The economic sanctions of the US on Burma were originally
adopted because of the disregard for democratic principles and
grave human right violations committed by the Burmese
government. These violations continue but the pressure for the
Burmese government to stop them is now removed. On May 20, 2012
the United States suspended all of its economic sanctions
against the new military-led government in Burma. Secretary of
State Hillary Clinton announced that new U.S. investment will be
allowed in Burma for the first time in 15 years, highlighting
that the progress in Burma toward democratization and national
reconciliation is irreversible. The announcement to suspend its
economic sanctions on Burma will dramatically impact the people
of Burma, particularly in ethnic minority areas. Lifting
sanctions is in part the result of releasing a number of well-
known political prisoners in January 2012, however, hundreds of
political prisoners remain behind bars. Their release is not
prioritized in the current political re