Extend a Hand and Hope for the Best
Editorial, The Washington Post | February 20, 2009
The US’ response to Burma’s suffering under a military junta has been strict economic sanctions. ++ The limited effectiveness of this policy led the US to consider an alternative which will deliver practical benefits to the Burmese people, but this is also met with skepticism. ++ Increased trade will be exploited to benefit the military regime and do little for the people. ++ President Obama’s policy of engagement is open minded and promising. ++ But extending a hand should be conditional on loosening the military regime’s “grip on power.”
