Global media outlets may have a feel-good story in Aung San Suu Kyi’s recent by-election win, but an over-emphasis on the domestic is missing the geopolitical forest for the trees.The National League of Democracy’s (NLD) recent strong showing in Burmese by-elections is a positive sign that democracy may be in the cards for Burma’s future.
However, it should be noted that there’s a long way to go yet. The country’s parliament is still dominated by army representatives (25% in accordance to Burma’s constitution) as well as the pro-army Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP). Barring a political crisis, this is the situation that will remain until elections are held in 2015.
Moreover, the process of reform is a delicate one that can be halted or reversed at any time. Despite the elections, the prisoner amnesties, and the general atmosphere of reconciliation prevailing in Burma, there is an unambiguous truth that cannot be avoided: the army is still in complete control. Read More
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