In recent years, Burma’s military rulers have engaged in a protracted exercise to draft a new constitution that would create the façade of civilian rule and democracy, while still allowing the army to retain control.

All the while, Aung San Suu Kyi – daughter of Burma’s independence hero and the living symbol of Burmese aspirations for a better life – has been under house arrest, ignored by the junta as it sought to craft a political order excluding her. But the dramatic display in recent days of the Burmese public’s long-pent up resentment is threatening the military’s plans, as they confront a mass protest movement led by Buddhist monks chanting prayers for peace.