"...Until now, the world has been divided into two camps when it comes to how to deal with Burma - those who support sanctions and those who urge constructive engagement. Western countries led by the US have applied sanctions, while Burma?s neighbors, including members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations, China and India, have favored engagement. But things seem to be changing. US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton hinted at a shift in Western thinking when she said during a recent Asia tour: "Clearly, the path we have taken in imposing sanctions hasn?t influenced the Burmese junta." But she also made clear that the alternative policy followed by Burma?s neighbors is also ineffective, adding: "Reaching out and trying to engage them [the Burmese generals] hasn?t influenced them, either." Clinton announced that the new US administration is reviewing its Burma policy - "because we want to see the best ideas about how to influence the Burmese regime."It?s obvious, however, that US policy makers have no clear idea which idea is best. Nevertheless, a departure from the policy that first applied sanctions against Burma in 1997 can be expected..."