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Reforms in Myanmar: 4 reasons the military changed course

For more than half a century, Myanmar’s military governments were synonymous with brutality and corruption, but a year ago the military stepped aside, handing power to a nominally civilian government. Here are four reasons why this change occurred.

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The real victory in the Myanmar election

The Myanmar election produced more than a small victory for Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy. It also firmed up the moral legitimacy of those seeking freedom in Burma.
Reforms in Myanmar: 4 reasons the military changed course

For more than half a century, Myanmar’s military governments were synonymous with brutality and corruption, but a year ago the military stepped aside, handing power to a nominally civilian government. Here are four reasons why this change occurred.
In surprise amnesty, Myanmar releases high-profile political prisoners

Myanmar freed hundreds of political prisoners Friday in an amnesty that could pressure the West to lift sanctions as one of the world's most reclusive states opens up.
Conflicting signals on reform in Burma (Myanmar)

Aung San Suu Kyi is cautiously optimistic about the future of Burma (Myanmar) as the government approved her party to run in upcoming by-elections.
Burma (Myanmar) opens parliament but junta retains strong grip

Even as Burma (Myanmar) convened a new 600-person parliament Monday for the first time in nearly 50 years, the military appeared poised to retain its influence.
Why India offers tepid response to Burma's release of Suu Kyi

In its relationship with Burma (Myanmar), India is caught between its commitment to principles of democracy and its desire to counter China's rising power in the region.
A new US-China dance over Burma after release of Aung San Suu Kyi

Economic sanctions helped release Aung San Suu Kyi. That suggests the regime is ready for a deal. Does it want to take Burma (Myanmar) out of China's tightening orbit?
Burma (Myanmar) release of Aung San Suu Kyi could galvanize activists

The military government of Burma (Myanmar) released Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi from seven years' detention. She is likely to remain under close watch.
Excitement grows in Burma as Aung San Suu Kyi's release nears

Aung San Suu Kyi, the detained democracy leader who has been under house arrest since 2003, is set to be released on Saturday evening
Aung San Suu Kyi: How her release could shape Burma's political future

Opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi could be freed shortly after Burma's Nov. 7 election, its first in 20 years. What she does next could have broad consequences for Burma's political transition.
Can foreign mediators defuse Thailand’s red shirt protests?

Thailand’s red shirt protesters on Thursday asked the European Union to send monitors to prevent a violent crackdown, one day after they clashed again with soldiers. Nobel peace laureate and East Timor President Jose Ramos-Horta, whose country sought foreign aid against political violence, offers advice on outside mediators.
After high-level trip to Burma (Myanmar), US seeks to lower expectations

Burma (Myanmar) should take steps toward reform such as allowing Aung San Suu Kyi to enter 2010 elections, says US diplomat after a rare visit.
Can you imagine healthcare town halls in North Korea?

Despite raucous moments, we're witnessing a grand spectacle of democracy in action in America.
Sen. Jim Webb breaks the ice in Burma

The reclusive regime in Burma (Myanmar) is touting its newfound openness, but skeptics wonder whether Webb's rare visit will bring any democratic reform.
Global News Blog
Sen. Webb wins release of US prisoner in Burma. Now what?

Unemployed veteran John Yettaw, who was imprisoned for sneaking into democracy activist Aung San Suu Kyi’s home in Burma, arrived in Bangkok, Thailand on Sunday.
Aung San Suu Kyi verdict draws international ire

A court in Burma (Myanmar) sentenced the opposition leader to 18 more months of house arrest for violating the terms of her detention. The trial was widely viewed as a sham.
Policy on Burma shouldn't pivot on Aung San Suu Kyi

Millions still need her. But her release should not be the focal point of US policy toward the junta.
UN chief faces steep challenge in Burma

Ban Ki-moon arrived in Burma (Myanmar) Friday in a risky bid to break the political stalemate. He will press for the release of political prisoners, including opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi.
Volunteers send aid through Burma's (Myanmar's) back door

They are channeling supplies across the Thai-Burmese border to existing underground networks spread across the disaster zone.
Volunteers send aid through Burma's (Myanmar's) back door

They are channeling supplies across the Thai-Burmese border to existing underground networks spread across the disaster zone.
Amid aid delays, locals in Burma (Myanmar) rebuild

Cyclone victims are rebuilding homes and collecting rainwater as foreign aid workers slowly spread out.
Aid efforts begin to gather momentum in Burma (Myanmar)

More workers are being allow in, but some who have been in cyclone-affected areas say bureaucracy is impeding access to victims.
Burma (Myanmar) opens door for aid, but remains wary

A donor conference Sunday pledged some $100 million, but participating nations said aid was conditional on greater access.
World's top envoy entreats Burma (Myanmar)

United Nations chief Ban Ki Moon arrived Thursday and hopes to meet Burma's leader Gen. Than Shwe today.
Europe tries threats to open Burma (Myanmar) to aid

Leaders hope their charges of a crime against humanity will push the junta to expand relief efforts.