Living in ‘hell of untold miseries’

THE news from Burma these days is relentlessly positive.

The release of political prisoners, including that of Aung San Suu Kyi from house arrest, coupled with the recent elections, have led to hopes that the country is on the path to genuine democratic reform.

The triumph of the National League of Democracy in April by-elections, capturing 43 of 45 available seats, expresses the appetite for change amongst Burma’s citizens. Much praise has been directed at Thein Sein, the civilian president. Since assuming office in 2010, he has displayed notable sincerity and political acumen, pressing through reforms without a backlash from hardliners.