Laravel
Burma Turns One

Published on Nov 14, 2011 by Luke Hunt

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FAR EAST CORRESPONDENT — Twelve months ago, the Burmese military allowed elections that resulted in the first civilian government coming to power since it took control in 1962. The poll was widely regarded as a sham, indeed it still is by many, but the change has pushed the country in a direction welcomed in much of the international community.

President Thein Sein has revised laws on political parties, freed 300 political prisoners, sought a conciliatory line with pro-democracy icon Aung San Suu Kyi and defied one of its few allies – China – by suspending construction of a mega-dam inside Burma that had generated enormous local resentment.

The government has also legalized trade unions and eased censorship laws. These are seen as encouraging signs.

Read more in The Diplomat.