Positive change

Every little helps, believe me, people are listening and change is coming, regardless of the hurdles they put in its path. I listened with pleasure to the Crown Prince talk about this very issue tonight in which he stressed – several times – that we should not let sectarianism win!

I responded to his talk by pinning one of the “No Shi’i No Sunni.. Just Bahraini” buttons on his bisht and briefed him about what we are trying to do. On the way out I had a few seconds to emphasise the message and he agreed. He even suggested that we should also do “No Shi’i, No Sunni… Just Muslim”! and maybe send a couple of million to Iraq and other places to get rid of the sectarianism that is eating us up.

I wasn’t shot for saying it. I wasn’t thrown out when I pinned the button on his robe. I wasn’t looked at weird… but I tell you what happened after the dinner though, I was surrounded for more than half an hour in the car park with everyone asking how can THEY help! All of them not only pledged money to the campaign, but also offered the services of their shops and companies to distribute the buttons and whatever other paraphernalia we produce.

This is positive change. And I am glad that more and more people are sitting up and taking notice now. If this campaign gets people asking the questions about sectarianism and a few change their dogmatic views to tolerant ones, then this campaign could be deemed a winner, and this will be the start of the long path to peaceful coexistence.

Comments

  1. H

    Good man, Mahmood. I hope this will be covered more widely in the news, showing the support of the crown prince (did you get a picture of him wearing the button???!!!).

    There is nothing other than gratitude, support, and common faith that I can provide. Well done and good luck to us all.

  2. Ibn

    This is GREAT news Mahmood! I am so happy!

    As I promised, ill send my contribution to this campaign first thing Monday.

    Now Im not trying to throw a monkey wrench into this great machine right now, but I do not think the Crown Prince’s suggestion of “just Muslim” ought to be used instead of the “just Bahraini”.

    The message here is that Sunni, Shia, this sect and that sect are irrelevant to ones Bahraini nationality. It is my understanding that Bahrain contains a small Jewish minority, who are by all means Bahraini too. This campaign extends to them, as well as to any Christian Bahrainis too.

    I believe the message here is to make the point that ones sect, religion, etc, have no leverage on their nationality. Let us not replace nationality, with yet another super-sect such as “Muslim”. It not only warps the purpose of this campaign – it defeats it all together.

    Here’s to non-sectarianism! 🙂

    -Ibn

  3. can we talk now

    I agree,
    sunni, shi’a, christian, jewish, whateverish, we are all bahraini. and that’s the point. this is about nationalism, not religion.
    bravo, mahmood, keep it up.
    count me in when i get back to bahrain.

  4. Costa-guy

    hi again =P

    (my 2nd contribution to the blog “i have a feeling that my comments are not welcomed especially after the first one =D” )

    anyway, i just want to give my opinion regarding the CP’s comment (if it is possible)

    ummm… True… “Just Bahraini” is better if the purpose of the campaign is nationalism but, as a consequence, the slogan should be something like “No colours, just Bahraini” or “no roots, just bahraini” or “doesnt matter what your religion is as long you are Bahraini”. But as long you mentioned, “No Shi’i, No Sunni”, “Just Muslim” would be more appropriate, that is because of the differences and on-going “peaceful” conflict between the two which will be so abvious in 50 days time..

    It looks like the CP didn’t know really the goal of your campaign judging by the fact he meets a lot of people with suggestions everyday (hmmm.. little possible) OR he did know but didn’t want to open a minority/majority (non-muslims/muslims) conflict especially after the No-to-free-Bahraini-nationality-peaceful demonstrations & emphasized that to you because you were likely infront of media people (not that possible), OR it was a clever personal “No” to you Mahmood meaning he want it a pure-islamic campaign (a little more possible but a definite NO if someone knew about it) OR he simply meant it’s more arabic accurate to say “Just Muslim” (Most likely). =D

    Whatever the Crown Princes’ meaning, you made a good step and contribution to your/our campaign by talking about it in the right time and right place to right people.

    one more thing, you should really be clear about it, is it only a no shi’i/ no sunni campaign or it’s a no shi’i/ no sunni/ no jewish(i) / no christian(i) / no atheist(i) campaign because it would be a much tougher campaign to achieve if it was the latter?

    anyway, good job &
    الله يرزق الجميع على حسب نياتهم 🙂

  5. Anonymous

    I think I’m going to have to be the bad guy here for disagreeing with some of what has been said.

    I’m sure that you folks are aware that Sunni and Shias both regard themselves as the true followers of Islam, and that the only reason they call themselves Sunnis or Shias is because they want to differentiate themself from the other sect. That in itself is interesting since this campaign is all for reversing that concept.

