RICE: INCOME GENERATOR/CULTURAL STAPLE: "Is rice to be seen solely as an income generating export commodity or in the light of its cultural importance: a staple food diet, an ingrained traditional form of living, a recipient of ceremonies, blessings and entreaties, and a source of happiness and prosperity. Nowhere are these two concepts more evidently in conflict than in military ruled Burma where the government exports rice, beyond its means, to generate income for its ruthless military, while its farming population produce the rice, amid traditional forms of farming and with a respect for its integral part to their belief system..."...SARS, SADDAM AND THE FORGOTTEN DISEASES...RESPONSES FROM THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY WHAT DO ALL SIDES NEED? ["The following observations are a result of the recent discussion generated after the ?No Place to Go? video screening by Burma Issues in Bangkok. The role of the international community and the responses the NGO community want from them are a constant topic of debate that seems to generate little new discussion. Burma Issues would therefore encourage any return observations, criticisms and dialogue on this topic. We only ask that you make it constructive...]...THREE COUNTRIES IN ONE DAY: - a trip from Thailand to Karen State and Burma...News Briefs: Junta announces end to rice procurement; Karen rebels sabotage gas pipeline; Protestor in British embassy