Sanctions easing against Myanmar, but should they?

In recent months, the West has been responsive to discussions with the government in Myanmar to open up the relationships. In return for ending sanctions, Myanmar allowed elections and have freed some (not all) of the political prisoners. With each step, Western governments have made moves to normalize the relationships including steps leading to aid agreements and eventually trade agreements.

One of the opposition groups in Myanmar is pushing back, arguing that these rapid changes are sending the "wrong signal" to the government since so many more political prisoners remain and the war against ethic groups continues. They're not wrong with this argument, though without some links into the previously secretive and closed government, the West has almost no leverage with the government.

If you look at countries like Iran and Syria, the US faces challenges in pushing the local governments since there are so few links. The reasons behind the lack of links is understandable, but without any leverage, is being completely cut off really in the best interest of the West or the local opposition groups? More on the evolving links between the West and Myanmar at Al Jazeera.

China sentences disabled activist to prison

Of course, the activist is disabled because of alleged abuse by the police before. China doing what China does so well.

Ni Yulan 51, was tried with her husband Dong Jiqin. Both were both arrested in April 2011. Dong was sentenced to two years in jail.

Ni’s daughter Dong Xuan said Ni attended her court appearance lying on a bed with an oxygen supply, according to a report in the Global Post. Ni is confined to a wheel chair and suffers other health problems that she says were caused by torture at the hands of police during two previous jail terms.

Ni had been an outspoken advocate for citizens forced to leave their homes to make way for development and provided what she argued was grossly inadequate compensation for the sacrifice. She lost her own home this way, so she camped in a tent in a public park for a time, The Global Post reported.

Great business partner though, right?

UN human rights chief: Syria targeting children

One can only hope that those ordering these attacks are eventually brought to justice. What kind of a coward does this? BBC News:

Syrian authorities are deliberately and systematically targeting children, the United Nations' human rights chief, Navi Pillay, has told the BBC.

She said she was deeply concerned about the fate of hundreds of children being held in detention.

Ms Pillay said President Bashar al-Assad could end the detentions and stop the killing of civilians immediately, simply by issuing an order.