    Of course, I’m all for peace and I’m not a fan of having various sects sprouting out of the religion. Yet, if you folks look up the books of each of the sects, you’ll notice that in regards to both the Imams of the Sunnis and the Shias, they condemn the opposite sect.

    Now, we all know that after the Qur’an, we get our teachings from the Prophet (pbuh), which we learn from the Imams of the opposing sects, who apparently do preach to us that we shouldn’t accept each other as followers of the true Islam and that we should see each other as different sects.

    Of course, I’m not suggesting that we start killing each other on the streets. I’m just pointing out what our religions preach.

    So, basically, I think that “Just Bahraini” works fine. Yet, I don’t think that “No Shi’i No Sunni” would work.

    Anyhow, I know that I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to receive a good thrashing about how “closed minded” I am…

  6. Costa-guy

    Anonymous
    So, basically, I think that “Just Bahraini” works fine. Yet, I don’t think that “No Shi’i No Sunni” would work.

    Anyhow, I know that I’ve got a feeling that I’m going to receive a good thrashing about how “closed minded” I am…

    On the opposite! You took the words out of my tongue (that’s good knowing that I am fasting right now) =D. To my concern, what you said is true. If this campaign was to eliminate the differences between the 2 sects., then OFCOURSE it is a losing horse you are betting on. But I can feel that the purpose is to eradicate the differences when it comes to choosing (electing) people, or favourism of one sect. on another or the use of sectarianism in gerneral in the daily-Bahraini life.

    I replied to the comment because I am noticing right now 3 comments (Ibn – Costa-guy 8) – Anonymous) who have 3 different interpretation to a campaign which is already out?!?!

    Ibn
    It is my understanding that Bahrain contains a small Jewish minority, who are by all means Bahraini too. This campaign extends to them, as well as to any Christian Bahrainis too.

    Costa-guy
    one more thing, you should really be clear about it, is it only a no shi’i/ no sunni campaign or it’s a no shi’i/ no sunni/ no jewish(i) / no christian(i) / no atheist(i) campaign because it would be a much tougher campaign to achieve if it was the latter?

    Anonymous
    That in itself is interesting since this campaign is all for reversing that concept.

    Is it me (possible knowing that i am a slow-understander) or is that the campaign is not really clear??

  7. mahmood

    Costa-Guy you’re more than welcome to continue to contribute! It’s an open forum. The only proviso here is to not go into flames and personal attacks, and show some respect for the others as well. Competing opinions are quite alright, with them the conversation gets richer.

    As to your comment, you’re probably playing the devil’s advocate, as is the Anon post after you, either that or you are pessimistic. In either case, let me explain that when I first thought of this slogan, the mitigating circumstances were the height of the Bandargate affair, and all I really cared about (as I continue to do) is the pure nationalistic motives, rather than religious. I don’t see the point of such fierce “nationalistic” fervour one regards his or her sect with. It’s as if there is only one path to Jannah and they have the toll-bridge keys.

    Yes, there are other ways to form the slogan, and as I have repeatedly said, this is a non-exclusive campaign, and I have no control on what people do, how they use the slogan, or anything else for that matter. I have also said that the graphic and words are in the public domain, therefore it is perfectly alright for a person or a company to print their own, and even use their own slogan. My request is for them to concentrate on the “Unity” of Bahrain and Bahrainis aspects.

    So go to town with your slogans and I wish everyone luck!

    As to the Crown Prince not understanding my motives or message, you’re wrong. And you can take that from me as gospel.

    Unfortunately, none of those present whipped out their phone to take a picture of the ceremony (and if you were there and you did, make sure you email it to me!)

  8. can we talk now

    my vision is that this thing starts with no sunni no shi’i just bahraini, and eventually becomes just just bahraini .
    Am I being too hopeful??
    this could be because I don’t feel like either and my family are mostly combos..but, this is a vision that I can see.. I don’t know how many years from now, but as more intermarriage occurs, it will all start getting mixed up in the wash…

  9. Abukhalid

    ” No Shi’i No Sunni, Just Bahraini ” is the proper term at this time when we’re facing an organized group whose aimes are to purposely create division between Sunni and Shi’i. We should emphasize this term at this crucial time, and I don’t agree with replacing ” Bahraini” with “Muslim”, as this is not about religion, it’s about respect and being equal with everybody whatever his/her faith is.

  10. Anonymous

    Right on the spot Abukhalid. Maybe next time you meet the CP Mahmood you should emphasize that the campain is a rsponce to the organized group the Bandar Report exposed. By the way Mahmood where did you meet the CP, and what was the ocation?

