The Staggers

The New Statesman’s rolling politics blog

Isn't it time we backed Bahrain's revolution?

As the first anniversary of the uprising approaches, it is time for the west to reassess its support

By Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi Published 12 February 2012 10:05

"The she-camel has been impregnated" goes the old Arabic saying, suggesting a looming (usually disastrous) outcome which is all but inevitable. For the past 12 months, Bahrain's ruling monarchy has tried to abort a pregnancy which began in the frenzy of the Arab Spring - but the foetus has proved too mature. The country's mass uprising which began a year ago, on 14 February 2011, was the result of many decades of abuse.

Medieval-style absolutist rule in this island nation was never going to last forever, but the regime's stubbornly uncompromising approach to the Bahraini people's grievances is ensuring an accelerated downfall for the Al Khalifa family's 230-year old dynasty. A year on since the uprising began, just after that in Egypt, and despite the brutal crackdown, the prognosis for the Bahraini regime is bleaker than ever.

Three months after the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry report found a systematic policy of abuse, torture and discrimination on the basis of sectarian affiliation, the regime of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifah has failed to implement any tangible reforms to satisfy the opposition. The government's well-documented brutality, coupled with a sense of hopelessness, has resulted in an escalation of protests and almost total loss of authority over several key areas of the small Gulf kingdom. Townships such as Bani Jamrah (one of the country's fiercest anti-regime hotspots) is completely out of regime control after dark. The key suburb of Sitra, dubbed "capital of the revolution", is also a no-go zone for representatives of the government.

Yet when we examine the diplomatic rhetoric here in the west, there is no consistency. Just this past week, there have been renewed calls from US politicians to arm the Syrian rebels (though dismissed); in Bahrain, however, the US government has consistently and strongly condemned any violent acts against the regime carried out by the protesters on the streets. The double standard, even given the US's record, is staggering.

Before the Bahraini regime crackdown began in February and March 2011, anti-government demonstrations on the island were characterised by two unique features: massive turnouts (on one occasion, 300,000 people marched across the capital, representing a quarter of the population), and the largely nonviolent nature of the protesters who raised nothing other than the national flag and offered roses to Bahraini police officers.

Much has transpired since then and the regime's unrelenting violence against peaceful protests has changed the rules of the game. Instead of large mass protests, there are now many small pockets of resistance (called "battalions", even though they only carry sticks and wear white shrouds denoting a readiness to die). Instead of roses being handed out to police, Molotov cocktails have become increasingly common, and are used to push back security vehicles when they invade Shia villages. With the regime's security forces using Molotov cocktails against unarmed protesters, is it any wonder that the protesters soon picked up the habit and began to do the same? With more than 40 faith leaders imprisoned and women publicly assaulted for taking part in peaceful protests, ordinary people feel compelled to fight back.

As countless videos and pictures posted on social networking sites have shown, unarmed protesters in Bahrain have been confronted with state-sponsored savagery and vile acts of murder and abuse. Once the protests were violently quelled, hundreds of people were then detained, tortured, even sexually assaulted. A campaign of intimidation - which has included the demolition of dozens of licensed Shia places of worship and holy sites, the prevention of religious rituals, thousands of arbitrary detentions, around 60 extrajudicial killings, and the imprisonment of physicians for treating injured protesters - has resulted in two impossibly difficult scenarios. If the regime backs down now and releases opposition leaders (including the head of Amal, an officially licensed political society), the protesters will then be further emboldened to continue what they started last year. But if the brutal crackdown continues, so too will the resistance. The Bahraini king is now like the man who steps on a landmine: if he walks off, it will rip him apart, but keeping his foot on the bomb is not a viable option either.

In the midst of all this, the traditional opposition groups (also known as "political societies") are becoming increasingly irrelevant as support grows for a secretive and highly organied youth movement called the Coalition of 14 February. This coalition has called for the overthrow of the monarchy and the establishment of a representative and democratic system of governance. Its message has resonated much more powerfully with the youths than the traditional political societies, which are more supportive of the regime's promises to reform the existing undemocratic system.

