations against the government as long as the relationship between her and government is good. Government officials likely will tell her to help them maintain stability.

Daw Aung San Suu Kyi seems well prepared to promote her party campaign with the help of artists in 2012. She has met with many actors and actress, singers, composers and directors in 2011. Her road to Parliament will not be difficult one, but how much she can make difference in parliament is questionable because of 75 per cent USDP and 25 per cent military members.
Exiled political and human rights groups need to reassess how they should campaign in 2012 as their funders will likely turn to  organizations inside Burma.

If the Burmese government granted amnesty to all of political prisoners in 2012, more and more exiles will return to Burma. Their return will significantly impact Burma politics inside and outside Parliament.  Their return will mean very much for Burmese people and their country. However, they will face a hot debate with their opponents, who were never in exile, over why they left the country when it was bad if they enter into the Burmese political arena.  It doesn’t mean they are not welcome, but it means they will face such challenges.

Burma tied with Afghanistan as the world’s second most corrupt nation. The culture of the corrupt society will be a continued challenge to government again in 2012. Anti-corruption will not end in Burma as long as no action against current and former government officials is taken. It could take at least a decade to end the corrupt culture in business and government offices. The most significant step for anti-corruption will be to bring corrupt upper echelons officials and their cronies to account, and the previous corrupt officials, including the then Senior-General Than Shwe and former Vice Senior Gen Maung Aye, to justice. It will also serve a very strong warning that no one is allowed to be corruptfor any reason. In 2012 or during his tenure, President Thein Sein will probably try to enforce his clean government and good governance policy that could bring them to justice. Otherwise, President Thein Sein speech on clean government and good governance in 2011 will not apply to anyone including the past and present corrupt officials.

Since Burma is the second poorest country in Asia, after Afghanistan, President Thein Sein’s poverty reduction effort can’t dramatically make changes as long as Western sanctions remain, as long as the corrupt culture in the country is not eradicated, and as long as the civil wars are not stopped in border areas. 

The government’s peace offer to ethnic armed groups in 2011 could convince the UWSA, NDAA-ESS, SSA(S) and DKBA to sign cease-fire agreements, but the UNFC members including two of the strongest ethnic armed groups, the KIA and KNU, couldn’t reach cease-fire agreements, with the government. It shows that the Burmese government will likely reconsider its approach to non-ceasefire groups.  The deal with ethnic armed groups, especially the UNFC members, will not be enough, and it must include a promising political dialogue with incentives. Probably, the UNFC members will continue talking with the government; but they will likely stick to the principles of the UNFC. It means each group can engage separately in talks with the government, but in order to reach the final peace agreement, they will likely remain united and tell the government to seek agreements through the UNFC. There is a possibility that the government will at least sit down with the UNFC to talk.

President Thein Sein may take a risk on his reform process, including a change of Burmese military leadership. That’s the risk that he must take if he really wants to work out his reform process.

The government will try to better its relationship with the international community, and to push to end Western sanctions in 2012, telling the international community including USA that its relationship with Daw Aung San Suu Kyi is smooth, and it has signed cease-fire agreements with some ethnic armed groups and it is still trying to sign cease-fires with non-ceasefire groups, it has released political prisoners, and it has improved its human rights record, so now is time to end their sanctions against Burma.

Burma politics is complicated, some even call it sick politics. The conflicts and ethnic issues also remain unresolved and civil wars will continue with human rights abuses. The government has a lot to do to improve its human rights record. On mainstream politics, Suu Kyi and her party are preparing to enter Parliament in 2012. She can be a political mentor and counselor who can push government officials for change in Burma.   What will really happen in 2012 Burma politics is unpredictable. However, it is sure that there will be many things to follow during the 2012 political game. 2012 will likely be the decisive year of Burma that determines if it really moves toward democracy or not.
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North Korea tells world to 'expect no change'

Kim Jong-un, pictured on 29 December 2011 North Korea's new leader Kim Jong-un is an unknown quantity - making neighbours worried

