A Path to Peace in Myanmar

As Myanmar spirals further into civil war, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) stands at a defining crossroads. The region cannot afford to remain passive while Myanmar’s military junta intensifies its assaults under the guise of so-called “temporary ceasefires”. These declarations are not peace—they are pretexts. Airstrikes and scorched earth tactics continue with impunity, while international actors too often confuse propaganda with progress.

ASEAN must chart a bold, realistic course—one grounded not in abstract declarations, but in tangible, courageous diplomacy. This begins with the deployment of a focused, principled military mission. I propose an ASEAN military delegation led by a senior Malaysian general, with respected officers from Thailand, Indonesia and the Philippines. Their task: to engage with all sides of the conflict as impartial observers—not to fight, but to listen, assess and open the doors to dialogue.