Meanwhile, the Bahraini government's western allies have largely ignored both the crackdown and the resulting escalation. The United States, which has much at stake in the region, could have won the hearts and minds of the vast majority of people in Bahrain by condemning the regime's repression from the outset. It could have negotiated the release of the various political detainees and cancelled its arms contracts with the Bahraini security forces. Instead, the United States chose to stand idly by as innocent people were killed and tortured, offering the Bahraini people nothing more than a box of doughnuts and some empty rhetoric. At least, this is how many Bahrainis that I have spoken to see things. The US Navy's Fifth Fleet is stationed in their own backyard, and yet, rather than offering tangible help to a persecuted people, it is the despotic regime which remains the beneficiary of US tactical assistance.

This is a strategic mistake. Imagine the consequences if the western powers had sided with the Hosni Mubarak regime or that of Colonel Gaddafi until the very end. But this is exactly what our governments are doing in relation to Bahrain: ignoring the facts on the ground and the obvious reality that this regime is hanging by a thread. Had it not been for Saudi military support and the West's political backing, the truth is that this unelected Al Khalifa regime would have collapsed long ago.

Whether western leaders decide to cut their losses or keep the Bahraini government on life support for the time being, by far the worst thing they can do is bury their heads in the sand and assume everything is going to be all right. It is madness to bargain with an absolute monarch who has lost the trust, support and respect of his subjects. To do so will only further alienate the people, who will not forget that they were abandoned by the west in their hour of need. The truth is that this particular she-camel will never be the same, having suffered a most painful labour. However much some wish to see the foetus gone, it is far too late for an abortion.

Sayed Mahdi Al-Modaressi is a Shia cleric and chief executive of Ahlulbayt Television Network. @sayedmodarresi

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Tags: Bahrain

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62 comments

Thu, 2012-03-15 01:03 — Jacob (not verified)

come on gerry
it's more obvious that the fall of Bashar will bring Alqaeda to the foreground. And the claim that every Shia is an Iranian element is a medieval misconception
Sober up dude

Tue, 2012-02-14 20:40 — Get real (not verified)

But Gerry, there are thousands of us who are not extremists - just normal educated free-thinking people who want a democratic government. Why should we not, just because of your prejudices against "God"

Sun, 2012-02-19 20:33 — MD (not verified)

Your prediction of a future scenario is a "fact" because you say so, huh? Wow Gerry, OK you win, Bahrain is all a disaster

Tue, 2012-02-14 22:06 — Teeba Sadoun (not verified)

These tyrants have been in power for too long. They are so glued to their thrones that can easily be burnt. We have focused so much on the other Arab revolutions, that Bahrain is literally forgotten. Yet how can we forget the picture in which a boy held his best friend while his head was blown up from the back?! How can we forget the countless of videos of the Bahrain Army shooting at women, raiding houses, and attacking hospitals?! This isn't a one sided revolution. It's just one ENTIRE country HAND IN HAND, fighting for their rights. If Al-Khalifa won't step down, then he will die sitting on his throne. (May God curse the Al-Khalifas)

Thu, 2012-02-16 13:58 — Bilaly (not verified)

Thanks Sayed for a comprehensive article. We hope to hear more from you and others.

Fri, 2012-02-17 12:55 — gerry (not verified)

AAJ - I'm just looking at the facts in Bahrain and Syria, not fantasies such as Sayed and some of the more extremist Shia posters have written...

The fall of the Al Khalifas will result in a Shia-dominated pro-Iranian hardline Bahrain Islamic republic, with terminal results for the losers, Sunnis, secularists and deomcrats - fact. Already the Bahraini rebels are calling their opponents "enemies of God" and talking of "Martyrs" - which tells us all that if the Shia rebels win, there will be the most terrible vengeance against the losers, the Sunni minority...

The fall of Assad will result in a Sunni-dominated Brotherhood/Salafi Syria, with terminal results for the losers, the Alawi Shia, Druze and Christians - also a fact. The rebels also call their opponents "godless" and "enemies of God" which tells us all that if they topple Assad, the vengeance against the Alawi Shia, Christians and Druze will be breathtakingly violent and terminal..

So please dont pretend, AAJ - this is what will happen if you and Sayed get your way in Bahrain, and if the rebels get their way in Syria...you know it and I know it: that is why I say - be honest! And that is why I say I would prefer the lesser of the two evils on offer...

Mon, 2012-02-13 19:14 — Patty (not verified)

When one “standard” is applied, only one person will win – not the people. Sayed Al-Moderessi's standard is the same one applied by the Revolutionary Guard & Hezbollah.

