Washington, DC—On August 8, 2015, Rena Pederson, author of The Burma Spring: Aung San Suu Kyi and the New Struggle for the Soul of a Nation, and Sarnata Reynolds, senior advisor on human rights for Refugees International, spoke to the WFPG on the importance and implications of Burma’s upcoming 2015 elections. Pederson discussed life under the military regime in Burma, the country’s human rights violations and role in the production of drugs, as well as its geostrategic significance. Reynolds focused on conflicts in Burma and the plight of the Rohingya, and emphasized that while the elections is an opportunity for positive change, the international community should not ignore the Burmese regime’s treatment of a vulnerable minority population.

Sarnata Reynolds of Refugees International, WFPG President Patricia Ellis, and author Rena Pederson		Patricia Ellis moderates the discussion
Rena Pederson addresses WFPG members and guests		Sarnata Reynolds talks about the plight of the Rohingya
Speakers discuss Burmese elections		WFPG alumna Becca Balis asks a question
Rena Pederson on Burma’s strategic position		Eleanor Nagy, former deputy chief of mission of the US Embassy in Rangoon
Leila Bham, US Securities & Exchange Commission		WFPG Board Member Dawn Calabia during book signing
Pederson signing book for Thai Embassy representative		WFPG audience and guests

View Beyond the Headlines page