For Myanmar's Suu Kyi, pragmatism a major lesson in post-junta political life

BANGKOK – For Aung San Suu Kyi the democracy activist, the 25-year struggle against Myanmar's former army rulers was a largely black-and-white affair — a clear fight for freedom against one of the world's most oppressive regimes.

But Suu Kyi the elected lawmaker is finding it more difficult to pick her battles, and she's a lot more pragmatic when she does.

With the long-ruling junta gone and a reformist government in place, Suu Kyi is part of a government dealing with a complex transition to democracy — even as she maintains her role as opposition leader.

This week, Suu Kyi moved to settle a dispute that has festered in the northwest for years: controversy over a military-backed copper mine in Letpadaung that has raised environmental concern and forced villagers from their land.