Bahrain’s Crackdown Creates Sectarian Fallout

The Mo’men mosque in Nwaidrat stood in the same location 

for generations until it was bulldozed last month. 

The Sunni-run government in Bahrain has destroyed 

at least 47 Shiite mosques in recent weeks

 

  June 7, 2011

The mass protest movement that swept Bahrain in February and March has since turned into a bitter sectarian confrontation. The tiny island nation — a key U.S. ally in the Persian Gulf — is mostly populated by Shiites, but it’s ruled by a Sunni royal family.

Analysts say the family is now pushing a sectarian agenda that might eventually be its undoing.

From the very beginning, it was no secret that most of the protesters in Bahrain were Shiites. They are the underdogs in Bahrain: They’re generally poorer than the average Bahraini, and they’re kept out of top positions in the government. Meanwhile, the government imports Sunnis from Pakistan, Syria, Yemen and elsewhere to tip the scales in favor of Sunnis.

FULL ARTICLE FROM NPR

Iraq: Protest Organizers Arrested, Disappeared, Threatened

from CPT:  Christian Peacemakers Team

Police and security forces in Suleimaniya have arrested and tortured many organizers of and participants in the daily anti-corruption protests in recent days. Several organizers have also disappeared or received death threats. In a marked increase of tensions, an unknown number of additional security troops have deployed to the city, but apparently refrained from taking the protest site by force.

Iraqi President Jalal Talabani threatened yesterday, 12 Marchto “deal” with the protests if they do not end by 21 March 2011. Rather than complying, protest organizers have announced more visible actions in the coming week.

“The truth has been unleashed,” a young protester told CPTers today (Sunday), “and cannot be silenced, not even by more soldiers.”

“Even if there are only fifteen people left at this square,” said another, “I will never leave until this corrupt, unjust government is finished.”

FULL NOTICE FROM CPT FACEBOOK PAGE

 

Saudi Forces Prepare to Enter Bahrain After Day of Clashes

Saudi forces are preparing to intervene in neighbouring Bahrain, after a day of clashes between police and protesters who mounted the most serious challenge to the island’s royal family since demonstrations began a month ago.

The Crown Prince of Bahrain is expected to formally invite security forces from Saudi Arabia into his country today, as part of a request for support from other members of the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council.

Thousands of demonstrators on Sunday cut off Bahrain’s financial centre and drove back police trying to eject them from the capital’s central square, while protesters also clashed with government supporters on the campus of the main university.

Amid the revolt Bahrain also faces a potential sectarian conflict between the ruling minority of Sunnis Muslims and a majority of Shia Muslims, around 70% of the kingdom’s 525,000 residents.

The crown prince, Salman bin Hamad al-Khalifa, said in a televised statement that Bahrain had “witnessed tragic events” during a month of unprecedented political unrest.

FULL ARTICLE FROM THE GUARDIAN (U.K.)

 

Hope of Freedom in the Arab World

by John Hubers

In the summer of 1991 our family was home on leave from Bahrain where I was serving as pastor of an international church. It was the summer of the Iraqi invasion of Kuwait. One night we had the privilege of getting together for dinner with three other families with decades of experience in the Arabian Gulf and Egypt. It was good to be together as our shared experience gave weight and immediacy to what was on everyone’s minds at that time – the invasion.

Kuwait wasn’t the only thing we talked about that night. Our conversation ebbed and flowed around familiar expatriate themes served up with a dash of nostalgia, a pinch of friendly controversy (old Middle East hands can be a contentious lot) and some thoughtful reflection about what the future might bring. It was then that my former mentor in Cairo put on his prophet’s robe, saying something that I have never forgotten:

What we see in the Gulf are countries that have been artificially kept under autocratic rule at least partly because of American support. We support them because they represent stability even though we claim to want democracy. This can’t last, however. These well educated, increasingly sophisticated young Arabs are not going to remain silent much longer. They will soon be demanding the same freedoms we have. Hopefully America will be on the right side when they do.

This prophesy is now coming true in Bahrain. Encouraged by the successful revolution in Egypt, this otherwise peaceful little country – our home for seven years – is experiencing the very convulsions towards freedom that my mentor saw coming twenty years ago. And now similar uprisings are taking place in other countries in the region.

