The Hidden History of Burma: Race, Capitalism, and the Crisis of Democracy in the 21st Century

by Thant Myint-U

Over September and October, the army commander-in-chief, General Min Aung Hlaing, delivered a series of uncompromising speeches, promising to do his duty and finish the “unfinished business of 1942”—meaning the twin threats of “Bengali” immigration and Muslim insurrection. On Facebook, his following soared. There were loud calls for a wall to be built to prevent renewed “Islamic” aggression from across the Bangladesh border. Both Aung San Suu Kyi’s government and the army promised to make this happen and asked leading businessmen to help foot the bill. Because so few believed the allegations of army massacres, there was also mounting anger at what was seen as extreme Western bias. Regional governments were largely supportive. Just days after the fighting began, Indian prime minister Narendra Modi, on a visit to Burma, refused to denounce the crackdown, instead saying, “We share your concerns about extremist violence in Rakhine State and especially the violence against security forces.” In late October, thousands rallied in downtown Rangoon in support of the army and against “international pressure.”