Executive Summary: "This policy report examines the riots that shook Mandalay on July 1-2, 2014, killing two men, one Buddhist and one Muslim, and damaging scores of properties in Muslim neighborhoods. This was the latest in a series of attacks that have fueled religious tensions across the country, strengthened ultra nationalist forces, and undermined the democratic opening. The report has three sections: I. The extended executive summary describes how the Mandalay riots were instigated by hidden hands - hardliners linked to the former junta - and recommends steps to avoid the trap of religious violence. II. Section II provides further analysis and context, describing how the former junta?s ?roadmap to democracy” laid the tracks for the political transition, and how the outbreak of communal conflict in Rakhine led to anti-Muslim riots in Meiktila, Lashio, Mandalay, and surrounding areas. III. Section III presents additional information about the Mandalay riots, based primarily on witness accounts, including from the widows of the murdered victims..."