World Notes Burma

Despite more than two years of house arrest, Aung San Suu Kyi casts a bigger shadow than ever over the repressive rulers of Burma. The official presentation of her Nobel Peace Prize to her son last week triggered demonstrations and renewed calls abroad for the generals to hand over power to the parliament that was elected last year.

Widespread reports that retired strongman Ne Win had recently suffered a stroke fanned hopes that the military might finally yield. Yet when 700 students gathered at the University of Rangoon to press for Suu Kyi's release, hundreds of heavily armed troops surrounded the campus, arrested scores, and shut the universities.

Junta officials still say they plan to return the country to elected rule, but they have to be careful to avoid economic or political disorder during the transition. Given the demonstrations last week, the restoration of democracy seemed unlikely anytime soon.