20.9.05

O fracasso das sanções económicas

For the past decade, the US has tried to isolate the ruling generals of Myanmar - the former Burma - into submission--just as it has with countries like Cuba. This in the hope of bringing democracy and liberty to its people. Outlawing trade, however, has done little to goad the regime toward change, as I discovered on a trip down the Burma Road linking China and Myanmar. They simply seek aid and comfort elsewhere--and have no trouble finding it.

(...) our attempts to shame and isolate the generals into cooperation have only created an investment and development vacuum others, and in particular China, are more than willing to fill. Not a single step has been made toward democracy or a liberal society