Obama's Realpolitik at Play in Myanmar

BANGKOK - United States Senator Jim Webb's trip to military

ruled Myanmar highlights again the difficulties of dealing with the ruling generals and brings into focus the debate over the usefulness of sanctions and the perceived growing influence of China in the region.

Webb flew into the capital of Myanmar, Naypyidaw, on Friday and held two days of discussions with senior regime leaders. The visit marked the second time Webb has traveled to Myanmar; he went previously as a private citizen in 2001. His trip as chairman of the East Asia and Pacific Affairs Sub-committee is part of a five-country fact-finding tour to explore opportunities for expanding US interests in the region.

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