July 2016 brought a remarkable fall from grace for Ma Ba Tha, the Buddhist "race and religion protection" organization that has become internationally infamous for promoting anti-Muslim sentiment in Myanmar.
Members of Myanmar's National League for Democracy government have led the charge, followed by religious leaders, social activists and ordinary people across the country. Behind this remarkable rush of sentiment, we believe an examination of the dynamics preceding these events can both help to explain them and underscore concerns for the future.
Despite the pushback against Ma Ba Tha, anti-Muslim sentiment remains prevalent in Myanmar and more consistent action on the part of the state will be required to reverse the permissive environment for inter-religious violence that took root under the previous regime. (Courtesy of asia.nikkei.com)
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