As if the secretive Dr. Evil style operation to build nuclear weapons in Shan State, the death threats sent to ILO representatives, and the accusations that Bush is planning on conquering Asia weren't enough evidence that the Generals have gone completely insane, they are now in the midst of relocating the nation's capital to their personal jungle resort.

Rumours have been floating about for a while about the secret bunkers and palaces that the Junta has been building in the jungle of Pyinmana. A mass exodus of single civil servants has already begun from Rangoon, although reports are that they have been sleeping on the floor and will only be provided food for a matter of days. Families have not been made to move yet because apparently there are no schools built in the new location, and we all know how much the Junta values education for the little ones. The new capital does however, sport the following features: "......a stellar golf course, next to escape tunnels, bunkers, a military hospital, an airstrip and a mammoth hydroelectric plant to power their mansions.". But no parliament building yet!

Of course the new development has been accompanied by all the usual land confiscations and forced labor. The sudden un-announced move has left Rangoon residents unsure of what will happen. Razor wire and protective fencing has been removed from around the foreign embassies, but its hard to know if this in anticipation of the foreign diplomats also moving camp to Pyinmana, or if the Junta just fancies leaving them without security.

The reasons for the move are unclear. The official line is that the new capital is "geographically and strategically located for the development of the country". The unofficial speculation is that the move was made on the advice of fortune tellers. In the past, Emperors were fond of renaming and relocating their capitals to improve their luck or avoid misfortune. Since the junta seems a bit concerned about a sea-born US invasion this would certainly be one way to avoid that. Initiating democratic and human rights reforms inline with international standards might be a cheaper way to avoid an invasion - but then they'd have to admit that they aren't immortal god-emperors who have the right to live in palaces run by slaves. They'd also have to give up their golf course, which I'm sure would be reeallly difficult.