Spare those of us in Bahrain from the New Statesman's agenda!

Mon, 2012-02-13 19:16 — cityca (not verified)

The west will be castigated if it helps, and damned if it doesn't, so why not save ourselves a great deal of grief, money and the lives of our armed forces by staying the hell out.

For every Bahraini who wants the west to intervene in some way, there is no doubt a Bahraini who does not.

The author declares in favour of intercession but who's to say that's right? Between the Shi and the Sunni, there is more than enough sectarian hatred as was found in Iraq, so why on earth would we want to help to activate the kind of Muslim on Muslim killing spree that has pertained since Saddam was deposed and Iran was then able to stir up every kind of deadly mischief.

I really believe that the Arab Spring needs to be sprung by Arabs, not by westerners. Let's not hold out any false hope here - if you revolt, you do it under your own steam.

Mon, 2012-02-13 20:38 — Kartina (not verified)

To be honest with you, I think the Bahraini government is trying to portray the protests in in tiny island as both sectarian and instigated by Iranians.
Unfortunately the west fell for it, not realizing that every regime that felt threatened appealed to the west through similar avenues.
Ghadhafi claimed that his opposition were Alqaeda, Assad today is claiming the same thing.
The regime in Bahrain is using Iran to scare the west away from supporting the revolution.
One day the west will realize that it was wrong siding with the ruling gang on the expense of the entire population.

Mon, 2012-02-13 20:41 — Jasmine York (not verified)

What a croc
Are you from the ruling family? you sound very much so.
I served in the U.K. Embassy in Bahrain, and think that someone like you must be either on their payroll or a member of the ruling family.

Sun, 2012-02-12 11:48 — charlesfrith

NATO is focused on selling arms to Bahrain. Somehow we need to find a way to show this is unacceptable.

Sun, 2012-02-12 12:17 — Fergus Pickering (not verified)

Isn't it time? No it isn't.

Sun, 2012-02-12 12:25 — Mustafa (not verified)

Excellent article! But with the focus now on Syria, how long will our government continue to turn a blind eye? I fear that troublesome times lay further in wait for the Bahraini people. No one is free when others are oppressed!

Sun, 2012-02-12 12:36 — Hugh Markey (not verified)

Surely Bahrain is governed by a constitutional monarchy?

Glorious Revolution

Wed, 2012-02-15 12:10 — Andrew (not verified)

gerry - actions speak louder than words and frankly the Al Khalifa and pro-Saudi regimes are the ones clearly committing human rights violations as reported by human rights organistions such as Amnesty International. You are making allegations against protestors who have not used violence or acts of terrorism to make their voice heard in Bahrain. You cannot say you are choosing the lesser of two evils when you know the protestors are not committing any acts of evil. You have branded them as "rebels" and claim the term martyr is somehow exteremist, these are innocent people who have been murdered by armed forces, if their families and mourners wish to call them martyrs there is no harm. I challenge you to read a book endorsed by Christopher Hitchens on the back cover called "two faces of islam by Stephen Schwartz". If you believe in objectvity and rational thought then read this book's perspective. Otherwise making allegations with no evidence is just evidence of prejudice and bigotry from someone who has abandoned sense and reasoning.

You say the West should never intervene, well gerry the West intervened in making the corrupt Saudi come to power, corrupt Bahrani Al Khalifa come to power, corrupt Saddam come to power then topple him when convenient to place another puppet regime, Zionist Israeli come to power with the Balfour treaty etc. etc. etc.

Isn't it time we hold our governments accountable for the mess in Western Countries and the rest of the world? The answer is yes as it was time years ago, but people are too distracted by immoral filth on tv and too un-educated, abondoning reason for bigotry.

Sun, 2012-02-12 14:32 — James H. (not verified)

As long as the Bahraini and Saudi regimes keep pumping cash into the lobbying & PR scene, yes, there will be those who say it's not yet the right time to support the Bahraini revolution. Money walks!

Sat, 2012-02-25 18:17 — reza (not verified)

The khalifa family should know they will go soon or late, better to leave with less bloodshed.

Sun, 2012-02-12 14:36 — gerry (not verified)

Sayed - grow up, please!

Everyone knows that "democracy" in Bahrian will only lead to Shia domination, protected by Iran ....and probably end up as an equally repressive Islamic state ruled by theocratic hardliners..

