Where the rich get richer and the poor, poorer

The Bahrain Centre of Human Rights states that half of Bahraini citizens suffer from poverty and poor living standards. This inference was made from official statistics and studies based on number of unemployed bahrainis and employees with low income.

There are 20,000 unemployed Bahrainis. If the number of dependants is to be taken, the average would come upto 80,000. It has to be kept in mind that the unemployed and their dependants do not receive any social and security aid, which is in contradiction with the constitution.

The report revealed that the number of households that are unable to work and those receiving financial assistance from  the Ministry of Labour and from charity funds exceeds 20,000 families which means that around 80,000 people receive BD18 per month. One has to know that the Poverty Income Threshold for a household, according to official studies and statements is BD309 per month.

A quarter of employed Bahrainis live below the poverty level of BD309 per month which means that half of Bahrainis, that is, 200,000 people suffer from poverty and poor living conditions.

A large portion of the society also lacks decent housing and housing facilities. Unemployed citizens and those who receive financial aid do not receive housing loans granted by the Governement. Today, around 44,000 with low income families are on the waiting list for Government subsidized housing for upto 12 years and more. Official statistics show that there are 6,000 ruined houses.

What is surprising is the fact that as the average income is increasing, the poverty rate is also increasing. This shows a large difference between classes of income and living standards. While poverty rate is increasing, there are 5,200 wealthy people in Bahrain. A survey indicated that the private wealth in Bahrain worth sum upto around US$20 to 30 billions.

On one hand where Bahrain is  proud of being one of the most lieral countries in terms of its economy and attracting foreign investments and boasting of a tax free society, what people don’t realize is that on the other hand there are 23 types of high fees imposed by the Government on people in return of its services.

The reasons attributed for such high figures in the area of poverty are miseable conditions of citizens, unequal distribution of wealth, waste of public money, financial and administrative corruption, poor planning and dumping the market with low wage foreign workers who constitute 60% of the labour force. The reason why poor people are affected the most is because of the continuation and dominations of a small group of influential and powerful people on the national economy, both in public and private sectors.

These influential people have taken over large land areas, especially the reclaimed ones. The rule passed by the Government that allowed foreign investors to own land resulted in a sharp increase in prices of land. This ultimately resulted in making the rich richer (read: landlords) and the poor poorer.

The crime rate, especially robbery has escalated in the past few years. Divorce rates have increased too. The number of working women and children working in bad conditions has increased.  It is being warned that the number of cotozens classified as poor and the deterioration in standard of living will reflect on the political and social serenity of the country. It is also indicated that the average salary will drop by 19%.

The constitution of Bahrain grants social security and benefits for the unemployed. Scholars believe in implementing the article in the constitution that guarantees the above mentioned things for the country to function in a peaceful manner.

Tickling your taste buds

Bahrain produces only a small amount of its food requirements due to its limited land space and gets most of its food imported. Dates, bananas, citrus fruits, pomegranates, mangoes and cucumbers form the country’s primary crops.

One of the traditional dishes is called machboos, which is meat served with rice. Bahrainis also eat other Arabian food such as falafel, shawarmas and traditional snacks include samboosa and pastry. Below, we are going to talk of traditions and Arabic cuisine in general.  

Bahrainis take great pride in their hospitality. ‘Tafathalo’, meaning ‘do me the honour’ is the way they welcome their guests.Not only the Bahrainis, but all the Arabs have this value. Sharing a meal with others is an honour the Arabs hold in high esteem.

The Bahraini cuisine is mainly a combination of Mediterranean, Middle Eastern, and Indian.  It has also been influenced by various cultures like Spanish, Italian, French and Greek. Turkish cuisine had impact on the entire Arab world, Persian and Indian cuisine had impact on the eastern side of the Arabic countries.

The ingredients commonly used are  cinnamon, curry powder, fish (in coastal areas), garlic, lamb (or veal), mild to hot sauces, mint, onion, rice, saffron, sesame, yogurt, spices (similar to the Indian cuisine) due to heavy trading between the two regions. Tea, thyme (or oregano), turmeric, a variety of fruits (primarily citrus), variety of vegetables such as cucumbers, eggplants, lettuce, tomato, green pepper, green beans, zucchini and parsley.

