"To ensure the success of Myanmar?s historic democratic transition, the United States should revise its outdated and counterproductive sanctions policy, writes Priscilla A. Clapp in a new report from the Council on Foreign Relations? Center for Preventive Action. When the Aung San Suu Kyi?led National League for Democracy assumes power in Myanmar next week, the party will inherit the long-standing problems that developed in the country?s half-century of military dictatorship. U.S. support for a successful transition will help strengthen the newly elected government and prevent a return to martial law. "Continuing to rely on a sanctions regime—designed primarily to inhibit U.S. participation in and assistance to Myanmar?s economy and government—no longer makes sense, particularly when Western allies and others observe no restrictions on their activities in Myanmar," Clapp contends in the Council Special Report, Securing a Democratic Future for Myanmar. "Washington should therefore restructure the remaining financial sanctions and restrictions to carefully target individuals and entities to promote better behavior, rather than punish bad behavior."..."