FULL ARTICLE FROM THE DES MOINES REGISTER

The Demands of the Protesters in Bahrain (from a Bahraini Blogger)

 

 

 

 

This is from Mahmood’s Den – a popular Bahraini blogger – the demands of the protesters in Arabic and English.

Opposition’s Conditions for National Dialogue

Here’s a list I received detailing the opposition’s requirements to enter the national dialogue called for by the Crown Prince. I cannot vouch for them as I cannot get independent confirmation, but they look genuine and represent them here for their informational value, and hope that we can start this dialogue here too:

أهداف ثورة الغضب لشعب البحرين التأكيد على تحقيق المطالب الشعبية:  ١. إقالة الحكومة وتشكيل حكومة منتخبة من الشعب ٢. إلغاء دستور ٢٠٠٢ وكل القوانين الصادرة بمراسيم ٣. تشكيل هيئة وطنية منتخبة من عشرة أفراد ينتخبهم الشعب لوضع دستور جديد على أن تلغى فيه جميع صلاحيات الملك ليكون رمزاً للبلاد فقط وتكون السلطة التشريعية والرقابية كاملة في يد المجلس المنتخب (البرلمان). ٤. تغيير قانون الانتخابات وينتخب الشعب جميع أعضاء البرلمان على ان يمثل التشكيل الوزاري ٢٥٪ من أعضاء البرلمان ٥. إلغاء جميع الهيئات والمجالس ومنع العمل بها وتكون جميع الأجهزة التنفيذية خاضعة للحكومة المنتخبة ٦. إصلاحات شاملة للجهاز القضائي وإعادة تشكيل المجاس الأعلى للقضاء من قضاة ومحامون ينتخبهم الشعب ٧. إلغاء صلاحيات جميع المجنسين من الدخول في العملية الانتخابية او الترشح للانتخابات حتى إيجاد قانون منظم التجنيس والجنسية البحرينية ٨. يمنع دخول الجيش في العملية الانتخابية ٩. محاسبة جميع الفاسدين امام محاكمة علنية ومحاكمة الطائفيين وإعادة فتح ملف البندر ومنع أية صلاحيات للقضاء او النيابة العامة لمنع النشر في أية قضية تختص بالرأي العام ١٠. إعادة الأراضي المنهوبة والسواحل وتأميم مشاريع المدن مثل جزر أمواج والزلمة والرفاع فيوز لتكون ضمن صلاحيات وزارة الإسكان وتوزيع الثروات توزيعاً عادلاً على الشعب ١١. إحلال البحرينيين في الوظائف التي يعمل بها الأجانب وخصوصاً في وزارتي الداخلية والدفاع بدون تمييز طائفي ١٢. إقالة جميع رؤساء الهيئات والمؤسسات والدواوين الحكومية أثناء إقالة الحكومة ١٣. محاسبة جميع المفسدين قبل ٢٠٠٢ ١٤. تعويض عوائل الشهداء تعويضاً عادلاً وجميع المتضررين خلال العشرين عاماً الماضية من أجل الدخول في الحوار يجب تنفيذ ما لا يقل عن ٤ مطالب من المطالب الشعبية المذكورة

Objectives of the Revolution of Anger of the people of Bahrain Emphasis on the achievement of popular demands:

1. Dismissal of the government and the formation of a government elected by the people

2. Cancellation of the 2002 Constitution and all laws passed by decree

3. The formation of a national body of ten elected members by the people to formulate a new constitution that abolishes all the king’s powers and that he be a symbol of the country and that legislative and regulatory powers are fully in the hands of an elected council (parliament).

4. Amend the electoral law so that the people elect all members of Parliament in which the cabinet ministers will be selected from 25% of the members of parliament

5. Cancellation of all boards and councils immediately and ensure that all executive agencies are subject to the elected govenrment

6. Comprehensive reforms of the judiciary and the restructuring of the Supreme Judicial Council which shall be constituted of judges and lawyers elected by the people

7. Abolition of the powers of all naturalized citizens to prevent them from participation in the electoral process or to stand for election until a law regulating naturalization and the Bahraini nationality is promulgated

