Got much to say, and i'm sorry for being so verbose. I'll split it into 3 parts.
See, its not just starving sick people in hospitals. Its an all-out crackdown on Shia protesters with military support from Suni KSA and UAE. And no one says a word about it because the latter two are "our buddies".
The uprising in Manama differs from the recent mass protests that toppled long-time rulers across North Africa. I think sectarianism and the security forces' complete loyalty to the monarchy seriously diminishes the likelihood of a peaceful regime change in Bahrain like the ones in Tunisia and Egypt. While these two are relatively homogeneous countries (Sunni Muslims make for more than 90% of their inhabitants) Bahrain's Sunnis, including the royal family and the country's political and economic elite, comprise only about 1/3 of the population. The rest are Shia. Each of these groups is making different, if not contradictory, demands. The Shia are focused on political reforms that would reflect their majority status. Those of the Sunnis who protest want socio-economic changes, such as affordable housing. And, while Egyptian protesters of all types found common ground in insisting that Mubarak should resign, Bahrainis might find it almost impossible to agree on a common goal.
The ruling al-Khalifa family will not relinquish its power willingly. To preserve itself, the regime relies on imported security forces that serve only the royal family. Drawn from Jordan, Pakistan and Yemen, they arent reluctant to beat and kill protesters, because they know that any change at the top would mean defeat not only for the al-Khalifas, but for themselves as well. And indeed, Bahraini security forces have been ruthless in their attacks against demonstrators. Given this alignment of forces, and the bloodshed that has already occurred on the Pearl Square, the scenes from Cairo of protesters arm-in-arm with soldiers and hugging tank crews are unlikely to be replayed in Bahrain. Moreover, while in Egypt, historically a relatively stable country, 3 weeks of chaos were enough to convince the military to restore order by ousting Mubarak, Bahrainis have greater experience with social unrest than Egyptians or Tunisians do. Political instability is a way of life in Bahrain. From the turmoil in the 20s, following administrative reforms, to labour protests in the 50s, the country is used to such things. As a result, factional strife is unlikely to panic the rulers and is even less likely to persuade them that the king must abdicate to save the country. ...
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See, its not just starving sick people in hospitals. Its an all-out crackdown on Shia protesters with military support from Suni KSA and UAE. And no one says a word about it because the latter two are "our buddies".
The uprising in Manama differs from the recent mass protests that toppled long-time rulers across North Africa. I think sectarianism and the security forces' complete loyalty to the monarchy seriously diminishes the likelihood of a peaceful regime change in Bahrain like the ones in Tunisia and Egypt. While these two are relatively homogeneous countries (Sunni Muslims make for more than 90% of their inhabitants) Bahrain's Sunnis, including the royal family and the country's political and economic elite, comprise only about 1/3 of the population. The rest are Shia. Each of these groups is making different, if not contradictory, demands. The Shia are focused on political reforms that would reflect their majority status. Those of the Sunnis who protest want socio-economic changes, such as affordable housing. And, while Egyptian protesters of all types found common ground in insisting that Mubarak should resign, Bahrainis might find it almost impossible to agree on a common goal.
The ruling al-Khalifa family will not relinquish its power willingly. To preserve itself, the regime relies on imported security forces that serve only the royal family. Drawn from Jordan, Pakistan and Yemen, they arent reluctant to beat and kill protesters, because they know that any change at the top would mean defeat not only for the al-Khalifas, but for themselves as well. And indeed, Bahraini security forces have been ruthless in their attacks against demonstrators. Given this alignment of forces, and the bloodshed that has already occurred on the Pearl Square, the scenes from Cairo of protesters arm-in-arm with soldiers and hugging tank crews are unlikely to be replayed in Bahrain. Moreover, while in Egypt, historically a relatively stable country, 3 weeks of chaos were enough to convince the military to restore order by ousting Mubarak, Bahrainis have greater experience with social unrest than Egyptians or Tunisians do. Political instability is a way of life in Bahrain. From the turmoil in the 20s, following administrative reforms, to labour protests in the 50s, the country is used to such things. As a result, factional strife is unlikely to panic the rulers and is even less likely to persuade them that the king must abdicate to save the country.
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