Formal dinners and celebrations normally include large quantities of lamb (or veal), chicken, rice, stewed vegetables with tomato sauce and dishes seasoned with a variety of herbs and spices. Several other side dishes and salads are included.

The Middle Eastern diet consists of many ingredients not normally used in the American kitchen, such as lentil soups, fava beans, olive and sesame seed oils, olives, feta cheese, and dates.

Muslim Arabs do not consume pork meat or alcohol. Although, the Arabic market in many Arabic countries, such as Iraq, Lebanon, Egypt and Syria, sell pork meat and a variety of liquors and alcohol because the Christian Arabs consume these products.

The word "halal" means "allowed", is a way of describing the meat product which has been ritually slaughtered, similarly to the Jewish "kosher" tradition.

Bread is highly regarded in the Arab world. If anybody notices a scrap of bread on the street, they pick it up and put on the side where no one can step on it accidentally. Bread is an essential ingredient on the table in the Arabic cuisine. It is used on the side, in salads, or in certain dishes such as the "fatteh"

Yogurt made from sheep, cow or goat's milk is used in many ways. 

Lamb is used in most of the Arabic countries, although some countries use veal more than lamb. The most prized dish an Arabic house can serve to their guests is baby lamb stuffed with spiced rice. The Bedouins use sheep and camel meat too.

Fresh and dried fruits and nuts are widely used. Example of the fruits and nuts used are; pomegranates, lemons, dates, apples, figs, oranges, apricots, mango, almonds and pistachios.

Rice is a staple in all the Arabic countries. It is cooked in countless ways. It served alongside meat, fish, and stewed vegetables.

Wheat is another staple and is used as whole grain, cracked or as flour for bread and a variety of pastries. Bulgur is another favourite grain in some Arabic countries and is used in breakfast in North African countries and cooked similarly to rice in Iraq.

Olive oil is the most common for cooking and dressing. It is produced in Lebanon, Syria, Palestine and parts of North Africa. Sesame oil is also used in some countries where olive oil is scarce.

Salads are always available whether at lunch or dinner. They are made with a variety of fresh vegetables and simple fresh dressing of lemon (or lime) juice, salt (and pepper) and olive oil.

Vegetables are used raw and cooked. A wide variety of vegetables is used. The favourites are eggplant, zucchini, cauliflower, okra, green beans and spinach. A variety of fresh and dried beans and legumes is also used such as peas and lentils.

Mazza are side dishes or appetizers that are made of assortment of little tidbits in small plates. They accompany the main dish.

Hot beverages are used more than cold, coffee being on the top of the list, mostly in the Gulf countries. However, tea is also served in many Arab countries. In Egypt and Jordan, for instance, tea is a more important hot beverage than coffee.

Women in Bahrain

Authorities in Bahrain are promoting the involvement of women in the political scene however in reality their program is limited in practice by employing a limited number of women in high positions selected on the basis of political and sectarian affiliation and not on sound career qualifications. Due to this, thousands of women in Bahrain are victims of discrimination. As far as participation in the democratic process is concerned, the government is over promoting training programs that aims at preparing tens of women to participate in the municipality and parliamentary elections. The reality is that these councils do not have real power and election of men or women to these councils does not entitle them to effective decision-making.

In terms of social and economic rights, Bahraini women suffer from a decline in living standards, especially in the case of women with lower educational qualifications who in turn are obliged to accept low-paid jobs. Divorcees, widows, abandoned women and orphans do not get social protection. Some women are also forced into prostitution. The prevalence of human trafficking crimes coupled with authorities’ complacency in combating these crimes, contributes to the spread of such social disorders in the society.

We are witnessing all this at a time when voices are raising in support of and against the issuance of a family law that protects families and underprivileged women from the grasp of certain members of the society. There are various civil society organisations that play a vital role in defending women’s rights, yet legal constraints and harassments from authorities limit the effectiveness of these organizations. Furthermore, their role is weakened by governmental organizations. These governmental organizations operate under the cover of law and in an organizational format such as the supreme council for women, which is merely a political propaganda tool for the ruling party and the wives of the top officials in the country.

