Where is Prime Minister Yoshihiko Noda's foreign policy? A neighboring country that has suffered years of isolation and plunder by the misruling junta may be signaling that it wants to come in from the cold. Japan, which could offer the greatest help, seems to be asleep to the opportunity.

Myanmar (aka Burma) President Thein Sein's announcement suspending the development of the controversial Chinese-built $3.6 billion Myitsone hydropower dam on the Irrawaddy River because it was "contrary to the will of the people" caught everyone by surprise and raises important questions.

Was this a gimmick or an important gesture towards democracy? Was it done on a passing whim or as part of a considered step in Myanmar's efforts to abandon isolation and rejoin the 21st century world? Will leaders in the country, in China, India, Japan and the West have the imagination and courage to respond to the overtures from the new "civilian" president?