I had never imagined this would happen here, in beautiful peaceful Bahrain. But it did and now that it looks like the situation is improving, I am trying to summarize it in a nutshell.
For all purposes, Bahrain had succeeded in moving forward together without any glaringly differences in the people here. Foreigners or expats never even wondered if the person they were working for belonged to one caste or another. For all, the only way they were recognized was as Bahraini.
I re-read the history of the country once this started, after I have to say that there have been a lot of wrong doing during the times before HM King Hamad took over, and that there were cases of discrimination. But since then things have improved a hell lot. It goes without saying that everything would get much better under HRH CP Prince Salman, when his time comes. This again is fair enough, because like every family, the next generation is more developed and forward thinking.
The developments HM King Hamad has brought to Bahrain is tremendous. The National Action Charter, came to being in 2001 with an overwhelming support of 98.4% who voted in its favour. Learning about Vision 2030 will shed light on it. Bahrain is a country which provides free medical care and education with no taxes.
Also, CP has designed and implemented programs like the Crown Prince Scholarship Program for the betterment of the education system. It gives 50% to boys and girls, and of the total 60% are from the public school system. And does not check if the person receiving it is Sunni or Shia.
Even in politics, there were strides taken. A Parliament, which was elected by the people, came into power. And slowly, it would have got more power and more influence. These are changes that take years and years to develop and not those achievable over night.
It is also to be noted that no country is perfect, democracies too have a ugly face. Bahrain too had its flaws but were working towards fixing it.
The reason the protests started was Tahrir square for the masses, with the masterminds behind looking for revenge as they were ill treated or expelled ages ago. And it was okay too, till the army got involved and there were 7 deaths. That boiled their blood. and things took a turn for the worse. Thats when their resolve strengthened.
Then the generation next of the ruling family, the more liberalHRH Crown Prince got involved.He called off the army and offered a process of a no holds barred national dialogue, promised to pave way for reforms.
After the CP took initiative and pulled off the army, things were calm, but that calm turned into restlessness as they were being left alone for so long.
One of the biggest blows was when the teachers went on strike. And sectarianism led to fights among the students in schools and finally led to schools being shut down, and the public situation system and its students at the losing end.
Again a select few [even after their own leaders opposed the idea] organized a rally to Riffa Royal Court, which is a clear indication that they were not peaceful, because going to Riffa is close to suicidal. There were small clashes. But thank heavens nothing happened.
The very next day, to make things worse a large group, wearing cloth symbolizing a shroud and with the words 'ready to be a martyr' marched to the Kings palace, where they were greeted with dates and water. This seemed like a desperate plea for attention. Nothing happened, no violence and they seemed to be itching for more.
So the following day, they blocked the entrance to BFH and shut down the economic centre of the country. The entire financial district was overtaken. This is where they lost support of the moderates and liberals, where it stopped being a protest for your rights and started dragging down their own country.Then there was no way to go.
At all points, CP extended his hand for dialogue but they never agreed. It is the one chance to make sure that the changes and reforms you fought for are actually achieved. He is willing to listen and to implement, but what is he to do if you don't come forward?
Then came the GCC forces and the martial law and for many even though they don't have their peaceful Bahrain back, atleast there is no one holding the country's development a hostage. The people are now on the streets, going out and enjoying, getting back to work, schools back on track, Bahrain is trying to rise again.
Even now this country is limping but the offer remains on the table, take a chance, get involved in dialogue. And take it from there. If their demands were not heard even after the dialogue, by all means protest. But it is unacceptable that dialogue was not even given a chance. Learn to forgive, even if it seems impossible and unite as a country cuz Bahrain is too small for all the hate and sectarianism that is going on now.
Many have lost their lives in this, those who protested, policemen who defended the nation and even innocent expatriates who took no sides. It would be disgraceful if we continue to fight without looking to solve, especially when one can just stretch out their hand and grasp it.
God Bless Bahrain.
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