  11. tooners

    Your post makes me smile. What a great thing you did w/ the CP.

    Makes me want to bring a few hundred and pass them out here at the office… but not sure how well it would go over coming from me. But putting a bunch in a bucket and setting them out at the front desk would be pretty cool, I think.

  12. Anonymous

    Did you really pin him or are you slightly exaggerating? Getting that close to the CP with a sharp object sounds a bit impossible…

  13. jasra jedi

    I think the campaign is very clear. I agree with Abu Khalid’s views.

  14. Coffee Lover

    Mahmood, after going through the BCHR website from a link off your blogspot, it just struck me that although these people are calling for human rights, they seem to mention sunni minority, shii majority in just about every page.
    A human rights organization with a Shii focus; so it should be called Bahrain Centre for Shia rights, shouldn’t it not??!!
    If civil society can’t reduce sectarian intent, how is the general public be expected to do so.
    Wear a badge I guess…

  15. mahmood

    Anon, yes I did. It’s not that difficult in our culture, the king and the royal family regularly intermingle with the “common folk” and get very close to them.

    JJ, me too.

    Coffee Lover, yes, I agree with you that a Human Rights organisation should contend itself with human rights issues and not politicize their stances or views, and that is why I disagree with them as a human rights organization and regard them really as a political pressure group, lobby if you will, because this is really what they are, even if they were instrumental in a lot of HR cases the most plain of them is their involvement to defend and ultimately secure the release of the Gitmo Bahraini prisoners.

    Does all of that discount their message though? Not really. Treat them like a messenger and evaluate the message, rather than turning sour and ridicule our efforts in at least doing something to ameliorate the rift between the two sects.

  16. Coffee Lover

    Sorry Mahmood, I didn’t mean to pick on your campaign, I actually commend you for it.
    Words just didn’t come out right.

  17. Anonymous

    ——————————————————————————–

    لقد شاهدت ما حدث ليله العشرين من رمضان حيث الاستاد عبد الهادي الخواجه يلقي بخطاب ناري عند ماتم العجم مما سبب في ارباك مواكب العزاء و اسياء المعزيين مما سبب بعض التشنجات بين المعزين و بين المنتمين الى حركه حق

    المعروف ان المنطقه كانت شديده الازدحام و بها اطفال و نساء و كلهم اتو من اجل دكرى استشهاد الامام علي عليه السلام

    فبالله عليكم هل تستطيع الحركه ان تسيطر على الجماهير التي تهتف بهتافات قد تجر قوات الشغب و يحدث ما لا يحمد عقباه !! من المسؤل بعد دلك عن ما يحدث ؟؟ لو سقط طفل او امرئه و او شيخ كبير في السن فمن المسؤل ؟

    المطقه شديد الزحام و لاتتحمل مواكب العزاء فكيف بوجود المحاضرات و الهتافات مما يجعل الكل في ترقب و حدر !

    لم نرى جمعيع الوفاق تفعل دلك
    و لا جمعيه امل تفعل دلك
    ولا التوعيه و غيرها

    فادا ما ارادت حركه حق ان تستغل المنطقه بجماهيرها فعليها ان توزع المحاضرات مكتوبه دون خطب و دون انفعال و دون حجز و اقفال الشارع في و جه المواكب الحسينيه و الا فان الاستياء من هده الافعال قد و صلت حدها فليس من المعقول ابدا ان تحاصر المنطقه في شارع الامام الحسين بين حركه حق و بين ضحايا التعديب وكل من في ميكروفوناته على حساب المواكب الحسينيه.

    و اعتقد بان الاستاد عبد الوهاب و الاستاد حسن مشيمع و الخواجه هم احرص على شعائر اهل البيت و المحافطه عليها و كدلك عدم وجود حاله عدم توافق مع مواكب العزاء

    ما نقلته من مشاعر الكثيرين و لله من وراء القصد

    منقول من موقع
    بحرين اون لاين

    فهناك فتنة بين الشيعة والشيعة
    لذلك مهم تعزيز رسالة الاستاذ محمود اليوسف
    وطرح شعار كلنا مسلمين

