Despite the ongoing efforts of exiles and advocates, one could be forgiven for having assumed that the world had written off Burma. Despite the Rangoon regime's horrendous record on human rights and fundamental freedoms, few international players seem excited about wading into the Burma situation. Even the icon of the democracy movement, Aung San Suu Kyi, has failed to get adequate coverage in her tenth year of house arrest. A spate of international stories and statements fly about from time to time – most when Aung San Suu Kyi was awarded the 1991 Nobel Peace Prize – but these accounts are quickly relegated to the old news bin. The world hardly seemed to notice when her house arrest was extended by a year in November 2005.
But an unprecedented flurry of statements made in December indicated that the international community might finally be building up steam in its effort – or resolve – to convince the ruling military junta to change course. The Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), breaking with its long-time policy of non-involvement in the internal affairs of member states, has suddenly woken up to urge the junta to 'expedite' the process of reforms, and called for the release of those under detention. Having long withstood criticism for ignoring Burma's internal abuses, ASEAN's statement is significant.
The momentum has picked up outside of the region as well, with both the US and EU having reinforced various trade sanctions and speaking out extensively against the junta in Rangoon (though recently the generals have shifted the formal capital into the jungles). Even the United Nations Security Council is now discussing Rangoon's actions – the UN's own human rights envoy for Burma, Paulo Sergio Pinheiro, has been banned from the country for more than two years. But while clearly welcome, the international show of concern remains little more than preliminary steps: the people of Burma need action.
The flurry of international action has also re-invigorated India's policy approach to Rangoon. While the early days of Burma's pro-democracy movement saw India's support for exile student groups, New Delhi has lately seemed uncertain as to which path to take – while still hoping for a 'working relationship' with the junta. In October 2004, India welcomed Burma's military ruler, Than Shwe, just a week after he had sacked Prime Minister Khin Nyunt, regarded a liberal intent on democratic reforms.