Obama in Burma

Why is Obama such a disappointment? He can't even pronounce Aung San Suu Kyi's name. This isn't nitpicking. Instead of saying San, he repeatedly said Yan. He also decided to start calling Burma Myanmar. Not that it really matters; it's just slightly embarrassing.

Burma is a important country in Southeast Asia. It has abundant natural resources and good geography. For a long time the only country investing in Burma was China. This investment consists of one of China's oil pipelines and a large dam project. The dam project was suspended by the new government; the project never enjoyed widespread support. The pipeline is still under construction.

Now that Burmese politics has begun to thaw, America can get in the act too. We don't have to do much. Human development is the name of the game. It is something the Chinese in Burma have neglected; the Chinese government doesn't give a damn about your average Burmese peasant. That's their weakness; that's why the dam project was suspended.

By being present in Burma, we allow the Burmese to observe our conduct and contrast it with the Chinese. No doubt American soft power will shine.

There is a problem though. The Rohingya, a Muslim minority, are being targeted. They are seen as alien, illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. Their houses are being razed. Some are killed. Aung San Suu Kyi is avoiding the issue. The United States does not have that luxury.