U.S. restores diplomatic relations with Myanmar

[ellisonz]

January 13, 2012 | 10:58 am
--Paul Richter

REPORTING FROM WASHINGTON -- The Obama administration formally restored U.S. diplomatic relations with Myanmar on Friday in recognition of the isolated regime’s recent steps toward reform, including the release of political prisoners and a cease-fire with a rebel group.

Capping months of cautious steps toward normalization, U.S. officials said they had growing confidence that the Myanmar’s government is serious about political reforms and opening up to the outside world after years of repression.

President Obama hailed the pardon and release Friday of 651 prisoners in Myanmar, also known as Burma, calling it "a substantial step forward for political reform." The released group included a number of prominent pro-democracy leaders, some of whom were imprisoned after major protests in 1988.

The administration will send an ambassador to Myanmar for the first time since 1990, and is considering other steps toward normalization, said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton. The United States has invited Burma to send an ambassador to Washington.

http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/world_now/2012/01/diplomatic-relations-myanmar.html

I don't think anyone expected this turn of events in 2007: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2007_Burmese_anti-government_protests

What are your thoughts on non-violence vs. violence in tyrannical, murderous situations such as Burma? Is violence ever necessary to alleviate suffering? I personally have mixed opinions; I think in certain situations where there is no other recourse, and genocide and wide-scale massacre are rearing their heads, violent, but yet principle resistance, becomes an expedient mean.