Triumph of the Witless

The Burmese junta has been in power since 1962, and Cyclone Nargis did little to sweep them out of power. In the cyclone’s aftermath, the generals continue to exploit their strengths and resources, often at the expense of the Burmese citizens. For example, when the junta lost an election in 1990 but refused to relinquish power, they lost international support only temporarily, because Burma has large gas fields. They have also fostered strategic alliances to create leverage for themselves. But perhaps most importantly, they have learned to make just enough reforms to keep international pressure at bay. Until the world realizes that unified and concerted action is necessary in confronting the Burmese junta, no change will occur. – YaleGlobal