Long before the cyclone of last week struck Burma was in trouble. Ruled by a military junta for 20 years, with reports of forced labour and human rights abuses and democracy as we know it a far-off dream it has always been a controversial travel destination.Many tour operators avoid featuring the destination in their brochures for fear of being accused of indirectly assisting the regime; others put forward excellent arguments for including it, claiming with some justification that increasingly money is going directly into the pockets of local people and travellers come back enthused with assisting the Free Burma campaign. Whatever the rights and wrongs it's an incredible destination and one that has much to offer the traveller.The recent cyclone, it's handling by the regime and ongoing furore over the unwillingness of the junta to grant travel documents to relief workers may be a much-needed catalyst for change, building on the discontent shown by monks in recent months, or it may be that change fails to take place. What is certain is that, for many, the immediate priority is simply surviving.One way we can all assist is by making a contribution via the Disasters Emergency Comittee - click here to visit their website.I am sure that I speak for many when I say that our thoughts are with the survivors of the cyclone. Personally, and this is a personal thought, I hope that when this period is over the world takes a good look at itself and asks why no peaceful action is taken to bring about changes in Burma.CheersCarl