Why is Burma refusing U.S. aid?

Because of the recent cyclone - Burma is in trouble yet refuses to let the United States come in and help them. Why? Are there other countries that ARE allowed to enter? Are there other countries who ARE NOT? I know that we have been "fighting" China a long time over the treatment of Burma. Are the Chinese banning us? Thanks

Thanks, Mike - I never quite looked at it that way.

Because they fear that this would cause their government to lose prestige.

If they are the ones handing out aid then they can claim to be the heroes. If somebody else hands out the aid then somebody else gets to be the hero.

Another issue is that these sorts of governments use the distribution of aid as a reward/punishment system. By withholding aid from populations that are restive and using that to give extra aid to those they regard as loyal they can help maintain their grip on power.

In a nice way and nothing against the citizens of the US, but after all the "issues" that have risen in the past 5 years with the US and other countries... wouldnt you be leary as well? I cant lie, I wasnt surprised to hear that Burma was refusing aid from the US. In reality... you never know whats next if you let them in just starting with medical and food aid. I do believe of course they do care about their people... and other countries whom are not in it for their own benefit are supplying the country with aid. But didnt the US care about their own citizens too when they decided to go to war (for what)... bomb their own people! My prayers are with the Burmese citizens!!

Their political correct is differ then ours, they may be afraid of
some rebuttal, fear of war, or a statement to good ole USA.
I have not watched much news last couple days, Needed to
retreat from it for a bit! I do believe they have from united
nations, as well I did hear, it is difficult to reach the people due
to the distruction.

to many strings attached.