Obama pledges to lift economic sanctions against Myanmar
During a visit Wednesday with Myanmar's leader Daw Aung San Suu Kyi, President Obama announced he would "soon" be lifting economic sanctions imposed against the country decades ago. "Recognizing the progress toward democratic transition that Myanmar has achieved, including through the election of a civilian-led government, and in an effort to support inclusive economic growth, the United States will terminate the National Emergency with respect to Myanmar and will revoke the Executive Order-based framework of the Burma sanctions program," the White House said in a statement.
Sanctions were originally imposed because of human rights violations committed under Myanmar's military rule, and were intended to "isolate Myanmar's former military junta," NPR reported. With sanctions lifted, Myanmar will once again be exempted from high import taxes, a benefit offered to poorer countries. However, BBC reported, sanctions will remain in place against a "'blacklist' of at least 100 companies and individuals with links to the former military junta, as well as trade in jade and rubies."
Obama didn't offer an exact timeframe for when sanctions will be lifted, but many critics fear the move is coming too soon. Myanmar's military still holds "over 25 percent of parliamentary seats, its ability to dissolve the parliament in times of national emergency, and its control over the nation's security, defense, and border ministries," The New York Times reported. "It sends a terrible message to say you're not going to reward a government unless they do something, and then reward them anyway," John Sifton, the deputy Washington director of Human Rights Watch, told the Times.
Subscribe to The Week
Escape your echo chamber. Get the facts behind the news, plus analysis from multiple perspectives.
Sign up for The Week's Free Newsletters
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
From our morning news briefing to a weekly Good News Newsletter, get the best of The Week delivered directly to your inbox.
Obama, however, did note that Myanmar's progress "is not complete." Aung San Suu Kyi agreed that more needed to be done to reduce the military's power within the government.
Sign up for Today's Best Articles in your inbox
A free daily email with the biggest news stories of the day – and the best features from TheWeek.com
-
Today's political cartoons - November 2, 2024
Cartoons Saturday's cartoons - anti-fascism, early voter turnout, and more
By The Week US Published
-
Geoff Capes obituary: shot-putter who became the World’s Strongest Man
In the Spotlight The 'mighty figure' was a two-time Commonwealth Champion and world-record holder
By The Week UK Published
-
Israel attacks Iran: a 'limited' retaliation
Talking Point Iran's humiliated leaders must decide how to respond to Netanyahu's measured strike
By The Week UK Published
-
US economy still strong in final preelection report
Speed Read It grew at a solid 2.8% annual rate from July through September
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Boeing machinists reject deal, continue strike
Speed Read The rejection came the same day Boeing reported a $6.2 billion quarterly loss
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Ports reopen after dockworkers halt strike
Speed Read The 36 ports that closed this week, from Maine to Texas, will start reopening today
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Empty-nest boomers aren't selling their big homes
Speed Read Most Americans 60 and older do not intend to move, according to a recent survey
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Brazil accuses Musk of 'disinformation campaign'
Speed Read A Brazilian Supreme Court judge has opened an inquiry into Elon Musk and X
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney board fends off Peltz infiltration bid
Speed Read Disney CEO Bob Iger has defeated activist investor Nelson Peltz in a contentious proxy battle
By Rafi Schwartz, The Week US Published
-
Disney and DeSantis reach detente
Speed Read The Florida governor and Disney settle a yearslong litigation over control of the tourism district
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published
-
Visa and Mastercard agree to lower swipe fees
Speed Read The companies will cap the fees they charge businesses when customers use their credit cards
By Peter Weber, The Week US Published