Monks protest against generals who rule Myanmar

This Reuters photo shows monks marching today against the military government in Myanmar.

"In swelling tides of humanity, two major marches snaked their way through the nation's commercial capital led by robed monks chanting prayers of peace and compassion," according to AFP, which estimates 100,000 monks and civilians took part in the protest. "Some of the people marched through the rain under a banner reading: 'This is a peaceful mass movement.' Others had tears in their eyes."

One Western diplomat expects a "sharp reaction" from the government.

Reuters has a chronology of the protests. The country, once known as Burma, has been ruled by a military junta since the early 1960s. In 2005, the generals decided to move the capital a few hundred miles north. Here's a report from inside the forbidden city.

Update at 11:25 a.m. ET: The Associated Press is reporting that the government is warning Buddhist clerics that it will take action if they don't rein in the protesters.

Update at 12:03 p.m. ET: American diplomats are said to be monitoring the situation in Burma. "We are consulting with allies and friends in the region on ways to encourage inclusive dialogue between the regime and those seeking freedom, as well as encouraging the regime to show restraint and be respectful of the people who are making their views known and simply want freedom," presidential spokeswoman Dana Perino says.