More than words

When Western leaders talk of freedom, liberty and democracy they should not just be words. They should be reinforced by action, whether or not in our economic interest.

That is why the West’s failure to tackle the Burmese junta and their treatment of Aung San Suu Kyi is so lamentable.

Many people may not be able to place Burma, or Myanmar as it should properly be called on the map, but playing “spot the country” should not be how we conduct our international affairs.

For this reason the time for talking is well and truly over. It is time for action.