Just as in Syria, freedom-loving people and countries should NOT intervene on any side..both sides in Syria and in Bahrain are equally horrific when it comes to human rights, liberty and freedom, and we all know that replacing Sunni Islamic domination with Shia Islamic domination is no real choice at all...you are fooling no-one, Sayed.

Sun, 2012-02-12 14:37 — Mohsen Mousa (not verified)

Double standards? is an understatement throughout this difficult time for the Bahraini people we have seen David Cameron host the Crown Prince and the King?? Unfortunalty its not in anyones interest for us to have the freedom to run our own countries as unfortunately amongst many things it may effect the American base and the general western interests! whilst the regime change in Iraq, Libya and Syria happen to all be in the economic interest of the countries supporting change! Lets wake up to the deception

Sun, 2012-02-12 15:44 — What a croc (not verified)

Stop the press - We have a Shia cleric asking for support of the Shia Movement! What next, Taliban demanding free Flight lessons in the USA?

There is certainly no 'mass' uprising in Bahrain - there are simple a few groups of extremists out to spread fear, intimidation and destruction.

This guy on one hand quotes the BICC and on the other hand completely lies about their findings! YES prisoners we're tortured to death (shameful and disgusting) but there were only 6 places of worship demolished. The others were built without permission- aka illegal structures.

The problem in Bahrain now is not the Goverment - it's these so called 'peaceful' protesters who go out ARMED and as soon as the police show up the rocks, metal bars and Molotov cocktails start to fly (YouTube kick nic Bahrain for the truth). The last 6 months have been a disgrace, Shia groups pouring oil on motorways, setting fires, tying chains across roads, attacking innocent civilians etc (all can be verified with a quick search).

12 months ago, when the trouble started I thought that 'maybe' I was missing something in Bahrain - Maybe these protesters have a point, after the disgusting examples of terrorism I have witnessed (with mt own eyes). I know that these protesters are not working for the benefit of the country! They do not care who they hurt or kill !

Tue, 2012-02-14 02:36 — Mohammed (not verified)

Just Making it Short

To all those who claimed that what is happening in Bahrain is a Shia movement, to all those who used some bad words to describe the peaceful people of Bahrain, to all those who the bad smell of their sectarian attitude and acts is annoying, I just wanna say: I am a SUNNI Bahraini man and declare that what is happening is a peaceful revolution that aims to dignity and freedom. I bet none of those whom I am addressing my message to ever came to Bahrain, at least since 14 Feb 2011, however, they give themselves the right to deteriorate reality. Some will certainly reply by saying that I am a Shia and not Sunni, some might say that I am Irani...etc. Well, I repeat it just to save your time: I AM A SUNNI BAHRAINI. Please feel free to reply this message with whatever you would like to say, and never hesitate. In all cases I won't comment on any reply for a simple reason: After few hours I am heading towards the Lulu Square, with everyone. It might be my last moments in life (of course would love to be a martyr who dies to have dignity for his people), and if not, I will be busy fighting for freedom. So, the floor is yours to state whatever you want to, just remember: There will be a time when you need people to help you, so don't get upset if they don't.

Thank you Sayed Mahdi for this article which typically describes the situation in Bahrain. Thanks to all those who commented in support of dignity and freedom.

Sun, 2012-02-12 16:01 — Deal with it! (not verified)

Mr. "What a croc", the fact that Sayed Moderrassi is a Shia religious scholar has no bearing on his argument for supporting the Bahraini revolution. You're obviously a Sunni (drawing from your angry sectarian rhetoric), so let me ask if you support the Sunni rebellion in Syria, and I'm sure you do.

If you have something to say that would challenge his points, do so, otherwise just watch as the majority Shias that you hate so much finally give the Al Khalifa regime what they deserve; a rightful place next to Mubarak, Gaddafi, Binali, and Saleh..

Sun, 2012-02-12 16:20 — Qorvis, eh? (not verified)

Clearly somebody's called Bahrain's PR guys over at Qorvis.. Hmmm.. The spin doctors are hard at work, I see..

Sadly, though, this won't change the facts on the ground. As we speak, Bahrainis are marching in the streets and the era of dictatorships, be that of the House of Khalifa, Saud, or Assad, is over. Clan-based authoritarian rule belongs in the dark ages.

