Did Burma's Junta soften its stance?

[TotallyOz]

The sentence of Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest was not a surprise to anyone. The military commanders could have sentenced her to 5 years of prison. They did not. Some have suggested that this is a softer tone to what could have been a hard prison term. I disagree. I thought this is exactly what they would do. Having been to Burma many times, I can tell you that the people there are wonderful! I hope that soon they will get out of the hands of these military leaders and be allowed to interact with the world.

I am disappointed that Thailand did not condemn the ruling as so many other leaders have done. The Thai government has more influence there than anyone other than China.

[TampaYankee]

The sentence of Aung San Suu Kyi to house arrest was not a surprise to anyone. The military commanders could have sentenced her to 5 years of prison. They did not. Some have suggested that this is a softer tone to what could have been a hard prison term. I disagree. I thought this is exactly what they would do. Having been to Burma many times, I can tell you that the people there are wonderful! I hope that soon they will get out of the hands of these military leaders and be allowed to interact with the world.

I am disappointed that Thailand did not condemn the ruling as so many other leaders have done. The Thai government has more influence there than anyone other than China.

Ditto on everything.

[caeron]

I agree, sadly. I think the shorter term was just to muddy the water before the corrupt elections scheduled for next year and to appear to be more lenient. The Junta hasn't changed at all.