Lift sanctions or Myanmar's moment may be lost Myanmar stands at its most important moment since the beginning of army rule in 1962. The landslide victory of Aung San Suu Kyi and her National League for Democracy in Sunday's by-elections is a decisive step forward from decades of dictatorship, and towards the country becoming Asia's newest democracy. It's a transition few would have dreamed possible just a short time ago. But the future is still unpredictable and, at this critical time, the lifting of all western economic sanctions would do more than anything to lock in the momentum and energise those in the government pressing for reform. A continuation of sanctions, even for a few more months, may spell disaster. To understand why the lifting of sanctions is so urgent, it is important to appreciate that the change under way is not the result of street protests and was initiated when the ruling regime was as entrenched as ever. So the regime needs to be confident that it is doing the right thing. Part of the explanation for the reforms that led to last weekend's vote was the desire of the old autocrat, General Than Shwe, for a safe retirement. He understood that holding on to power until the end was a risky business. Also, critically, Myanmar by last year was a far less isolated place than a generation ago. Satellite television was widely available, as was the internet, and thousands were travelling each month to Singapore and Bangkok. Most of Asia was becoming rich; Myanmar's lowly state was increasingly plain to see. So the impetus for change came not from western sanctions, which only reinforced isolation, but in spite of them. When Gen Than Shwe retired a year ago, he left a new constitutional framework, which though far from democratic, contained the possibility of freer and more representative government. And the new president, Thein Sein, surprised everyone from the start, talking about poverty and corruption (formerly taboo topics), suspending work on a controversial $2.3bn Chinese dam project, releasing hundreds of political prisoners and meeting in person with Ms Suu Kyi. None of these has been easy. There have always been those within the establishment who would have liked to move more slowly, if at all. For Ms Suu Kyi, the compromises she has had to make have been difficult as well. For years she and her party attacked the process leading to the new constitution. To then turn round and accept the offer of reconciliation was a gamble. Many in the opposition have long wanted a more revolutionary approach to change, and she has had to fight hard to keep them on board. Now there is a nervousness on both sides. Having come so far so fast, the generals realise they have manoeuvred themselves to uncharted waters. There is no appetite for turning back. But the scale of the NLD's win and the almost frenzied outpouring of popular support for Ms Suu Kyi may not sit well with many of the old soldiers, conservative by instinct, who want to ensure any transition is gradual. Ms Suu Kyi and the NLD are nervous too. In three weeks she and 40 or so colleagues will be in a parliament dominated by the ruling Union Solidarity and Development Party, a creation of the old junta. Having won millions of votes she will have to demonstrate she can remake herself from being an icon for change to an agent for practical reform. Mutual unease could easily turn to a new confrontational round of politics. But there is also a clear alternative which is that both sides co-operate on the pressing economic challenges facing the country. That is why sanctions should be lifted. For the president, nothing could be more important now than showing that his tenure has not been just about reconciliation but also about improving people's lives and starting the race to catch up with Myanmar's neighbours. For Ms Suu Kyi as well, seeing economic improvement must be a priority. Millions who voted for the NLD did so hoping for just that. While sanctions remain, it's hard to see how Mr Thein Sein or Ms Suu Kyi can live up to expectations. Tackling decades of mismanagement will be a Herculean task. That work has begun but, without access to international markets and knowhow, the options will be limited. In a few months, this unique opportunity to start a new chapter on the right footing may be lost. The writer is author of "Where China Meets India: Burma and the New Crossroads of Asia"