History is repeating itself in Burma—20 years after the end of Ne Win’s socialist government the present regime is making the same mistake as the one that led to the former dictator’s downfall. From its power base in Naypyidaw, the current military regime is handing down administrative edicts without any regard for the consequences they hold for the Burmese people.

In September 1987, the socialist government unwisely announced the demonetization of the bank notes 25, 35 and 75 kyat, leaving the people with no money in their pockets and leading to the civil unrest that climaxed with the 1988 nationwide uprising.

The similarities between then and now are clear.

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