By the end of 2008, there were more than 900 unsolved divorce cases at the Sharia Courts, in comparison to 600 cases in 2001, an increase of 50%, i.e. an increase of 50 cases per year. This downfall in the performance of the courts is primarily because of the poor performance and inefficiency of the unqualified judges and judicial enforcement bodies. The local courts are also characterized by widespread ethical and administrative corruption in the judicial process.

The judicial system continues to lack objectivity and independence criteria. Moreover, it is short of serious and effective training programs and promotion regulations as per the well-known international standards.

According to 2006 statistics, there are more than 117 hotels and 40 tourist buildings in Bahrain, which include furnished apartments rented out on hourly or daily basis. These premises provide connections and dance halls that hosts females, as ‘entertainers’, who dance in sexually seductive outfits and nurture a legalized environment of vice and prostitution. Reports confirm that 90% of those female ‘entertainers’ have never engaged in artistic entertainment before. Research suggests that they were lured into the country to work as waitresses, but later forced into prostitution as artists and entertainers.

International reports and local media coverage forced the authorities to close a number of these halls, which became widely known as centers for prostitution and human trafficking. As a result, approximately 190 defendants were charged with various offenses related to the facilitation and promotion of prostitution.

Talking of women’s organizations, the reason for the ineffectiveness of these organizations is the lack of logistical and financial support. Moreover, any contacts between the local societies with the international NGO's, seeking funding, strengthening relationships, exchange of expertise and representation, without the prior approval and consent of the Social Affairs Ministry, are considered violation of the law, exposing these organizations to punishment.

Local women organizations also lack administrative, technical and legislative developmental capabilities, that can be obtained only though training programs and workshops.

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.

Bahrain Grand Prix

The Bahrain Grand Prix was finally  cancelled after Formula One teams complained about competing in the country, which was racked by months of popular uprisings against the regime. The F1 teams were expected to race at the Sakhir circuit on March 13^th,2011 as the season got underway at the island kingdom. Jean Todt, the president of the FIA, motor racing's governing body, and Bernie Ecclestone, the sport's commercial rights holder, found themselves at odds over the event that had been rescheduled for October.Todt’s  position has been seriously weakened by the fiasco in which he overlooked the fact that any changes to the schedule cannot be made without the unanimous approval of all the teams.  The very sensible and logical decision was made by the Crown Prince of Bahrain, Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who incidently is the rights owner of the race. 

The Formula One Teams Association (Fota) had written to FIA raising objections for the race to be held, understood to be based on personnel and logistics.

The event was initially scheduled to be held in March 2011, but was postponed as the clashes between the Shia population & the Gulf kingdom's security forces, heavily backed by the forces of Saudi Arabia and other Gulf states, had intensified.

The organizers were under pressure to not to reschedule the race after an anti-race campaign had received more than 3,00,000 signatures. At the same time many of the staff members of the organizing committee were sacked, all of them Shia, after they were alleged of having taken part in the anti-government demonstrations.

 Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khaleefa said that due to the prevailing civil unrest, the nations priority was on overcoming the tragedy, healing divisions and rediscovering the fabric that draws the country together, reminding the world of the very best that Bahrain is capable of as a nation once again united.

Formula 1 boss Bernie Ecclestone has revealed that the Bahrain government paid the hosting fee for its Grand Prix this year despite the race being cancelled.  The annual fee is estimated at £25m  that Bahrain's royal family pays CVC Capital Partners, owners of the commercial rights, to schedule their grand prix as the season's opening round. This premium ensures maximum publicity, even though the Bahrain International Circuit is such a poor track that the event itself is virtually guaranteed to be an anticlimax.

The year 2011 has seen a series of challenges and human rights concerns in the Middle East. The 2011 race was eventually canceled due to the political unrest in the nation kingdom but the government of Bahrain says it’s safe to come back and 2012 is looking fine. The issue at hand is the reports are contradictory as one would expect from a nation struggling for it’s control. Ecclestone, intriguingly, says he’d like to go and see for himself what the situation is. Talk to those accusing the government and discern if these reports are true. Lets keep our fingers crossed for 2012.