You should know that you'll be unemployed soon, although, come to think of it, there are always despotic tyrants willing to employ you guys. Enjoy it while it lasts, folks!

Sun, 2012-02-12 16:21 — What a croc (not verified)

I an neither Sunni os Shia actually - I Stand by my statement 100%. Feb 14th in Bahrain saw something new, people were demanding reform and change (which is needed).

the police force 'reacted' in a disgusting and shameful way and lives were lost - BUT, the actions of these so called 'peaceful' protesters in the last year is wosrs as it's calculated and systematic? Pouring oil on motorways, lighting fires on roads, tying chains between lamposts etc are simple acts of terrorism out to kill ANYONE.

I do not HATE Shia or Sunni, I do not HATE White or black, I do not HATE anyone for there race, religion, creed , colour, sexuality or belief. I HATE what is goin on in Bahrain, I hate the small minded and misguided people for their actions and I hate this notion of what is goin on in Bahrain is POPULAR.

REFORM and change is needed (I agree 100%) - but by destroying the country? Bt killing,attacking innocent civilians - never. A peaceful protester will never ever go armed with Molotov's etc and these (Shia) thugs are simply undermining the efforts of the real protesters.

Sun, 2012-02-12 16:25 — Zahra UK (not verified)

So the Qorvis guy says that Bahraini protesters are armed with molotov bottles. Really? Were you in a cave when Saudi & other GCC troops were marching onto Bahraini soil? There is a bloody war waged against unarmed protesters.. Just see the videos.. And you're upset an improvised self-defense weapon is made to protect women and children from the regime's barbaric ambush? Get a life.. More importantly, grow a soul!

Sun, 2012-02-12 16:36 — A.J. (not verified)

Every single revolution resorted to arms at some point, Egypt, Yemen, Tunisia, and of course Libya. But who can forget Syria where the FSA has openly admitted to carrying out bombings & has embraced weaponry as a mother embraces her child! And Bahrain's molotov carrying protesters are "thugs" for defending themselves? Shame on you "what a croc"!

Tue, 2012-02-14 06:10 — My Heart Yells Ali (not verified)

To my brothers and sisters in Bahrain, you are the heroes of the Muslims. Despite all the killing and sorrow you have not given up. InshAllah, Imam Mahdi will be among you and help you with this fight! Some people might see it as impossible, but Our Imam doesn't leave the followers of Allah, Mohammad, and Ali by their selves. My prayers are for you.

Sun, 2012-02-12 17:10 — Fud (not verified)

bahrain government havent tried to stop any thing they wanted the dialogue but the opositions did not come forward at that time. the government can crush (i wish and pray they do) the stupid nabeel rajab group any time they want, if they have give you guyz time to live better do

Sun, 2012-02-12 17:16 — Fud (not verified)

i am not with sunni or shia and nor with the government or with the oppossition but my view of what i hve seen over the past year is that bahrain government has been quite peacefull with the portesters while the protesters were not at all peacefull unlike UK who dealt with there protesters very violently, bahrain is a safe place for the protesters.the protesters who got killed is because of there own mistakes or were killed by the protesters itself

Tue, 2012-02-14 06:34 — bano (not verified)

do not oppress or support an oppressor that's what humanity demands

Tue, 2012-02-14 07:13 — Get real (not verified)

Whether you (the West) support the revolution or not, it will continue. I think thats the most important point to understand. If the US/ UK/ EU support it, the result will have a greater chance of being a properly structured democracy with protection of pluralistic interests. If they dont, the result could well be radical. But it will continue. Bahrainis have gone too far and lost too much to just give up.

Sun, 2012-02-12 17:30 — hibah (not verified)

great article about the bahraini reality .. Thanks a lot sayed

Sun, 2012-02-12 18:00 — Sakina D. (not verified)

Great article, no matter how much the spin doctors try to whitewash the truth. BTW: Loved your tweet:

#Bahrain's Hamad: "Syria's #Assad must listen to his people" Also [on that note], Hugh #Hefner [asks] "Pam Anderson [to] wear chastity belt"!

bit.ly/yjwqqr

Tue, 2012-02-14 09:59 — mirza (not verified)

Please do not fly on Gulf Air, buyig product of Bahrain means you are supporting Khalifa (May Allahs curse remain on this family.)

