For Urgen Tenzin, the United States and Western powers have a “moral obligation” towards democracy and human rights. He is disappointed by the US president’s visit to Asia. Too concerned about the economic crisis, the US leader did not defend democratic values. Japan has been able to reconcile development and protection of individual liberties.

Three days of prayer and reflection in Varanasi. Christian, Hindus, Buddhist, Sikh and Muslim leaders participate.

EarthRights International accuses Total and Chevron of helping Burma’s dictatorship, profiting from forced labour and hiding the military’s crimes. Secret accounts have been set up in two Singapore-based offshore banks.

Lhundup Phuntsok, 32, from Drepung Monastery, was arrested March 10, 2008, during demonstrations in Lhasa. His body was handed over to family members in late August. No news of another monk from the same monastery held for over a year in police custody.

Lhundup Phuntsok, 32, from Drepung Monastery, was arrested March 10, 2008, during demonstrations in Lhasa. His body was handed over to family members in late August. No news of another monk from the same monastery held for over a year in police custody

Ariyaratne, a devout Buddhist, speaks of Mother Teresa as "the angel of mercy" that "today would run with her sisters to where the war refugees live"

Religions are persecuted in Myanmar to avoid any alternative sources of power to the ruling junta.