Published: December 1st, 2011 - NY Times
TA: Ryan (10am)
Student: Binsy Chennikkara
Comments: This article sparked my interest because it seems to me that the U.S. is looking for a greater foothold in Asia, and hopefully gathering more allies. The location of the former Burma is just a little to the right of India, being right by India, Pakistan, and China, as well as not being too far from North/South Korea and Japan.
The U.S. seeks to gain more influence by beginning diplomatic relations with Myanmar. Such an alliance will give more support and credence to work with other countries (Namely: China, India, Pakistan, North/South Korea)
At the same time the U.S. will seek to spread democracy as well as improve conditions for Myanmese people as well as opening up country's politics, and release political prisoners. It is also implied the the cost of having U.S. aid is to cut off possible illicit dealings with North Korea and possible nuclear technology.
The new president seems predisposed and willing to work with the U.S. even though its obvious that there are powerful players in the Myanamese government that will not be happy with U.S. interference into their politics, as well as possibly being a pawn to U.S. power, and setting up an American influenced democracy will take time.
The U.S. is also 'not yet considering' (most likely wont) lift sweeping sanctions against the majority of imports from Myanmar, the US is at least agreed to step aside to allow the World Bank and International Monetary Fund from carrying out assessment programs.
They will also support expansions of health care and small businesses.
Also noted -- the U.S. has encouraged Myanmar to improve water conditions, but also by opening up their policies and joining the regional initiative of the Lower Mekong which is sponsored by America. (Already combining Cambodia, Laos, Vietnam, and Thailand)
In short, economic reform is being offered as an incentive to get political reform that will favor the U.S. government more in future international conflicts.
The U.S. seems to be very good with choosing which countries to be allies with. Myanmar has been hidden from the public eye for the longest time yet would be very strategic since so many Asian powers surround it. Hopefully the government of Myanmar decide to collaborate more with the U.S. and decide to enforce democracy so further ties may be established between them. In addition, hopefully this establishes a very strong alliance for the future.
ReplyDeleteAndrew Makar
TA: John 9 AM