In Burma , the nation has been at siege from the civilian government since 1962 by the Strongman : Gen: Ne Win and his successive military generals after one another for more than 48 years . The man behind the ruthless . coldblooded , murderer : Sr: Gen: Than Shwe ( the doggy ) has ruled with iron fists for more than 20 years , since his accessioning to the military commander - in - chief after his predecessor : Gen: Saw Maung passed away .