Though obviously a very brave and principled woman who has been politically active, since Aung San Suu Kyi has never really been burdened with the responsibilities of power, I cannot bring myself to rate her more than two stars as a politician. History shows us that many who are successful as instruments of change often fail when ultimately placed in a position of authority. With that said, I will comment further on how non-violent protest doesn't work in some cultures. Gandhi's tactics worked largely due to the nature of the British, but elsewhere these tactics will never succeed (at least within any reasonable timeframe). I'm afraid that Kyi finds herself in one of the latter situations for the foreseeable future. Aung San Suu Kyi was born June 19, 1945 in Yangon.

New Age types always get the vapors and swoon in ecstasy whenever you mention a Buddhist country. Ladies and gentlemen, I present Myanmar, formerly known as Burma. The Brits cut it loose in the imperial stand-down in 1947 and this lady's father, a general, led the country to independence. He was promptly assassinated! Since then a series of thuggish generals have mis-ruled the hapless Myanmarites. The generals decided to hold elections in 1990, and this lady won with a pro-democracy faction. The generals nullified the election. This lady won the Nobel Peace Prize, but the generals have held her either in the pokey or under house arrest since then. So much for a typical Buddhist Eden!

I shall never possess the strengh and courage of this woman.

I'm giving Kyi a 1 star rating because she's never had political power and has not shown her capabilities. Having said all that she seems to be a nice woman. However Than Shwe ruthlessly suppresses trade unions which means lower prices for Westerners such as myself. Could you imagine how Kyi woul act if a Western business wanted to build a hotel in a village where there are many people inhabiting it. Kyi on human rights grounds wouldn't give permission for building to go ahead but Than Shwe wouldn't have a problem. May the Slave Labouring Republic of Burma live long and prosper.

A very brave woman who has suffered trememdously for her belief and dedication to democracy. It is unfortunate that big business interests have found it more convenient to support the murderers who have imprisoned her and her countrymen.