Burma?s military is riven by internal conflicts. Snr-Gen Than Shwe, however, seems completely unfazed... "Burma?s military leaders began expanding their army, navy and air force soon after crushing the nationwide democracy uprising in 1988. With the help of powerful neighbors and friends in the West, they began stocking up on new jet fighters, warships, tanks and ammunition. Today, Burma?s military is one of the strongest in the region. The country?s once powerful rebel armies are now under control, and traditional opposition groups and student activists have been largely obliterated. Despite this, Burma?s all-powerful generals have never quite lost their siege mentality. Their incompetence in solving the country?s economic and social woes is causing alarm throughout the region. Faced with threats from new, urban opposition, pockets of insurgency and increasing international pressure, Burma remains isolated and the generals paranoid..."