Reforms in Burma

What does everyone think of these reforms? Do you think they will increase or perhaps be rolled back? Do you agree with them?

Personally I think they are a good thing and to be supported. I think the Burmese junta has realised the only way for Burma to increase in prosperity is to modernise politically (and thus economically). It helps lift sanctions and encourages the development of a Burmese middle class. The fact that Burma also has an established democracy movement within its borders (Aung San Suu Kyi) which means (among other reasons) it cannot follow the Chinese model of single party rule but with flourishing capitalism.

I also think these reforms are permanent and will be continued. The junta know that to roll them back now would mean the chance of a huge backlash and a costly attempt to supress it and revert institutions back to the way they were. I just don't see why they would dangle reforms in front of the people and then take them away once they got a taste for them. I think it is being done in stages so as to placate some members of the military who might worry they will lose their privileges as well as those generals who fear for their security should the people suddenly have the ability to try them for the suppressive measures they have deployed over the years.

In a sense, I'd like to think we can see this as the completion of the Burmese bourgeois revolution. The Burmese economy has the potential for serious growth and development as it is endowed with large amounts of resources. It has spiked my interest to the extent I have actually begun to learn Burmese!