So excited by the progressive news out of Myanmar. Each day as more reforms occur, I am ever more astounded by the transformative thaw President Thein Sein has led. Once a pariah nation most known for repressive violence against its own citizens — including Nobel Prize winner Aung San Suu Kyi — it is now inching towards rehabilitation on the world stage. It even allowed Ms. Suu Kyi out of years of house arrest and, most surprisingly, for her to reenter politics in next year’s parliamentary elections.
Taking an on-the-ground gander at these reforms, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton just finished an official visit to Myanmar as the first high-ranking US political visit since the Burmese military coup in 1962. She was even — gasp — allowed to meet with Suu Kyi in person. President Obama is championing openness in his “pivot” toward Asia, and wrenching Myanmar from China’s orbit seems to be part of that strategy. ASEAN (Association of South-East Asian Nations) has also agreed to award the Chairmanship to Myanmar in 2014.
Amazing. Just a few years ago we were watching the Myanmar military gun down buddhist monks. Now, it is behaving more like a normal nation. Hope this trend lasts. But I fear once the elections occur and Suu Kyi and her allies return to power with a roar, the junta may balk at their losses and begin a new wave of repressions.
Because absolute power corrupts absolutely.