Why Myanmar's generals stand firm

(Reuters) - After 46 years of unbroken military rule, many people both inside and outside Myanmar think it will take an act of God to get rid of the junta.

Here are some reasons why analysts say the generals are resisting pressure to open up to foreign aid and workers after this month's cyclone, and are unlikely to face serious unrest despite criticism over the handling of the disaster.

SURVIVAL COMES FIRST

Those living in the heavily populated Irrawaddy delta, where millions had homes or crops destroyed, are far too busy rebuilding their lives and homes to worry about rising up.

"People are absolutely preoccupied with survival -- food, water, health, their relatives, getting their jobs back, rebuilding their houses," former Australian ambassador to Yangon Trevor Wilson said.

HEADS UP HAMMERED DOWN

People remember what happened when serious demonstrations erupted before, such as the bloody suppression of monk-led protests last September.

A Yangon taxi driver put it succinctly. "There won't be demonstrations ... People don't want to be shot."

LUCKY MOVE FOR GENERALS

The cyclone might even end up bolstering junta chief Than Shwe's status because of his 2005 decision to move the capital to Naypyidaw, 400 kms (250 miles) north of Yangon, formerly known as Rangoon.

With Yangon strewn with rubble and fallen trees, the junta's escape from the destruction is likely to confirm in its leaders' minds that they have a near supernatural mandate and can ignore pressure from within and without.

"It is said that Than Shwe's astrologer told him to move the capital because Rangoon would suffer a calamity," said Derek Tonkin, a former British ambassador to neighbouring Thailand.

NO WORRIES

The generals' confidence was demonstrated after the cyclone when they ignored widespread calls to indefinitely postpone a planned referendum on a constitution the government calls a step to democracy but critics say will further cement their power.

The first round of a two-stage ballot was held on May 10 in all but the worst-hit areas.

The result, according to the government?  Continued...