Summary: " As the review of U.S. policy regarding Burma continues amid signs that the military regime wants to engage with Washington, we offer some thoughts about the senior generals, what motivates them, what they might want from engagement, and what the U.S. might place on the table. Burma?s military machine is top-down, xenophobic and utterly focused on preserving national unity. At the same time, senior generals are embarrassed by their international pariah status and crave respect. Some are concerned with Burma?s ever-growing dependence on China and its geostrategic location amidst historical foes. Others, having seen a glimpse of the international community?s benevolence following Nargis, no doubt wish for a lifting of sanctions and economic assistance. No matter the motivations, a dialogue with Burma?s senior military leaders will be slow, frustrating, and, within the U.S., politically charged. While dialogue is unlikely to yield major, near-term political outcomes such as changes to the constitution, it might sow seeds for future change by illustrating to the next line of leaders what an improved relationship with the U.S. could look like. Above all, a dialogue could lead to tangible benefits for Burma?s long-suffering people, a worthwhile goal in itself." End summary.