Originally posted by Shotgun:
Singapore is very mindful of world opinion. They will criticise and condemn the Junta. But whether that statement is for "real", remains to be seen.
Making statements are just part and parcel of all political rhetorics. In life as in all situations, the 'self' always come first. So, countries like SG, China, USA, etc. will take a stand that suits them well, regardless of who is the leader and what form of government Myanmar has.
SG as the current chair of ASEAN has to make some noise on behalf of the other members. Whether SG is sincere or not, it remains to be seen. I for one would not take it that SG has altruistic objectives. From past events, SG does business with any country willing to trade regardless whether the government of that country is a white cat, black cat, red rodent, green monkey or country bumpkin. Put it simply: self-preservation rides above moral and human dignity. The same can be said of individuals in organisations. You think your colleagues will stand up for your rights and fight for you against the boss?
My take is this: SG has no better ground than China or USA or any other country to condemn Myanmar. Why? Because its own human rights record is nuthing to rave about. Can the UN do anything? Not possible too when you have a member of the Security Council (China) who will veto anything that USA proposed! Do you think the invasion of Iraq by US is approved by UN?
Unless there is a more powerful country, with the might and means, and can ride world opinion, it can not force the military junta out. In ancient times, a neighbouring country like Siam or Khmer may just gather their elephants and stroll over Myanmar and try to depose the military rule there. Anyway, the invaders also military rulers of Siam or Khmer. Therefore, no worry about legitimacy.
Hence, I think the country most likely to put an end to the present Myanmar junta has to be either the Thai junta or US forces. Don't count SG, so save your breath.