Sun, 2012-02-12 19:22 — charlie (not verified)

Listen Fud, there are countless videos on youtube showing the brutality of the bahraini government AND SAUDI terrorist forces throughout the last year.

Go do some research. Check out the sayed's twitter he has uploaded many many examples.

Stop talking out your arse mate!

Sun, 2012-02-12 19:45 — What a croc (not verified)

PLEASE - if any goverment body, mob, sect, crowd etc was out to hurt my family and I then I would be the first person picking up a gun, a rock etc.

The Terrorist acts in Bahrain by these Shia extremist groups has gone beyond personal defence - the idiots have proven (without any doubt) that they re out to kill people. IF anyone in here would like to explain how pouring oil on motorways is an action of PEACE then please do so. Everyone has to understand, peaceful and authorise protests are allowed by the goverment - the problem is that the protests are often hijacked by yobs throwing stones, metal bars and molotovs. The police then fire tear gas and the entire area suffers.

The 'uprising' in Bahrain is being undermined by these thugs who thing nothing of blocking roads, setting fires, attacking innocent people and throwing Molotovs at the police.

As I have stated - there is no 'popular' uprising or revolution in Bahrain! There is simply a small group of extremists out for destruction - the county offers free schooling, free housing, free medical care etc.

The 'opposition' say they are fighting for democracy - they want their human rights to be upheld! What about the human rights of the othe Bahranin's - The hard working, honest, and decent people of the country - who is looking after THEIR rights when the opposition are destroying the county?. The last financial report estimated the loss of 90milllBD due to the unrest - several hotels have had to fire staff, the Souk is having problems due to the lack of visitors, the cruise ships have stopped landing and the F1 2012 is in doubt. The Opposition are killing the county the say they love! The opposition have lost the respect and a backing of Bahrain - so in reply to the question posted NO IT IS TIME TO SUPPORT the revolution in Bahrain.

Sun, 2012-02-12 19:58 — What a croc (not verified)

@ Charlie - for every video you can link then I can link anger one showing the opposite.

For every image you show of o cop firing tear gas - I can show thugs throwing rocks, molotovs.

Let's just be honest though - what happens during ILLEGALLY held protests are one thing. Police do not attack innocent people - the SHia thugs do not care who they hurt or kill (oil on motorways etc) - The real Majority of the county (regardless of religion) Are more concerned by the Shia terrorists than and heavy handed policeman (who have nothing but my support)

Sun, 2012-02-12 22:07 — Julia Harris (not verified)

Mehdi getting all his mates to write for the Al' Nu Statesryman

Tue, 2012-02-14 12:51 — Andrew (not verified)

If there are people reading this that value objectivity and logical analysis of information then please read a book endorsed on the back cover by Christopher Hitchens called the "two faces of islam by Stephen Schwartz" which demonstrates that the issue in Bahrain is not Sunni vs Shia.

The arguments by many posters on this page that one regime will be replaced by another one just as bad supported by Iran, are deeply misinformed and need to put aside their personal bias and prejudice and need to look at the facts objectively much like an Atheist who values science should do, such as the late Christopher Hitchens.

If people want Britain to be free of illegal immigrants and asylum seekers it needs to acknowledge that causes of these two need to be addressed and that is corrupt ruthless regimes in the Middle East and Africa being replaced by progressive morally compliant, governments.

Jumping on the Iran and Shia hate train is illogical and only shows a serious lack of sense and/or fairness on peoples part. They ignore the fact that Iran has not invaded a country in over 100 years and had it's own revolution so it wouldn't end up like the countries we see in a mess today like Egypt, Lebanon, Lybia and Bahrain. Shias around the world are the No.1 victims of Al-Quaeda and Saudi, Bin Laden terrorism, genocide has been taking place in Iraq before 9/11 and 7/7, where 2 million Shias were murdered and are still being murdered.

Supporting the revolution in Bahrain and lobbying for the extremist regime in Saudi to be dissolved is the way forward for everyone to prosper except the corrupt evildoers.

