In a sight that would have been unheard of just scant months ago,

Burma's all-important Buddhist Monks line a road to welcome the

arrival of Barack Obama, the first American president ever to visit

the country, Nov. 18.

Obama's 'Impetuous' Visit to Burma Put Iran on Notice (Die Welt, Germany)

"For the United States, this is also about taking a global stand. After the military coup of 1988, the Americans isolated Burma and imposed severe sanctions. Now Obama wants to make it clear to North Korea and the mullahs in Iran that good behavior pays off ... America can no longer be accused of not having done everything possible to dissuade Tehran by peaceful means from acquiring the bomb. Now it is up to the mullahs to decide."

By Clemens Wergin

Translated By Claire Parsons

November 29, 2012

Germany - Die Welt - Original Article (German)

President Obama recieves an overwhelmingly effusive welcome in Burma, Nov. 18. ABC NEWS VIDEO, AUSTRALIA: Barack Obama makes first U.S. presidential visit to Burma, Nov. 19, 00:03:23

For years now, Europe has been a source of discontent for Barack Obama. This and his new strategic reorientation toward Asia make the Pacific region a logical first trip after his re-election. The fact that Burma was his first destination makes it a double honor. Not only is this his first trip after his re-election, but Obama is the first sitting president ever to visit Burma.

The overwhelming affection America has for Burma could be seen as a little impetuous. It has been just two years since Burma came in from the cold. Its democratic reforms are still unstable and at any moment could be rescinded by the military. Moreover, the multi-ethnic state threatens to be torn apart by ethnic conflict, and there isn't even the first sign of a solution. Furthermore, it is questionable whether the country and its poorly-educated population will be able to digest the billions of aid and investment headed its way from the West.

The visit is similar to Obama's 2009 Nobel Peace Prize in that it is an insight into policies to come, and no one can say whether it will pay off. Obama's visit is a risky bet that for some, is very telling. Throughout Burma's long isolation, China was one of the few countries to have cultivated close ties.

Now Washington is trying to free the country from Beijing's embrace and bring it into a coalition of states that form a counterweight to China's pursuit of hegemony in the region. Burma, a resource-rich country, is caught between the two economic giants India and China. Therefore, it has a strategic importance that cannot be underestimated.

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SEE ALSO ON THIS:

Global Times, China: Americans Have No Hope of 'Squeezing China Out of Myanmar'

The Nation, Thailand: Americans Eye Myanmar as 'Key Future Ally'

Bangkok Post, Thailand: Obama Must Speak for Burma's Besieged Rohingya Minority

Bangkok Post, Thailand: U.S. Secret Service Startled by Thailand Lizards

Bangkok Post, Thailand: King Adulyadej Recieves President Obama

Bangkok Post, Thailand: Prime Minsuer Shinawatra Remains Coy on U.S.-Led Trade Pact

The Nation, Thailand Obama Should Press Shinawatra on Thai Human Rights

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