Burma Posted by Moira Whelan

I don't claim any expertise in Asia, but what is happening in Burma truly appears to be amazing. As Sameer Lalwani points out:

Despite the much ballyhooed cedar, rose, and orange revolutions that turned out to be far more complex power struggles rather than purely democratic revolutions, there appears to be something qualitatively different about what is happening in Myanmar right now -- a much more organic galvanization of the population -- though I think we lack sufficient information to substantiate it. Nevertheless, the accounts above should provide sufficient cause to hope that a new social contract will arise out the battle unfolding in the country.

I think that's true. It's getting attention because it looks to be at this point, a good old fashioned revolution where democracy will struggle, and eventually prevail, but the people of Burma can't do it alone. The monks, who serve as far more than religious leaders are invested, and being victimized, in the effort of the people. Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, the recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize, is still imprisoned. Despite attacks by the junta, men, women and children are joining in the effort in non-violent protest but reports of slaughter appear worse than the little news we've been able to get outside of the country.

President Bush did acknowledge the struggle in Burma before the United Nations and announced sanctions. Speaker Pelosi responded not only in her own words, but with a resolution that will be voted on tomorrow condemning the crackdown by the junta and in support of democratization. So far Senator Obama seems to be the only candidate who's weighed in.

I think this is fairly significant. Sure, the United States can do little without the support of ASEAN nations and the broader international community as pointed out by Michael Schiffer. However, why should "we can do little" be the only response when Londoners and Dubliners are taking to the streets? Who's "leading" democracy is this case? If the United States ever hopes to reclaim the mantle of supporting democracy around the world, however, taking steps to offer support is critical. I personally will find it hard to believe that a would-be leader of the free world will walk the walk if he/she isn't even talking the talk.

UPDATE: Hillary Clinton's Burma Statement here.

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