Obama and Burma

The Prime Minister of Burma (technically Myanmar, the name was changed in 1989 after a military junta was formed and thousands of protestors were brutally killed) made a surprise arrival to New York to appear at the United Nations general assembly. He would receive a surprise in return as Hillary ClintonHillary Clinton announced the Obama Administration would start high-level diplomatic talks. The White House welcomed Burma’s foreign minister last week. This isn’t really a departure. High-level talks occurred under the Bush Administration and there is an embassy in Rangoon (itself changed to Yangon) where the diplomats talked to Burmese officials. On an interesting note, RTTNews reports that Aung San Suu KyiAung San Suu Kyi, the rightful ruler, welcomes this move. Still, this must come as a slap in the face to the democratic protestors. At least Obama is being consistent. He has imposed sanctions on Honduras, neglected speaking up about Iran slaughtering dissidents, and abandoned the Poles and Czechs to appease the Russians. Whatever criticism Obama may get; he won’t get one for flip flopping in regards to democracy.