historic visit to Burma
On his first foreign visit since his re-election, U.S. President Barack Obama touched down in Burma on Nov. 19, making him the first sitting U.S. president to visit the once isolated country. President Obama validated the continuous efforts of Burmese President Thein Sein and the other leaders who took power in March 2011 and have since transitioned the nation to a military-civilian based government.

Although Burma’s leadership is met with criticism for being ushered in by flawed polls in 2010, the government has made strides in reforms by lessening press censorship, releasing political prisoners, signing cease-fires with ethnic militias and allowing opposition leader Aung San Suu Kyi to take part in its past election, earning her a spot in the nation’s parliament.

With only six hours in the country, Obama’s visit consisted of meeting with the Burmese President and Su Kyi, while engaging with civil society activists who were former dissidents, labor organizers, and monks. Before making a final stop and speech at the University of Yangon, the president also toured the golden spire of the Shwedagon Pagoda, the country’s holiest site.

During his speech at the university, Obama spoke about his stance on foreign policy and attempts of re-engaging with countries stating, “When I took office as President, I sent a message to those governments who ruled by fear: We will extend a hand if you are willing to unclench your fist. So today I’ve come to keep my promise and extend the hand of friendship.” He also spoke in defense of  Burma’s Muslim Rohingya population who for years have been part of the many ethnic and political rebellions the country has seen.

Sounds like  fruitful trip. Imagine if he had more than six hours.

– Juan Frausto
(Photo credit: Carolyn Kaster/AP, USA Today)