"For decades, Americans have been deeply concerned about the denial of basic human rights for the Burmese people," U.S. President Barack Obama said recently in Bali, Indonesia, "We have always had a profound respect for the people of Burma and the promise of their country -- a country with a rich history, at the crossroads of East and West; a people with a quiet dignity and extraordinary potential." For many years, both the promise and the persecution of the Burmese people have been symbolized by Aung San Suu Kyi, the leader of Burma's democratic opposition. "As the daughter of Burma's founding father, and a fierce advocate for her fellow citizens, she's endured prison and house arrest, just as so many Burmese have endured repression," President Obama said, "Yet after years of darkness, we've seen flickers of progress in these last several weeks." The President of Burma and the Burmese Parliament have taken steps toward political reform. A dialogue between the government and Aung San Suu Kyi has begun. Some political prisoners have been released. Media restrictions have been relaxed, and legislations have been approved that could open the political environment.