Bahrain Profile
Bahrain is ruled by a king from the Khalifa family. It has a legislative assembly whose members are elected by the public. According to BBC Monitoring, there is discontent among the Shia Muslims, who are the majority, about the power of the Sunni-led government. There has been protest since 2011 as the public agitated for a democratic government.
Bahrain is less reliant on oil than most other Gulf countries and it has diversified its economy by strengthening the banking and financial services sector. Internationally, the nation offers a base for the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. There is also a Bahraini-Qatari tension over territorial ownership; however, this was settled in 2001.
The Bahrain Uprising
Shia and Sunni Muslims were engulfed in a power contest that led to an uprising resembling the one in Tunisia and Egypt. There are major economic challenges that have led to the unrest including unemployment and housing issues. However, according to Jeremy Bowen, the cause of the unrest has been attributed to religious sectarianism in the country.
The ensuing protest led to torture and killing of protesters in Bahrain. The ruling family commissioned an investigation into claims of torture and killing by the police. They accepted the findings of the commission but have not done anything about it despite pressure from western countries.
International Support for Reforms
Gulf Daily News reported that during a world Islamic Economic Forum held in London on October 30, the British Foreign Secretary William Hague showed UK government’s support for the police reforms. These reforms have been speared headed by His Royal Highness the Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa.
Freedom of Expression Remain Suppressed
Despite the show of confidence exuded by the Crown Prince and the support pledged by the UK government, police in Bahrain continues to suppress freedom of expression. According to The Frontier Post, the police raided and closed an exhibition showing the torture endured during the 32-month unrest experienced in the country.
Work Cited
“Bahrain Police Close Uprising Exhibition.” The Frontier Post. n.p. 31 October 2013. Web. 31 October 2013.
“Bahrain Profile.” BBC News. BBC Monitoring, 29 January 2013. Web. 31 October 2013.
“Bahrain Tension a Trigger for Gulf Turmoil.” BBC New. Jeremy Bowen, 13 December 2012. Web. 31 October 2013.
“Hague Reaffirms UK Support for Reform.” Gulf Daily News. n.p. 31 October 2013. Web. 31 October 2013.
