Against the will of the people

In recent months, there have been a number of policies and decisions by Bahrain’s ruling family, which were viewed by observers as an indication of a significant shift in the policies of the Government of Bahrain.

Few months ago, the Government spread rumours that it intended to bring back Jewish families who had left Bahrain during the last century. The families are settled in Europe with successful businesses. The Government justifies its intended move by saying that bringing them back will make a positive addition to the economy of Bahrain.

Few months later, the Government of Bahrain appointed a Jewish lady as the Ambassador of Bahrain to the United States of America, even though the Jews in Bahrain are a very small minority. The Government argued that this decision was not politically motivated claiming that Bahrain is a religiously “tolerant” country which gives no consideration to affiliations when appointing individuals to Government posts.

Recently, leading newspapers in Bahrain showed the ruler of Bahrain meeting some members of  Jewish community who had left Bahrain last century.  Sheikh Hamad offered them dual nationality and welcomed them to Bahrain any time they wished.

Meanwhile, the policies of the Government of Bahrain towards the indigenous citizens are far from being that merciful. The people of Bahrain are suffering severe hardship, subjected to grave discrimination and are treated according to their sectarian affiliation.  While the ruler of Bahrain is trying to portray the country as tolerant and accommodating to all religions, in reality, the indigenous citizens are being alienated and discriminated against at all times.

Such moves can only be interpreted as a direct prelude to the undeclared policies of normaliising relations with the Israel. They are also intended to show a different face of the country, which conceals the agony, injustice and discriminations that characterize the unseen reality inside the country.

Meanwhile, the Bahraini opposition is participating in a seminar organised by Lord Avebury, the Vice-Chairman of the British Parliamentary Human Rights Group on Thursday 21st August. The event is to coincide with the Independence anniversary of the country (15th August 1971) and the dissolution of the country’s parliament and suspension of the constitution on 26th August 1975. Several speakers, Bahrainis and non-Bahrainis will take part in the debate. It will be held at 1 Abbery Gardens, London SW1.

Bahrain Freedom Movement
18 August 2008