We've been here before, so let's see how long it lasts. The good news is that the political party of Aung San Suu Kyi is going to join politics again and labor unions have been granted the right to strike. Small steps, but at least it's moving in the right direction for the moment.
After more than two decades of rule that has been by turns obstinate, cruel and surreal, the generals are showing tentative signs of reform.
Labour unions have been granted the right to strike. Some political prisoners have been released. An unpopular dam project on the Irrawaddy was suspended, the authorities preferring to annoy their Chinese paymasters rather than furious locals.
But is Burma about to undergo a proper thaw after years of frosty diplomacy – or is it just a play by the generals to improve international relations at a time when they are short of cash and intimidated by the rise of their mighty northern neighbour?
