Letter to Post Bag (r)

[marko@xxxxxxxxx]

Greetings,

I read your posting this morning with interest.  I am just learning
about Burma, the political situation there, and about regional politics
in that area in general.  You seem to have some experience and a
reasonable attitude about the subject. I would like to learn more about
the situation if you wouldn't mind sharing some information with me. 
Basically I am an artist and rather out of touch with global politics in
general.  But I subscribed to Burmanet a few weeks ago and have followed
the situation closely since. However, it is difficult to separate true
from bias, and to understand the may complicated dynamics I have read
about.  For example, at a basic level what is the significance of the
the two names Burma and Myanmar?  What is Suu Kyi's role in this - is
she more of a figure head or a real leader and of whom?  What role is
the american government playing in the situation?  American investments
seem quite small compared to Britain and others, does this indicate a
lack of American influence.  

If you can shed light on these or just have an interest in communicating
about these issues, I'd appreciate it.

All the best,

Marko Schmitt
Marko@xxxxxxxxx