What do you think? We’ve asked this question before. Should Formula One be political? By going to Bahrain in 2011, would that have been an apolitical statement or a political one? By not attending, was it an apolitical statement or a political one? Should Formula One include Bahrain on the 2012 calendar?

Inform and Educate At Your Own Risk

Human right activists have continuously raised concern over Bahrain’s non stop attack on freedom of speech and expression. This is particularly evident after the protests last year after which Bahraini photographers were fired from their jobs, assaulted and arrested. Why? For doing their job. For their involvement in documenting the events of Bahrain’s  attempt in bringing about a revolution.

“A picture is worth a thousand words.” True.  Photographs taken during the protests were trying to do the same. They spoke about the non violent nature of the Bahraini protestors at the Pearl Roundabout. They exposed the brutality of the government. And most importantly, their tortuous methods meted out to people.

Photographers, both amateurs and professionals, have had a vital role in documenting the pro democracy protests in Bahrain. During the first few days, their photographs informed and educated the public about protestor’s’ demands, informing them about events calling for unity like the human chain. Talking of international media, they were banned from covering events. It was mainly the Bahraini photographers who covered the unrest. Their photographs and videos were soon distributed via the social network and some of the media channels decided to take them up for their shows.

Despite the imposition of the Martial law on March 15^th, 2011 that limited media coverage, and when foreign journalists and photographers were deported post the law, photographers continued to cover the protest fighting stringent measures to stop them from doing so.

It was time for the government to react. . Mohammed Al Mukhreq, photojournalist working for Al Wasat newspaper was assaulted while covering the protests at the Bahrain Financial Harbor. He was kicked, beaten, and briefly arrested. Another photo journalist had his leg broken after a security car hit a pick up truck on which he was standing.

More than 20 photographers have been targeted. They have been sacked from their jobs, interrogated and banned from traveling. Their equipment has been confiscated.

Photographer Hussain Marzooq was sentenced to a serve a jail term for one year. He also had to pay a fine of BD100 on charges of “transmitting photos that would bring harm to Bahrain abroad.” During the process of trial, Hussain alleged that he was being subjected to severe beating, however, the judge disregarded his complaint. He had proof. He had apparent marks of torture on his wrists.

What the greater concern is that photographers who have been detained since the last crackdown in March have not been allowed to meet their families, which raises questions about the kind of treatment they have been subjected to in detention.

These tortuous ways are an attempt to conceal the real image of what is happening in Bahrain from the world and public opinion. Transmitting photographs cannot be considered a crime in any form, it is rather a right for people to express. The arbitrary arrests and trials that target freedom of expession emphasize the government’s failure. It is so ironical that on the one hand people are asking for a revolution, that aims at brining about a democracy and on the other hand the government arrests people for something that is their basic right.

Freedom of speech and expression is a constitutional right in Bahrain. To add to it, “Everyone has the right to freedom of expression, this right includes freedom to seek various forms of information and ideas, receive and impart it to others, regardless of frontiers, either in writing or in print, in the form of art or through any other media of his choice,” as stated by the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

Us Vs. Them In Their Own Country

When Sunni Muslim rulers suddenly released a group of jailed Shiite activists, it seemed like a moment of reconciliation in this Gulf Nation’s bitter sectarian divide. The Shias of Bahrain, who days before had been burning tires in protests, cheered on the streets.

But, it was a short lived hope. Since the activists were released a month ago, there have been no signs from the government keen in pursuing a dialogue with the Shias. If there is no progress, Shiites warn, there will be more turmoil.

Bahrain is a tiny country with a population of only 530,000 citizens. It is a key U.S ally and home to the Navy’s 5^th Fleet in the strategic and oil-rich Persian Gulf.

Bahrain’s Shiites say they have nothing to do with Iran. All they want is equality in a country where surprisingly, they form the majority of the population.

Other Arab nations with Shiite population, watch Bahrain closely. They say that if this sectarian divide gets out of control, it could prove to be the ground for more tensions, for example, like the Shiites wanting more rights in Saudi Arabia.

