The balancing act of Burma’s junta may be in jeopardy. The clearly opportunistic and unsubstantiated charges and trial of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi is very likely to further crack the junta.
Cracks were clear in Burma’s junta during their last bloody crackdown, as the generals had clearly differing opinions on how to proceed. Some clearly did not have the stomach for the blood bath they were undertaking. Their fear in having outsiders and particularly the US in the country for typhoon relief is another sign they are only loosely held together.
The international spectacle of putting Aung San Suu Kyi on trial for something she had no say on provided not just zero credibility for Burma’s junta, but may even drift into the negative column. Their history of getting away with as much as they can but not cross the line of outrage is where the junta like to operate, but this farce trial clearly oversteps that line.
With the natural energy resources in Burma being leverage for the junta, the lower prices cause by the global economy have weakened that leverage. Other countries can pick up the slack at the moment and that puts pressure on the junta.
It is a bit difficult to predict what will happen next, but it is clear the junta fears Aung San Suu Kyi and keeps her down. Do anything to her and the balance is upset bringing the start of the end for the junta.
