Talk is cheap, and talk between diplomats is typically bargain basement. Having asserted that caveat, however, I continue to be optimistic about the visit of U.S. diplomat Kurt Campbell to Myanmar and his talks with both the State Peace and Development Council (aka, military dictators) and the opposition National League for Democracy.

From The Irrawaddy:

Meeting with the opposition National League for Democracy and ethnic leaders on Wednesday, top US diplomat Kurt Campbell has vowed he will try to achieve genuine dialogue for national reconciliation in Burma.

During separate meetings with the NLD and ethnic leaders on Wednesday afternoon, Campbell, who is the US assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, said dialogue between all stakeholders in Burma is important for resolving Burma”s problems, according to NLD and ethnic sources.

“Mr Campbell told NLD leaders he agrees that engaging in dialogue is an important step toward resolving problems in the country,” said Ohn Kyaing, a senior member of the NLD. “He added he came to Burma to try to establish dialogue between all parties.”

During the meeting with Campbell, NLD leaders reiterated their policy calling for the release of political prisoners, a review of the 2008 Constitution and political dialogue for national reconciliation, according to NLD sources.

A tremendous amount rides on, and foreign policy wonks are watching closely, how the still nascent foreign policy apparatus of President Barack Hussein Obama and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton may shift the relationship between the United States and the rest of the world. While indicators are positive, tangible change in relations and the behaviors of world actors is still in the future.

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