Shiites make up as much as 70% of Bahrain’s population. Here comes the twist. The country is ruled by a Sunni elite headed by the ruling Khalifa family.

The Shiites have been discriminated against for decades now. Monarchy being Sunni, they get the best government jobs and housing, while the other sect is barred from high posts in the military, suffering with higher rates of poverty.

Shiites say that the situation is only getting worse. The conditions are so bad that that Shiite villages are easily identifiable because they have been blackened with char marks from tires burnt in the recent protests. Posters of opposition leaders and graffiti bashing Bahrain’s royal family plaster the walls.

The government is accused by the Shiites for changing the sectarian balance by giving citizenship to Sunnis from Yemen, Pakistan, Syria and Jordan, a claim that the government denies.

Sunnis in turn, accuse the Shiites of secret loyalty to Iran. Iran contends that it has historical claims to Bahrain. An Iranian cleric has gone on to say that Bahrain was Iran’s 14^th province, drawing outrage from Arab leaders. The Shiites on the other hand say that that they turn for spiritual leadership to Iraq’s most prominent Shiite cleric- Grand Ayatollah Ali al- Sistani and not Iran’s supreme leader.

There is a fear in the country that if the ruling family keeps the same policies, that is, keeps cornering the Shia, marginalizes them at a point in time where Iran is gaining regional influence, there will be a situation where the Shia in Bahrain will revert to Iran.

The protests in Shiite areas of Bahrain took place because a number of their leaders were arrested. They were accused of seeking to overthrow the government through terrorism. Later, that same year, the King issued a surprise pardon that freed 22 of the arrested Shiites.

Since then, the ties have strained. Shiites say that the government just wanted everything to be fine ahead of the Formula 1 race in April. The youth of the country, the Shiite youth, feel that their future is lost before their eyes.

Release of the activists is like a last chance for everybody to think seriously into the dangers that are coming.

Bloggers, Beware In Bahrain

On the anniversary of protests in Bahrain on 14^th February, security forces fired tear gas and threw grenades at protestors trying to retake at the epicenter, the Pearl Square, and arrested dozens of people.

President of the Bahrain Centre of Human Rights, Nabeel Rajab, who led a demonstration towards the Square was among those attacked and also briefly detained. After his release several hours later, he updated his Twitter feed with just one word: “Resistance.”

On the morning of 15^th February, his tweet said that he had been accused by the prosecutor for encouraging people to protest and taking part in an unauthorized gathering.

Bahrain’s Internet Freedom Status: 2010

Internet Freedom Status: Not Free

Population:1.3 million

Internet Penetration: 54%

Substantial Political Censorship: Yes

Bloggers Arrested: Yes

Press Freedom status: Not free

Bahrain is the second most connected country in the Arab world with one of the highest internet penetration rates. This tiny island got its internet connection in the year 1995.  Just two years later, in 1997, an internet user was arrested for the first time, for sending information to an opposition group outside the country.

In 2002, the Ministry of Informaton (MOI) made its first official attempt to block websites comprising content that was critical of the government. Today, over a 1000 websites are blocked in Bahrain.

The county also has one of the highest mobile phone penetration rates in the region with 118 mobile phone subscriptions per 100 inhabitants. I-Phones, though available, are still very expensive. Use of Blackberry services is on the rise, however the authorities in April 2010 banned users from sending news bulletins through text messages, and failing to comply with the rule, individuals and newspapers would threatened with legal action.

Access to the video sharing, social networking and microblogging sites like YouTube, Facebook  and  Twitter is available, although individual pages on each of these platforms are often blocked.

The Arabic regional portal and blog hosting service Al-Bawaba has been blocked since 2006, and the Bahraini blog aggregator Bahrainblogs.org that served as a means for Bahraini bloggers to interconnect was blocked in 2009.

Online media is Bahrain is governed by the Press and Publication Law of 2002 which lays down prison sentences of up to five years for publishing material that is offensive to Islam or the King, or that is perceived as threatening the State security or monarchy.

