BAHRAIN- AMIDST THE RIOTS

 Bahrain is an absolute monarchy. It has been ruled by the House of Khalifa — the ruling family since Ahmed ibn Muhammad ibn Khalifa came to power in 1783 as Bahrain’s first Hākim or monarch. Since around 1999 it has been ruled by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa who succeeded his father ) Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa (ruled from 1961 to 1999)

Bahrain has never tasted political freedom. Amidst the neighbouring violence, uprising and revolution- the idea of overthrowing the monarchy to establish a democratic society has caused tremendous tension. The demonstrations of Egypt have been immensely supported by the Bahraini people. In fact, hundreds of Bahrainis took to the streets  in support of the Egyptian people. The protestors, made up of men, women and children took part in peaceful demonstrations expressing their support.

Some of the organisations who organised the demonstrations were Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, Brotherhood Society, National Democratic Action Society (Wa'ad), Islamic Action Society (Amal), Democratic Progressive Tribune, Democratic Gathering Society, National Gathering Society and Islamic Arabic Wasat Society.  A closer look at the organisations spells out a common bond, that is- Islam.

The Bahraini protests had indeed become severe.  The army continued its relentless brutality on the people for the sake of the preservation of the monarchy and as protestors both religious and secular leftist continue to demand change.

So what exactly is the religious mess in Bahrain?  The ruling al-Khalifa family subscribes to Sunni Islam while the majority of the population is Shiite Muslims. They feel oppressed by the Sunnis. Shiites claim to be treated like second-class citizens in Bahrain, despite their overwhelming majority in population.

Strategically, united states has a very significant bond with Bahrain. The simple reason is that Bahrain’s naval ports are the home away from home for the U.S. Fifth Fleet, which — because of its proximity to Iraq, Iran, and Afghanistan — has played a more important role in the War on Terror and  the Iraq War than any other U.S. fleet in the world, and is also responsible for keeping oil shipping lanes in the Gulf secure.  Thus, U.S has chosen to not interfere too much, thereby maintaining a friendly bond with whichever side emerges victorious from the revolution.

The string of events in Bahrain is as follows:

February 14, 2011- mass protests erupted all across Bahrain.

February 16, 2011- Bahraini tanks and riot police with tear gas attacked protestors as they were asleep in their encampment in Manama, capital city of Bahrain.

February 18, 2011- The protests proceeded to the fifth day of violence and anger.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa addressed the country in a televised form to look into the claims by protesters of violence on the part of security forces, and went on to stress reforms, but vowed that Bahrain would not follow in the steps of Egypt.

It is thus crystal clear, that the people of Bahrain are not looking for any reforms that would diminish their misery, but are looking for an end to the age-old oppressive monarchy.