More Good News From Myanmar

Myanmar government releases 651 prisoners, including many prominent political activists from the 1988 protests, signs a cease-fire with Karen rebels, and, in response, the U.S. restores full diplomatic relations with the country. These are all substantial steps in the right direction. Let's hope these developments ultimately translate into a renewal of community forestry in Kachin State (see Naw Aung and His Sagawa and Crossing Mawning Stream).  [NOTE: Image shows Loi Mai (in front) and Aung Bu moving up the Ledo Road in northern Kachin (see A Bridge Too Far)].