"Is Myanmar?s reform effort going into reverse? Not even close. Yet if international support for its political transition seriously weakens in the face of recent setbacks, the prophecies of Myanmar?s critics may be fulfilled. The international community needs to show staying power and accept that the road to reform is long. Myanmar is four years into a transition from 50 years of authoritarian rule and chronic, grinding civil conflicts. That change was never going to be easy. We should not be surprised that certain areas remain problematic or new difficulties arise...The West has a choice: Whether to stand on the sidelines and withholding support until there is a perfect outcome in Myanmar, or to engage in the messy but vital business of working with Myanmar as it changes from a closed authoritarian country to a more open, democratic and prosperous society... When Obama offered a hand to Myanmar in 2011, it was the beginning of a long journey. It is one the United States and the international community would be best advised to continue."