    بتول

  18. Anonymous

    I saw what happened on the night of the 20th of Ramadan, the stadium Abdul Hadi Khawaja sheds speech at the funeral ceremony of firearm currently causing confusion in the consolation motorcades and Almazien Asia, which caused some of the reactions among the mourners, among belonging to the (HAAQ) MOVEMENT Knowledge that the region was severe overcrowding, with children and women and for all Atto Dkri martyrdom of Imam Ali peace be upon him Can the name of God, the movement to control the crowd, who chanted shouts – riot forces had been happening and what is that nobody wants! Hear hear from after Dalek on what is happening? If a child fell or Amrah, or elderly people in the age it is responsible? Almatqh great crowds and processions consolation for these deceptions how the existence of lectures and slogans which makes everyone in suspense and Hudur! We did not do slightly Accord Dalek And I hope the Assembly does not do Dalek The awareness and others. Fada what it wanted the right to use the area for their intended it to distribute lectures without the written order and without emotion and without reservation, the closure of the street and came in processions Husseinieh Otherwise, the resentment of the rut of the acts had arrived alone, it is not unthinkable that in the surrounding region of Imam Al-Hussein Street between movement and the right of all victims of the Altaadib microphones at the expense of processions Husseinieh. And I think that the stadium and stadium Abdul Wahab Hassan Mushima and the foreigner are more eager to practice their Shiism and retain it, Kdlk absence of a lack of alignment with retinues consolation What I said to God, and the feelings of many of the intent behind

    Quoted from the site Bahrain Online

    There is a rift between the Shii and the Shii
    It is important to reinforce the message of Mr. Mahmoud Youssef A slogan all Muslims
    Batoel

  19. mahmood

    Thank you Batool. I’ve read his speech, but didn’t know that he actually delivered it in such a place and such a manner! As you said, politicising a solemn religious ceremony is unconscionable.

  20. abdalla

    just wanted to apologise for stealing the badge off your daughter’s (amna) school bag today =D am spreading the word and I’ve got a whole group of friends asking for some. I think it’s becoming quite the fashion statement =P

  21. mahmood

    Abdalla I’ll send a bunch with Amna to school tomorrow, be nice to her and she might actually give you another badge!! 😉

  22. chrisamillion

    Hi Mahmood,

    Great stuff! it’s becoming a real phenomenon…fast! It looks like change is inevitable!

    I also suppose that it is showing who is in the majority and who is in the minority!

    Keep goinging!

    Chris

  23. Ali Al Saeed

    I haven’t picked up mine yet! Are they still safe with you?

    It’s great to see this campaign getting the attention it deserves. Well done Mahmood and power to your elbow!

    btw, I’ve just submitted a column to my editor at the GDN about Just Bahraini campaign to run next Sunday.

  24. Anonymous

    Ali – Make sure it includes an eye-catching picture of one of our badges from our Flickr group! =D

  25. mahmood

    thanks Ali, yes they are, but not for long! they’re going fast. so give me a call to arrange pickup or just pass by my wife’s shop and pick them up from there.

  26. Ibn

    Mahmood,

    Instead of making 100,000 shirt buttons, may I suggest a more diverse manifestation of the message “la sunni wa la shia, bas bahraini”, such as car bumper stickers, t-shirts, etc? The latter are more permanent than buttons are.

    Ibn

  27. mahmood

    thanks for the heads-up doc!

    we need a media manager for the campaign so that we ensure that there is an article in the papers every day. This would be awesome actually…

  28. Anonymous

    انت فى حلم جميل يا محمود اليوسف خصوصا انك تريد القضاء علي الطائفية البغيضة من خلف الكيبورد والذي يريد حقيقتن ذلك ينزل الي الشارع ويساهم فى القضاء علي اسبابة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية خصوصا ان اليوم هو اليوم العالمي لمناهضة الفقر والاموال التي تجمعها للملصق انت واصدقائك من التجار والميسورين الساكنين مثلك فى بيوت جميلة وغالية وتملكون السيارات الفارهة والثمينة وتعتنون بحدائقكم الجميلة وترسلون اطفالكم الي المدارس الخاصة عليكم ان ترصدوا هذة الاموال للفقراء وكفوا عن المراهقة السياسية ومحاولة ارضاء ضمائركم علي حسابنا

    سيد جعفر الماحوزي

    ———————

    You are in a beautiful dream Oh Mahmoud ِALYoussef, especially you want the elimination of sectarianism from behind the keyboard abhorrent and who wants to go that Haqiqeten to the street and contribute to the elimination of social and economic causes, especially that today is the International Day against poverty and the funds collected by the poster you and your friends from traders and affluent Occupiers like you in the beautiful and expensive houses and cars were sent you and precious and beautiful and Tagnon Bhaddaekkm therefore be your children to a private school, you have to Trusdua these funds for the poor and stop the political adolescence and trying to please your conscience at our expense

    Mr. Jaafar Almahozi

  29. milter

    Congratulations Mahmood.

    I’m happy to see your campaign gathering momentum and wish you all the best.

    I agree with your insistance on not associating your movement with any kind of existing groups, whether they are political or religious. Let it remain a campaign for those that agree with you and the spirit of the message.