Kim Jong-il dead

North Korea has told the international community not to "expect any change" in the wake of Kim Jong-il's death.
The message came in a statement carried by state media and attributed to the powerful National Defence Commission.
"We declare solemnly and confidently that the foolish politicians around the world, including the puppet group in South Korea, should not expect any change from us," it said.
Kim Jong-il died on 17 December of a heart attack, state media said.
He had ruled North Korea since the death of his father Kim Il-sung in 1994. Under him funds were channelled to the military and North Korea conducted two nuclear tests.
His son, Kim Jong-un, has been named "supreme leader of the party, state and army".
'Unforgivable'
North Korea's neighbours are watching to see whether the leadership change will affect Pyongyang's ties with the international community.
The impoverished communist state remains technically at war with South Korea and is isolated on the international stage because of its dire human rights record and pursuit of nuclear weapons.
Six-nation talks aimed at ending Pyongyang's nuclear ambitions - involving the two Koreas, China, the US, Russia and Japan - have been stalled for months.
The statement from the NDC - which is thought to be the country's top decision-making body - said North Korea would "never deal" with South Korean leader Lee Myung-bak.
Mr Lee has angered Pyongyang by linking the provision of aid to progress on denuclearisation.
The NDC also criticised Seoul's "unforgivable" decision to allow only two non-official delegations to cross the border to pay their respects to Mr Kim.
Diplomatic flurry
Amid regional concern, the US is to send one of its top diplomats to East Asia to discuss the situation in North Korea.
Kurt Campbell will hold talks in Beijing, Seoul and Tokyo from 3-7 January, the State Department said.
Mr Campbell, who is the Assistant Secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, will be the most senior US official to visit the region since Kim Jong-il died.
The US and South Korean defence chiefs, meanwhile, spoke for 20 minutes about issues on the Korean peninsula on Thursday.
The two "shared the view that peace and stability on the Korean peninsula is our overarching priority and agreed to maintain close co-operation and co-ordination in the weeks and months ahead", the Pentagon said in a statement.
On Thursday North Korea held a national memorial service for Kim Jong-il, ending the period of mourning.
Hundreds of thousands of North Korean troops and citizens lined up for the ceremony in Pyongyang's main square.
Top party and military officials hailed Kim Jong-un, the young and politically inexperienced new leader, in front of the huge crowd.
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Homs in grief after 'eye of truth' dies

By Salma Abdelaziz, CNN
December 30, 2011 -- Updated 2103 GMT (0503 HKT)
Syrian citizen journalist Basil al Sayid was reportedly shot and killed by Syrian security forces in Homs.
STORY HIGHLIGHTS
  • Al Sayid recorded videos of checkpoints and snipers
  • A carpenter by training, he repaired houses during the siege
  • A sniper shot and killed the videographer
  • Unlike many activists, he never joined a political party
(CNN) -- Armed with valor, vigor and a lone video camera, citizen journalist Basil al Sayid chronicled the Syrian siege of Homs for months before a sniper picked him off and killed him.
Now, the city is mourning a man some call the "eye of truth."
"He was a very brave young man and he wanted to specialize in a certain angle of the revolution," said Omar Shakir, a pseudonym for a close friend and colleague in Baba Amr, a Homs neighborhood at the center of anti-government ferment. "He chose to be a videographer because he was courageous. The minute you hold a camera you are a target for snipers."
Amateur video has been a weapon of choice for activists confronting the Bashar al-Assad regime.
Since the anti-regime uprising began percolating in March, they've gotten the message out of Syria about the government's crackdown every day with graphic videos. The videos contain sights of violence and piercing voice-overs from narrators.
Syrian civilians face fight for supplies
Syria's 'Eye of Truth' shot dead
Syrian army defectors defend Homs
Exclusive: Government snipers prowl Homs
Warning: Multiple graphic images
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Defiance, death in Homs (Part 1) Defiance, death in Homs (Part 1)
CNN cannot independently confirm the authenticity of social media video out of Syria, and authorities have not granted CNN access inside Syria.
The 24-year-old captured chilling scenes, and Baba Amr residents came to recognize his emphatic voice on the narration. Homs, Syria's third-largest city, has become an epicenter of the uprising and a symbol of resistance.
"He was truly the eye of truth," Shakir said. "Thousands of people saw the truth through his camera lens. We divided the neighborhood of Baba Amr into ten sections and each cameraman would be responsible for filming one of the sections. He had one of the most dangerous areas. He would film checkpoints, military movements, and snipers on the roof."
Al Sayid died on Tuesday after he was shot and wounded last week. His final video was a clip of the moments around the time the young activist was hit.
"He was at a shabiha checkpoint when Syrian security forces began firing randomly on civilian areas and local shops," his cousin told CNN, referring to pro-regime militias.
"He wanted to get a closer shot to prove the military was shelling and shooting with impunity, and he did not see there was a sniper above the roof. He was shot in the head," said the source, who didn't want to be named for security reasons.
Another video surfaced showing his mother and relatives mourning over his corpse in a body bag.
"May God take revenge upon you Bashar," a voice on the video said, referring to Syria's president.
A carpenter by training, al Sayid volunteered his services to citizens during the government crackdown. He fixed damaged homes and transported medical equipment for wounded demonstrators on his motorcycle.
"He was a very brave man and a true hero. He loved only good things for people. Basil would participate in every demonstration and would always help the wounded. Despite the risks, he would help transport food staples and deliver bread to families in need." his cousin said.
Al Sayid cooperated with dozens of opposition groups during the Homs siege. Unlike many activists, he never became a member of a political party.
"He wanted his work to be only for God and not for any political group or agenda. He would always tell me there are only two options for us martyrdom or victory," his cousin told CNN.
The Syrian government was not immediately available for comment
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