Aung San Suu Kyi is finally free. The hard work starts now. All scenarios are possible. Perhaps the military junta really has started on the road to democracy after all. It’s a hope we can’t help but have, for ethical if not political reasons. But it’s a hope that soon fades. You only have to read the clear, concise analysis of Bertil Lintner, one of the most acute observers of Burmese affairs, published in the New York Times.
For now the Burmese government seems to have reached an important objective on the road to legitimation. Another important target is to be able to play on different tables. Not only with China, Russia, India and Asean, but also with the United States and the European Union. It’s also an excellent result for the multinationals that do business with the Burmese military. Now they look a little less tainted.
Much depends on the lady herself. She now has to put her political and diplomatic skills to the test. Some are already bringing them into doubt. As though the courage, dignity and moral strength she has shown in the last twenty years were no longer sufficient. The symbol remains such only if under house arrest.
Let’s give her the time she needs. And hope the generals do the same. And this can only be done if international politics is committed to this situation and recognises her as their interlocutor.
These analyses have to be done calmly and clinically. Otherwise the opportunity may turn into a limitation. The risk being the “Tibetization” of Burma. Or rather its opposition. Which could be want the generals are aiming for. “This is not an ordinary military dictatorship we are talking about,” said Bertil Lintner. “This is a military that has become expert at staying in power.” The risk is that Aung San Suu Kyi ends up being just another “icon” used on T-shirts or in rock songs, a mere marketing tool. A female Che Guevara, peaceful and wearing flowers in her hair. A sort of layman’s saint comparable to Mandela, Gandhi or the Dalai Lama, with no analysis of the differences in context, history, strategy and geopolitics.
The risk is that Burma will be remembered only when peace protests or mega-concerts are held.