Myanmar's general election yesterday indicates a change in this military-ruled country. Observers from both Asia and the West are closely watching what is happening in Myanmar.

Myanmar, a relatively backward country in Asia, has been long isolated and sanctioned by Western powers. The Bush administration even regarded the nation as a member of the axis of evil.

In a bid to urge Myanmar to open up, the West ought to take the initiative to dilute its enmity toward the country. However, the West now regards the election as a political show, and some even anticipate violent change and the collapse of the incumbent political force in Myanmar.

Myanmar's neighboring countries should hold their own views, not following the West blindly.

Efforts should be focused on creating a friendlier external environment for Myanmar, by trying to convince, rather than force, Myanmar to adopt some measures.

It's understandable that Myanmar, at the primary stage of political change, takes a cautious attitude.

Over the past two decades, many countries, some even smaller than Myanmar, underwent unexpected turmoil due to abrupt political change.