Myanmar's Longing For An Identity

Since the beginning of time, many people have suffered and died from trying to preserve their race and identity. One can hope that at some point humanity will find an ultimate peaceful solution. One case in point is the unfolding Rohingya crisis in Myanmar (Burma). World citizens have criticized the Nobel Peace Prize Winner, Aung San Suu Kyi, and wondered what exactly has gone wrong in Myanmar.

Where China Meets India by Thant Myint Oo is a book that explains Myanmar’s conflicted humanitarian crisis, its current precarious situation and future hopes. Thant Myint Oo, a writer, historian, and former UN official, is the grandson of U Thant, a Burmese diplomat and the third Secretary-General of the United Nations from 1961 to 1971. It is a true honor to read Thant’s book on Myanmar.

Descriptions of the landscapes, cities, and people Thant visited in Myanmar as well as bordering China and India are beautiful and engaging. Located between two Asian giants -- India and China -- Myanmar has faced both advantages and disadvantages politically, economically, and socially, creating an identity crisis. Where China Meets India is a great book in which the author’s intellectual depth covers the humanitarian crisis, the complicated political regime, the people’s longing for their identity, and a democratic future in a golden land called Myanmar.