One thing can be said, the junta's predictable move to extend Daw Suu's house arrest seems to have gained more international attention then in the previous few years. Perhaps we can thank international figures like Desmond Tutu and Vaclav Havel, who are always at the forefront, leading to the call for her release and gaining support from leaders around the world.
There was also a significant movement in Burma in the last few months, as DVB states
Even though Daw Suu has not been released, some small steps towards the type of momentum that moved her into a position of power in the 1990s have started. And the end of her latest period of detention has provided the opposition with a rare rallying cry.
A great increase of reports have flooded Burma related websites over the last 3 or 4 months concerning public prayers, small demonstrations and the usual detentions. The NLD capitialized on that momentum throughout the month of May to encourage the public to gather behind the demand for her release. Many have noted the clear change in the atmosphere.
I have noticed some reports questioning her relevance, others have been quick to respond,
"I believe she is still very much relevant - the junta obviously does too, or they would let her out," a Rangoon-based diplomat said."She is the only person who could pull together a broad array of forces, and the only person who in the long term could broker a deal with the military, which would see the generals able to bow out with the level of security they would need," he said.
Perhaps now is not a time to point out international hypocrisy, while the world calls for Daw Suu's release and for human rights in Burma they also move to build closer financial ties with the junta.
Perhaps now is just a time to notice those inside who spoke out, and the rest who heard.
