Burma's leaders have been pursuing their road map towards a "disciplined democracy" for so long that few people could tell you what stage they've reached. But the pace is picking up: an election is to be held next year, although in what form nobody yet knows. That is why the events in the courtroom at Insein are unfolding.
So why is Aung San Suu Kyi important to the future of Burma? Nobody – and certainly not the lady herself – pretends she is the answer to all of its myriad problems. But she's perhaps the only person capable of bridging the yawning political divides between opposition, ethnic nationalities and government. Unless she is allowed to play that sort of role, the task will become immeasurably more difficult.
Suu Kyi has repeatedly made clear her willingness to work with the military government in a process of political reconciliation. She is viewed by them as a threat. But she's actually an opportunity, to the extent that she's declared herself willing to work with them towards the sort of future that the current direction of travel will never deliver.
Sitting in the decrepit courtroom this week reminded me of how far this country is sliding: not a computer or modern aid in evidence, the torches confiscated from the American intruder looked as though they might have been left by alien intruders. It was a scene with which George Orwell, from his days here, would have been entirely familiar. In the midst of a region that has delivered unparalleled benefits to its population, it's sad to see a country being taken in the opposite direction.
A campaign has been launched at 64forsuu.org allowing visitors to leave a message of support for Suu Kyi in the run up to her 64th birthday on 19 June. We all hope it will draw the world's attention to her plight and shame the generals into doing something about it.