8. Prevent the army from participating in the electoral process

9. Ensure that all corrupt persons stand public trials, as should those practicing sectarianism and re-open the Bandergate file and prevent any judicial and public prosecution powers of issuing any gag orders relating to any case concerned with public opinion

10. The return of all looted lands and coasts and the nationalization of real estate projects such as Amwaj Islands and Alzalamah and Riffa Views to be within the purview of the Ministry of Housing to equitably distribute the wealth to the citizens

11. Instating Bahraini citizens in jobs which are currently occupied by foreigners, especially those in the ministries of interior and defense without any sectarian discrimination

12. Dismissal of all heads of agencies, boards and institutions at the same time as dissolving the cabinet

13. Bring to account all those who practiced corrupt practices before 2002

14. Fairly compensate the families of martyrs and all those affected during the past twenty years To engage in national dialogue, a minimum of four of these popular demands must implemented.

LINK TO MAHMOOD’S DEN

Revolutionary Fervor Hits Oman and Saudi Arabia

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The revolutionary fervor unleashed across the region in the wake of Tunisia’s revolt on Sunday spread to Oman and Saudi Arabia, two countries in the oil-rich Persian Gulf that had hitherto seemed relatively immune to the turmoil.

Saudi Arabia

A group of 119 Saudi academics and activists called for the replacement of the current government with a constitutional monarchy that would dramatically reduce the hereditary powers of the royal family, raising the specter of unrest spreading to the world’s largest oil producer. On Twitter and Facebook, activists called for demonstrations on March 11 and 20 to demand reforms, echoing the “Day of Rage” dates set by activists elsewhere.

Oman

Hundreds of demonstrators clashed with riot police in the northeast port city of Sohar on Sunday, and Oman’s state news agency, ONA, said two protesters demanding political reforms, jobs and higher wages were killed after the governor’s residence, a police station, houses and cars were set on fire. Shortly after the violence, Sultan Qaboos bin Said, who has led oil-rich Oman for the past 40 years, gave orders to create 50,000 jobs and payments of $386 a month to every job seeker.

FULL ARTICLE FROM THE SEATTLE TIMES

Bahrain Key in Sunni/Shia Divide

RIYADH, Saudi Arabia — In the fraught divide between Sunni and Shia Muslims of the Arab world, the tiny island state of Bahrain is the next crucible of combat.

Unprecedented pro-democracy protests there by the Shia community have had a longer reach than what would normally be the case in a country of only 738,000 for one simple reason: Bahrain’s close ties to its huge neighbor, Saudi Arabia.

The two countries are linked by a 16-mile, multi-lane causeway and by the shared commitment of their Sunni ruling royal families to remain in power. Oil-rich Riyadh also financially supports petroleum-poor Bahrain.

FULL ARTICLE FROM GLOBAL POST

 

Robert Fisk: The destiny of this pageant lies in the Kingdom of Oil

The Middle East earthquake of the past five weeks has been the most tumultuous, shattering, mind-numbing experience in the history of the region since the fall of the Ottoman empire. For once, “shock and awe” was the right description.

The docile, supine, unregenerative, cringing Arabs of Orientalism have transformed themselves into fighters for the freedom, liberty and dignity which we Westerners have always assumed it was our unique role to play in the world. One after another, our satraps are falling, and the people we paid them to control are making their own history – our right to meddle in their affairs (which we will, of course, continue to exercise) has been diminished for ever.

FULL ARTICLE FROM THE INDEPENDENT

 

A Letter from Iraqi Peace Makers to the American Government

 

