Suu Kyi's army call

 This is why her call to the army to support her party's bid for broader representation is commendable. The forthcoming elections in April are likely to see Aung San Suu Kyi back in the parliament after almost two decades of struggle in the wilderness. The point that Suu Kyi made the other day illustrates the fact that an infant civil society could not get on to hold the reigns of power directly without collaborating for a while with the well-entrenched powers-that-be. Thus, Myanmar is no exception in this regard. The course that Suu Kyi has sorted out for the people is worth emulating. Its one of peaceful transition wherein the custodians of security - who had donned the mantle of running the state for good - would be phased out of active public service gradually. In doing so, all it demands is resilience and patience to get the route and objectives meet their logical end. Burmese, indeed, have stood the ground to see representation overcome repression.
 

 Suu Kyi, nonetheless, has put the onus on the military to prove that it believes in change that the international community and the people demand so religiously. Myanmar is in need of a serious socio-economic facelift, and politicians and civil society activists have contributed what was required of them. It's high time for the junta to open up the country for a free enterprise and ensure that political pluralism comes to work for greater integration and development. 
 

Burmese have suffered a lot - not only with the denial of their right to choose their representatives but having become a prey at the hands of the Tatmadaw - as the powerful oligarchy is known. The West and regional neighbours who have walked an extra mile to see that Burma gets back to democracy and development still have a task to deliver. Till the moment the junta cedes power and goes back in the curtains, Burmese will continue to look up for international guidance and patronage. Suu Kyi's bold initiatives shouldn't end up as window-dressing on the path of a greater cause.
 

Khaleej Times