Tyranny

The arrest of the reform-minded Prime Minister of Burma, Khin Nyunt, yesterday has reminded the rest of the world of the brutality which exists in that secretive pariah state. It also demonstrates how distant is the prospect of democracy. In recent years, as the world has focused on the threat posed by global terrorism, Burma has slipped out of the headlines. Some have even begun to think of its green forests as a suitable holiday destination. Before people travel however, they should consider not just the dangers inherent in visiting such a volatile regime, but the immorality of shoring up tyrannies through tourism.

The arrest of the reform-minded Prime Minister of Burma, Khin Nyunt, yesterday has reminded the rest of the world of the brutality which exists in that secretive pariah state. It also demonstrates how distant is the prospect of democracy. In recent years, as the world has focused on the threat posed by global terrorism, Burma has slipped out of the headlines. Some have even begun to think of its green forests as a suitable holiday destination. Before people travel however, they should consider not just the dangers inherent in visiting such a volatile regime, but the immorality of shoring up tyrannies through tourism.