How Western International Media Fostered Cultural Divisions and Conflicts in Arakan

Kyaw Zan, Opinion February 1, 2026

Western international media, along with outlets like Al Jazeera from Qatar, have long shaped the story of the crisis along the Bangladesh border in a one-sided manner. They describe Muslims as the only victims of violence while painting Rakhine Buddhists and other non-Muslim groups as the main perpetrators. This narrow view often ignores or downplays crimes carried out by Islamist jihadist groups such as ARSA, RSO, and ARA.

Outlets including Al Jazeera, DW, CNN, The New York Times, Anadolu Ajansi, BBC, The Guardian, and Reuters show strong activity when non-Muslim groups harm Muslims. Reports highlight attacks, displacement, and suffering faced by the Rohingya community. Yet these same media rarely mention or give equal weight to attacks by jihadist groups on non-Muslims in northern Arakan. For example, ARSA attacks on police posts and civilians from other ethnic groups receive brief mentions or are framed as reactions to state actions, while large-scale military responses dominate headlines. This imbalance creates a false picture where one side appears purely aggressive and the other purely defensive. It fuels mistrust and deepens old wounds between communities that have lived side by side for generations.

More seriously, these media seem heavily influenced by a small group of Muslim diaspora activists. These voices push strong anti-Arakan and anti-AA narratives that often fail to match the real changes happening on the ground today. Stories repeat old patterns from 2017 without fresh local input from Rakhine perspectives. Activists supply refugee testimonies, photos, and claims that shape coverage, but rarely include voices from Rakhine Buddhists or current residents under new control. This creates echo chambers where facts get twisted to fit one view. It blocks true understanding and makes peace harder to build.

The result harms social cohesion in Arakan. When media focus only on one group's pain, it strengthens divisions. People in Rakhine feel their own losses — from jihadist attacks, displacement, or communal clashes — are invisible. This silence breeds anger and suspicion. Communities that could work together for stability instead see each other through the lens of biased reports. It makes unity against common threats, like the military regime, more difficult. The crisis is not simple; it involves history, land, identity, and armed groups on multiple sides. Ignoring parts of the story adds fuel to conflict rather than cooling it.

True journalism demands balance. Diversifying sources is the only way forward. Media must seek views from all communities — Rakhine Buddhists, Muslims, other ethnic groups, and local leaders. They should report on crimes by all armed actors, not just one. On-the-ground access, though challenging, must include voices beyond refugees in Bangladesh. Fair coverage would highlight shared struggles, like the impact of war on civilians everywhere in Arakan.

Western media hold power to shape global opinion. Their current approach widens gaps instead of bridging them. Stopping the old one-sided style and embracing all facts can help reduce divisions. It supports peace-building by showing the full human story. In Arakan, where people face daily hardship from conflict, fair reporting offers hope for understanding and healing. Only then can media serve justice instead of deepening old conflicts.