Burma, or Myanmar, whichever is your pleasure has no economy except what it can 'etch' out of cooperation with Vietnam. As a result there is a drug economy and hence the junta.
Myanmar and Vietnam are trying desperately to carry out a 'makeover' of their nations by building their own economic trade developement meeting as recently as December 2004 (before the 26th tsunami).
Myanmar is located between Thailand and Bangladesh. That speaks volumes to the issues besetting this country and why their generals are 'in control' and why there are exiles and movements to 'make an issue' loud enough for the world to hear. I congratulate the exiles for their verbose defiance AND their survival.
Now.
If there is to be a centralized government and a reasonably recognized society there needs to be a major economic country like China involved to help define a work ethic and a product the Burmese or Myanmarians can deliver. Their country is so small and the needs of the people so meager it would not take a huge effort to change the face to this benign little country. Any country 'taking on' the 'rescue' of Myanmar also has to take on such a role with it's profound friend in Vietnam.
Both countries have a populous dignified and willing to produce a proud product to define their citizenry in rescue of their nations.
The 'difficult' issue of course is now dealing with a 'warlord' undertone that serves the current drug economy. It is a difficult situtation but not an impossible one, especially for a country like China which can promise and deliver on much, hence forcing the drug economy into the margins. The margins can best be accomplished by promises from a country like China on delivering an economy IF what accompanies that economic developement is a representative government at the same time and the SAFE return of the exiles.
