In Myanmar, armed militias from ethnic groups such as the Karen and Kachin have been battling for some independence from central Burman authority for five or more decades.

ECONOMIST: The Philippines�� southern insurgency

The maddening fact is if the many ethnic groups were working together, Myanmar could become a powerhouse in Southeast Asia.

FORBES: Myanmar: No Ethnics; No Nation

Myanmar authorities have also engaged in peace talks with rebel ethnic groups and allowed Suu Kyi's party, the National League for Democracy, to successfully participate in special elections for the national parliament in April.

CNN: Obama Asia trip includes landmark visit to Myanmar