. CPTnet 24 February 2011 IRAQ: White Group says to U.S., “The situation in Suleimaniyah is deteriorating” Suleimaniyah 24th of February 2011 To: The State Department of the United States of America, American Embassy and Consulates in Iraq From: The White Group (Geroupee Spi), Suleimaniyah Dear Ladies and Sirs, As representatives of the newly founded “White Group” we urgently address you.  Since last Thursday, the 17th of February, the situation in Suleimaniyah city and Governorate is severely deteriorating.  After demonstrators protested against the Kurdistan Regional Government (KRG) in a peaceful demonstration, some rallied towards the main branch of the Kurdistan Democratic Party.  Militias of this party answered stone throwing with live ammunition, killing four, and injuring more than 150 people, in addition to detaining unknown number of demonstrators. Since then, the situation is heating up.  Thousands of heavily armed militiamen were sent into the city; young protesters are enraged.  Every day thousands, if not tens of thousands, gather in Suleimaniyah and other cities of the governorate for demonstrations.  Normal life came to a standstill. We are trying to calm the situation, standing daily in white clothes between the heavily armed militias and the demonstrators.  We could have prevented further violence, but we are not sure for how long we are able to continue. We are severely shocked that until now we didn’t hear any official U.S. statement.  Since one week now this situation is unfolding.  Any condemnation or even expression or concern from the U.S. would have helped a lot.  People here are just demanding their basic rights.  We all thought that the U.S. seriously believes in democracy in Iraq.  Now we see you watching how militias not accountable to the government, but [to political] parties, use excessive force against demonstrators.  As you can see in these pictures heavily armed soldiers are stationed everywhere in our city. Therefore we strongly urge you to take action.  We believe your voice is still heard in Iraq and especially Iraqi-Kurdistan, where U.S. troops were greeted as liberators in 2003, inspiring us to work hard for improving the situation of people here.  Please make clear to the responsible politicians and parties that the U.S. will not accept further violence and killings against civilians. Your silence was recognized too.  Especially the young demonstrators we talk to on a daily base got the impression the U.S. is not with the people but the parties here.  The future of Iraq and Kurdistan lie in the hands of this young generation.  The future of bilateral ties with the U.S. too. So it’s high time to take action.  We don’t know how long we will be able to keep the situation calm.  We need your help now.  If it will be too late after Friday, the day of demonstrations all over Iraq and Kurdistan, we all will regret that no steps were taken to prevent harm and more destruction. We are again very afraid that if nothing happens, our city and governorate will soon see a bloodbath. Wit best Regards The Members of the White Group (Geroupee Spi) The White Group is composed of various civil society organizations, civil society activists, journalists, and artists. ADDENDUM Here are the most urgent demands of the demonstrators.  We think they are all moderate and correspond with the principles of democracy and rule of law: 1.       Suing all of those involved in murdering the demonstrators in Suleimaniyah and publicly announcing the court rulings related to this matter. 2.       Withdrawing all of the forces brought to Suleimaniyah and keeping only those forces affiliated with the Ministry of Interior in the city. 3.       The authorities should promise that force will not be used to face the demands of the demonstrators and that it listen to those demands through creating channels of dialogue and conversion. 4.       Urgently issuing a decision by the Parliament of Kurdistan to prohibit the use of military forces in internal affairs and conflicts. 5.       The President of the region and the Prime Minister should immediately issue an apology to the victims and the people of Kurdistan. 6.       Freeing all of those who have been detained as a consequence of the demonstration on February 17th and the demonstrations followed. ———————————————- CPT’s MISSION: What would happen if Christians devoted the same discipline and sacrifice to nonviolent peacemaking that armies devote to war? Christian Peacemaker Teams (CPT) seeks to enlist the whole church in organized, nonviolent alternatives to war and places teams of trained peacemakers in regions of lethal conflict. COMMENTS: To ask questions or express concerns, criticisms and affirmations send messages to peacemakers@cpt.org. NEWSLETTER: To receive CPT’s quarterly newsletter by email or in print, go to http://cpt.org/participate/subscribe DONATE: Donate to CPT on-line with your credit card! Go to http://cpt.org/participate/donate YOUR SUBSCRIPTION: to change your subscription settings go to http://mailman.cpt.org/mailman/listinfo/cptnet

Kuwaiti Christian Pastor Speaks out for Law and Order

By Abayomi Adesida

Rev. Amanuel Ghareeb is the pastor of the National Evangelical Church of Kuwait, the umbrella Christian congregation that coordinates the activities of the 150 Kuwaiti Christians among their fellow compatriots of the Islamic faith in the about one million population of Kuwaiti citizens.

Rev. Amanuel Ghareeb 

He spoke as much as the Kuwaiti laws could permit him during an interaction he had with a team of Nigerian journalists who were in Kuwait for two weeks as part of activities that formed a build-up to the Kuwaiti 20th Liberation and 50th National Day. Ghareeb also gave an insight into how religious riots that continue to take innocent lives could be avoided if everybody played his part.

FULL ARTICLE FROM VANGUARD