Sun, 2012-02-12 22:57 — M Bandali (not verified)

Excellent article by Syed al-Moderresi. May Allah(swt) bless Syed for standing up for the oppressed Bahrainis. Those who accuse the innocent protestors of being violent seem to completely ignore the fact that there is torture, brutality and killing going on of peaceful protesters comprising both the Shias and the Sunnis by the brutal and barbaric Bahraini Saudi-backed forces . You can see loud and clear all over Bahrain gross violation of human rights by the Al-Khalifa dynasty. Those who are attacking peaceful protesters are probably seeing on their screen toys and not heavy artillery employed by the Saudi-backed Bahraini forces. It is a sad state of affairs that the United Nations backed by some powers in the West and some of their lackeys in the Middle East are turning a blind eye and rather than blaming the culprits they are blaming the victims in Bahrain. Search your soul if it is in order. It is these very same powers that are so actively and vigorously working for the overthrow of those governments in the Middle East which refuse to bow down and serve them as masters. History has shown that no repressive regime has ever survived the might of the masses. One day whether you like it or not it is going to fall. Remember that.

Sun, 2012-02-12 23:12 — Hahaha (not verified)

Oh man this article is so full of crap it should be hanged in a wall.

"met the police with roses" LoL that one cracked me up. I guess the two officers that died in a brutal brutal way which made the police so angry they wanted revenge doesn't count right??
Here go to YouTube and copy paste the following:
watch?v=NgDqqSvMFRw&feature=related
There were many incidents like this one at the start of the "revolution" That made the cops very very angry.

Mon, 2012-02-13 00:29 — Mohammed Hilli (not verified)

In support of a very well-written and timely reminder of the brutality in Bahrain, we must not forget that this is no sectarian issue. Its a matter of human rights and the legitimate call from the people of Bahrain for self-governance and the rejection of dictatorship. From the onset, the Khalifa Government attempted to present the issue as sunni-shia, but has failed miserably. The Bahraini rulers are understandably nervous, only too aware that what happened to Mubarak, Gaddafi and co surely awaits them.

Wed, 2012-02-15 18:24 — gerry (not verified)

getReal - where are all these " educated free thinking democrats" In Bahrain or Syria? All I see on Al Jazeera and news reports are rebels shouting "allahu akbar" (the jihadi warcry) and talking about "avenging martyrs" and "God" who will punish "tyrants"...hardly the stuff of democratic freedom-fighters i think! We all know that islamic extremists are NOT democratic or progressive forces in Bahrain or Syria...

Andrew - the West should not intervene in the Middle East, I agree with you! France and the UK - the old colonialist powers - are overtly backing the reactionary Muslim Brotherhood/Salafis in Syria! Cant you see what they are doing?

All I say is - be honest! The Bahraini rebels are mostly not democrats at all, but Iran-backed Shia extremists, sectarian to the core, and socially even more conservative/reactionary than the Al Khalifas..which is really saying something! Dont be fooled by this extremist cleric...

Mon, 2012-02-20 18:50 — gerry (not verified)

Thanks MD - glad you agree! Stick with the Al Khalifas and Assad..they are bad, but the rebels are actually much much worse...

Mon, 2012-02-13 02:54 — Irfan (not verified)

Julia - surely "Al Nu Statemanistan" would have sounded better. I suspect that in your desperate mouth foaming frenzied attempt to get something/anything derogatory down you must have forgotten your creative hat.

Mon, 2012-02-13 03:01 — Ya'l (not verified)

Here's a video of a youth being beaten with batons by the vicious Bahraini mercenaries.. The problem with Qorvis employees and their sectarian paymasters is that you can spin the truth all you want, but a picture is worth a thousand words:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=NB-wrwipy2M

Mon, 2012-02-13 04:19 — Mohamed Almawla (not verified)

Excellent article by the Sayed very well said, may Allah bless you. We need more articles like this, i hope this magazine keeps posting more articles similar to this. Its time to stop these atrocities and to start the revolution.

Mon, 2012-02-13 06:18 — atbatra (not verified)

Hope Bahrain emerges from the hard times stronger, fitter and people on both sides realise that all the violence has damaged a beautiful country i.e. BAHRAIN and they are really feuding brothers. While they keep on fighting the neighbours will reap the benefits

Mon, 2012-02-13 07:08 — B (not verified)

To "What a croc": There is obviously a mass uprising or else it would not have taken hold for so long and so fast. Please get used to the idea that the bahrain you knew is OVER. You can be part of the solution - which as a Christian would benefit your interests and business - or you can continue to discredit the hugely widespread desire to limit the Alkhalifa rule.

Stand on the right side of this line, and find solutions instead of just pretending, and you have a better chance of protecting your minority interests and our country with it.