"Many observers of Myanmar?s political transition agree that the success of President Thein Sein?s democratic reforms and national reconciliation initiatives hinges on his quasi-civilian government?s ability and willingness to accommodate the political demands and desires of various ethnic groups. Chief among those demands are greater political, economic and cultural autonomy in the form of federalism and control over the exploitation of natural resources in their geographic regions. But as political maneuvers and negotiations for a nationwide ceasefire..."