SINGAPORE — The United Nations special envoy to Burma is coming under fire for failing to nudge the country's military rulers in the direction of real political reform. But it is wrong to blame the envoy, Ibrahim Gambari. After all, his mandate is from the United Nations and he reports to the U.N. Security Council.
The blame should fall squarely on others. First, on the recalcitrant and incompetent junta in Burma. Second, on Burma's three key immediate neighbors — China, India and Thailand — which are vying for influence in the country. And third, on the international community for being at cross-purposes over how to handle Burma.
The result of this disarray is obvious. Free of any effective pressure, the Burmese military regime can continue to thumb its nose at the world. Gambari was rebuffed by the generals when he visited Burma last month for the third time since the bloody crackdown on peaceful protests in September drew widespread international condemnation. The regime's strongman, Gen. Than Shwe, refused to see him.