Burma remains one of the toughest tests of the international community’s ability to deal with a rogue and ruthless regime. The junta in Rangoon has so far shown singular arrogance and indifference to the world’s concerns about the state of affairs in the country.
Neither the United Nations nor the regional forum Asean have been able to force Burma’s generals to change their ways. Democracy remains banished from the country even as its politicians, including Aung San Suu Kyi, have been languishing behind bars for over a decade.
It is not therefore hard to understand the sheer frustration of Razali Ismail, UN’s special envoy to Burma, who resigned this week having failed in his mission to push reforms in the Southeast Asian country. The junta refused to let him visit the country for two years, let alone discuss reforms with him. Clearly, the junta feels it can get away with such outrageous behaviour. As the Malaysian diplomat argues, it’s about time the international community resolved this business with the generals.
The regime has so far refused to understand the language of peaceful persuasion. It’s time to talk tough and deal firmly with Burma. The UN, Asean and Burma’s neighbours must join hands to free the country’s unfortunate people from the clutches of the ruthless regime. The world owes it to Burma.