USA Pulls Back the Curtain on Myanmar’s Military Boss — And Says “It’s Not Enough”
In a move that feels like a punch in the political face, Southeast Asia’s bloc Asean decided last week to give Myanmar a non‑political guest instead of its military ruler, Min Aung Hlaing. The U.S. rolled its eyes but also pointed out that the stop‑gap is inofficially just the start.
Edgard Kagan’s Take‑away
Edgard Kagan, the White House’s East‑Asia guru, told a Washington think‑tank session that sidestepping the military chief is a big win, but he calls it “a very significant step.” He added, “We’re not going to let this sit there, unsold. Addressing the fallout from the coup is going to need a real, robust push from the U.S., Asean, and anyone else we can rally.”
- He didn’t list the exact steps, but the hint is clear: more than a polite passer‑by.
- “It’s a rope‑pull, not a hitch‑stitch,” he rapped, underscoring the chaotic reality for Myanmar’s citizens.
Derek Chollet’s “Productive” Cross‑Border Twist
State Department heavy‑hand Derek Chollet tweeted that his sit‑down with Singapore’s finance wizard, Ho Hern Shin, was a diplomatic hit. The pair “talked about ways to clip the military regime’s overseas purse strings.”
It’s a subtle nudge that the financial wolves are being held at bay, but the game’s still on the field.
Why ASEAN’s Move Matters
For years, Asean has played it cool, keeping curb to each other’s drama—no sanctions, no heavy-handed shoves—just the old “stay out” mantra. Now, nudging Myanmar out front is a shake‑up. It shows that the regional bloc isn’t merely playing a diplomatic footsie; it’s taking concrete but gentle steps.
“Our boss isn’t going to fix this alone,” Kagan said, waving a flag of solidarity. “We’re here to partner up with Asean and others. The truth? Governance is slipping, and the people are drowning in extraordinary challenges. It’s a crisis that screams for an all‑out effort.”
Bottom Line
Think of the U.S. as the big brother who “helped get rid of the villain’s spotlight” but insists we keep the glitter on the right side. Asean’s move is a headline, yes, but the real story stays in the charts of finance, politics, and grassroots hope. Together, the continent and its allies will need to pull the strings right in front of Myanmar’s people’s eyes.