Transgressors should be hanged, said one of the members of the Parliament referring to people breaking the law of sending news through Blackberry services.

The 1000 websites that have been blocked are shut down because they were critical of the Bahraini government, Parliament and the ruling family. In practice, many websites run by the national or international non-governmental  (NGOs) organisations are inaccessible. The Arab Network for Human Rights Information (ANHRI) and the Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) have been blocked.

The MOI has also issued orders to ban material about certain cases that are concerned with members of the royal family, such as the alleged anti-Shiite conspiracy and a case involving alleged corruption by a government minister.

This fact is a little surprising. Google Earth was briefly rendered inaccessible so that Bahraini citizens could not scan through the estates of the royal family. It was unblocked after intense public and media pressure.

Bahrain’s constitution does recognize the freedom of expression, however, like every coin has two sides, the law is accompanied by a phrase, “under the rules and conditions laid down by law,” which essentially negates all the freedom granted.

From Tylos to Bahrain

Archaeological surveys dating back to 2300 BC, establish Bahrain’s importance as a trading port. With thousands of burial mounds spread over the western and northern areas of the island, the country is also the site of the largest pre-historic cemetery.

Bahrain, earlier known as Dilmun and Tylos, was also more specifically a major port of call on the sea trade routes between Mesopotamia and India, and the centre of a thriving pearl industry.

Bahrain was forced to look into its own resources, since its prosperity started to decline from around 1800-1600 BC when  Indo-European tribes broke through into what is now Pakistan and destroyed the cities of the Indus valley civilization. Until the end of the century, Bahrain was ruled by a series of Persian rulers.

Under rule from its huge eastern neighbor, it took 350 years for Bahrain to become an independent kingdom, this time embracing Muslim faith with its followers, since the governor was an Arab.

In 1507, the Portuguese set about establishing Bahrain as a trading centre and a military outpost to protect trade routes between India, Africa and Europe. Following this insecure rule, a wealthy Bahraini merchant was murdered by a Portuguese governor in order to grab his wealth, mainly the pearls.

The merchant’s brother, to avenge his death, killed the Portuguese governor and captured the fort and put himself under the protection of the Persians, if you didn’t get it, they (Persians) were the main rivals of the Portuguese in the Gulf!

Even before it could enter Gulf, the Omani pirates destroyed the Portuguese fleet that set sail from India destined for Hormuz and Bahrain.

At the turn of the 17^th century came the Omani rulers. With them came problems in religion since they were of a different religious sect than people present in Bahrain. They caused such havoc and suffering that that a large proportion of population fled the country never to return.

The Persians were failing in their attempt to hold their rule in the Gulf state, and it is now that that independent shaikhdoms began to appear.

The battle between the Omanis and the Persians continued, and Bahrain for sometime fell into the hands of both.  

 We now take an U-Turn and go back 30 years to something that is of importance today. The venue- Deserts of modern day Iraq. Three families known as the Bani Utbah Tribe, gave up their nomadic life and settled in the present town of Kuwait.

The tribe was part of a larger group of families known as the Anizah Confederation in which Bahrain’s Al Khalifa family, the Saud’s of Saudi Arabia and the Al Sabah family of Kuwait were all a part. The Al Khalifas were led by Faisal and it was under his successor Mohammed that their fortunes began to blossom.

Owing to the family’s interest in pearls, they moved to Zubara, a pearling industry hub, and set up a town that prospered. The Persians, again tried to capture, repeatedly attacked, however failed.

The Al Khalifas’ occupation of Bahrain gave a considerable boost to the trade of the islands as they put every effort into fostering good relations.

Al Khalifas and the pearls may have been responsible for Bahrain’s improvement, but what we also have to remember is that it was Shaikh Isaab who had lived long enough to see the discovery of oil, a commodity that would change the face of this country and the rest of the Arab world.

The British have left their mark in Bahrain too! Bahrain remained unaffected during the Second World War. It was at this point in time when that the British signed over to Bahrain a number of responsibilities.

The British military finally withdrew in 1971, they signed a treaty of friendship. Thus, Bahrain gained membership of the League of Arab States and the United Nations.