NEWSBYTYLER GIANNINI

Anything’s possible, even fair elections in Burma. But let’s not kid ourselves.

Burma’s leader, Than Shwe, who claims to be guiding his country along a “Roadmap to Democracy,” has promised elections “soon.” A peak over the General’s shoulder should reveal that the regime is charting a path to continued oppression and military control. Unfortunately, some do not see it coming.

In an op-ed published in the International Herald Tribune last week, Stanley Weiss argued that the elections, likely to be held in October, may represent a “step forward” for the country, a “light at the end of the Irrawaddy.” In doing so, he cited a military official who spoke (vaguely) about preparing the way for the emergence of a “new generation” of political leaders. The regime’s assurances need to be taken with a giant grain of salt.