The article discusses the recent actions taken by Myanmar's military following the coup. It highlights the crackdown on dissent, particularly focusing on the arrest of activists and writers. These arrests are portrayed as an effort by the military to suppress any opposition and to dismantle the progress made towards political liberalization in the country. The situation is presented as a significant setback for democracy in Myanmar, with the military seeking to consolidate power and silence voices of resistance.

Kyaw Hsan Hlaing is a recognized journalist and researcher who focuses on a range of issues affecting Myanmar. His work encompasses political transitions, human rights, civil war, and ethnic affairs within the country. He is known for his award-winning journalism and is active on social media, particularly Twitter, where he can be followed under the handle @kyawhsanhlaing1. The brief description does not provide specific details about his articles or the content he covers, but it emphasizes his areas of expertise and the recognition he has received for his contributions to journalism.

Kyaw Hsan Hlaing is a political analyst and writer from Burma, known for his extensive work on the country's political dynamics, ethnic issues, and armed conflicts, particularly in relation to the 2021 military coup. His contributions as a guest writer for the Pulitzer Centre covered the intense armed conflict in western Burma between 2018 and 2020. He has been recognized for his work with awards from the Human Rights Press Awards and the Sigma Delta Chi Awards, and was a finalist for the SOPA awards. Kyaw Hsan Hlaing is currently furthering his studies at the University of Hawai'i, where he is affiliated with the East-West Center.

The article discusses the precarious situation of the Rohingya community in Myanmar's Rakhine State following the military coup on February 1. Military officials have warned the Rohingya against any association with the Arakan Army (AA), an armed group fighting for ethnic minority rights. Despite the threat, the Rohingya have continued to engage with the AA, which has been providing them with fair treatment and administration. The military has intensified restrictions on Rohingya movement, with recent arrests and increased travel checkpoints. The 2017 crackdown by the Myanmar military forced over 700,000 Rohingya to flee to Bangladesh, and those remaining face harsh conditions and limitations. The National Unity Government (NUG), formed in opposition to the military coup, has pledged to recognize Rohingya citizenship and cooperate with international justice, but skepticism remains among the ethnic Rakhine community.

The Arakan Army and its political wing, the United League of Arakan, are advancing their objective of administrative control in Rakhine State, Myanmar. They have issued a stay-at-home order due to COVID-19, with 75% compliance, and announced plans for a judiciary and legal dispute resolution. The AA has gained popular support and is handling administrative and judicial responsibilities, claiming influence over two-thirds of the state. Civil society groups and Rakhine political parties have largely welcomed the ULA's initiatives. However, there are concerns about potential abuse of power by the AA. The AA is also involved in COVID-19 prevention efforts and has been removed from the terrorist list by the military, which seized power in Myanmar. The military's response to the pandemic has been criticized, and the AA is working to secure vaccines and enforce health measures.

Myanmar is facing a severe COVID-19 outbreak exacerbated by a military coup that has led to political chaos and a healthcare system collapse. With less than 3% of the population vaccinated and the Delta variant spreading, the junta is accused of using the pandemic to suppress dissent, arresting healthcare workers, and ignoring disease spread in prisons. The official case and death numbers are believed to be underreported, and the economy is expected to shrink by 18%. A parallel National Unity Government has limited influence, and international concern is growing over the potential for new variants to emerge and spread regionally.

Following Myanmar's military coup, the Arakan Army (AA) has been advancing its governance agenda in Rakhine State, known as the 'Way of Rakhita', aiming for self-determination and restoration of sovereignty. The AA, previously engaged in violent conflict with the military (Tatmadaw) and designated as a terrorist group by the ousted National League for Democracy (NLD) government, has seen a cessation of hostilities and a removal of the terrorist label by the military junta. The AA has been implementing its own administrative and tax systems, and despite initial silence, has expressed solidarity with national protests against the military's violence. The junta's actions, including releasing political prisoners and lifting internet shutdowns, appear to be an attempt to gain favor with the Rakhine people, amidst concerns of renewed conflict and the plight of internally displaced persons.