In Myanmar, the military regime's claimed recapture of an eastern township portends intensified violence ahead of elections, which will be tightly managed and deepen fissures with rebel forces, but could open the door to limited international reengagement after years of civil war. On Aug. 19, Myanmar's military regime announced that its troops had captured Demoso township in eastern Kayah state. This followed weeks of heavy clashes with ethnic Karenni armed groups and pro-democracy militias, which had held parts of the township since the junta seized power in a coup in February 2021. Demoso residents immediately disputed the news, citing ongoing gunfire and bombardment in the area. But the military has nonetheless touted its alleged victory as proof of its ability to claw back rebel-contested areas, and that it retains momentum heading into its newly declared election cycle. Indeed, just days earlier, the regime unveiled its most concrete election plan since...
