US has done nothing to stop Myanmar abuses: Analyst

Source Presstv, 1 Dec

An analyst says the United States has "done nothing" to halt the ongoing "persecution and massacre" of Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar.

Ibrahim Moussawi, a political commentator, said in an interview from Beirut that the administration of President Barack Obama has failed to take any "solid action" against the ongoing human rights abuses in Myanmar.

The analyst said that Washington has failed "to exercise pressure" or "impose embargos" when it comes to the rights violations by the government in Myanmar. 

Moussawi strongly criticized President Obama for paying a visit to Myanmar, saying the visit has been considered an endorsement for the country's military-dominated regime.

"I believe the American president shouldn't have visited the country in the very first place," he said.

Obama travelled to Myanmar in November 2012, when he praised the country for its transition but called for progress on reforms, particularly in the treatment of ethnic minorities.

Moussawi also blamed Saudi Arabia and some Arab monarchies of the Persian Gulf region for their inaction over the ongoing abuses in Myanmar.

Lawrence J. Korb, a foreign policy and national security analyst, who was another guest participating at the debate, defended the Obama administration's record on Myanmar, saying the US president has been an outspoken critic of the atrocities against Rohingya Muslims.

Rohingya Muslims in Myanmar have been persecuted and faced torture, neglect, and repression since the country's independence in 1948.

Myanmar's government has been repeatedly criticized by human rights groups for failing to protect the Rohingya Muslims. A new report says Myanmar's Muslims face death threats and slavery at the hand of human traffickers while fleeing persecution at home.

JR/HJL/HRB