    You may have read that Muhammad Yunus together with the Grameen Bank has received the Nobel Peace Prize for 2006. I’m not really sure how much attention is paid to this prize in the Muslim world, but here it is considered a very prestigious one.

    One thing I noticed when I first saw his name popping up among the contestants, was the fact that there was no mention of his religious background. I had never heard of him before but I assumed he was a Muslim because of his name. I have searched the net for information about him and I have read newspaper articles about him but I found very few references to his religious belief, even when he is quoted.

    He seems to be a person who is genuinely concerned about the welfare of his fellow beings. He is a Muslim, but he doesn’t seem to need the assistance of scholars or quotations from the Quran or Hadith to do his work.

    Maybe his example can be used in your “Just Bahraini” campaign to show that you don’t have to pin a “Shia”, “Sunni”, “Jewish” or “Christian” badge on your clothes to prove you’re good or just.

  30. Anonymous

    while everyone is busy with the “only Bahraini” campaign, the government is giving a blind eye to the Banders report, including the prince!

    so stop fooling your selves, your intentions are excellent, but you need to concentrate on the real issue.

    I need to say, that the prince was the student of AL-Bandar at one stage at univesity. Hence, he knows the guy.

    If the prince is genuine about his feelings, what about the sectarian divisions of the electorates!

    stop feeling your selves guys!

  31. anonymous

    يعطيك العافية على هالجهد هاذي اللي بصراحة نحتاجه :yes:

  32. Anonymous

    I agree with anon.

    The CP suggested changing “Just Bahraini” to “Just Muslim” to kick the ball out of the field.

    The real issue is someone INTENTIONALLY trying to divide this country, and not being prosecuted.

    From your part, this campaign is 100%.

    From the government’s part, they need alot more to redeem themselves.

  33. Anonymous

    مطالبا بتعويض قدره 10 ملايين و100 ألف دينار المران يرفع قضية تشهير ضد 101 شخصية
    في أول قضية من نوعها على مستوى مملكة البحرين قام الناشط السياسي محمد المران بتقديم بلاغ في النيابة العامة صباح أمس ضد 101 شخصية بحرينية، منهم 4 نواب والكثير من المرشحين، إضافة إلى شخصيات سياسية أخرى. وقال المران لـ «أخبار الخليج«: إنه قرر رفع قضية ضد هؤلاء جميعا بعد أن شهروا به بتوقيعهم على عريضة منشورة على مواقع الإنترنت جاء فيها: أن المران قد حصل على أرض بمنطقة السيف تقدر قيمتها بنصف مليون دينار من دون أن يقدموا أي دليل على صحة مزاعمهم، مضيفا: هذا ما عرضه وعائلته إلى الكثير من المضايقات، وخاصة أنه معروف لدى الجميع بأنه شخصية سياسية ومرحب به في جميع المجالس. ودعا المران السلطات للتدقيق في ممتلكاته وحساباته للتعرف على الحقيقة كاملة، مشيرا إلى أنه سيقوم بعد تحويل القضية إلى المحكمة بالمطالبة بتعويض مالي يبلغ 100 ألف دينار من كل شخص وقع على العريضة وساهم في التشهير به. وأكد المران في ختام حديثه الثقة بالقضاء البحريني ونزاهته، متمنيا أن يرجع الحق إلى أصحابه، مبديا استغرابه من قيام أعضاء بعض الجمعيات التي تدعي الشفافية والحيادية ويريدون مراقبة الانتخابات بالتشهير بالمواطنين من دون أن يقدموا أي دليل على ذلك، مضيفا: ما بني على باطل فهو باطل.
    من موقع جريدة أخبار الخليج عدد اليوم الثلاثاء17 اكتوبر 2006

    http://www.akhbar-alkhaleej.com/Articles.asp?Article=182443&Sn=BNEW

    :تعليق
    هذا موضوع جدا خطير وخصوصا سيضرب المصدقيةوالشفافية لعدد كبير من المواقع والجمعيات والنشطاء التى نشرت العريضة خصوصا اذا تاكد ان المدعو محمد المرن لا يملك قطعة ارض فى منطقة السيف كما ذكر فى العريضة الموقعة من 101 شخص منهم عدد من النواب وعدد من المرشحين والحقوقين والمحامين واخرين فهي مصيبة وفضيحة كبيرة مثل فضيحة البندر

    ليلى عاشور

  34. Anonymous

    Unfortunately sectarianism is a two way street. Its always easier to blame the ‘other side’ for starting it, but unless there’s an effort to make people aware of what’s happening and where it leads, there’s a real risk of sleepwalking to disaster.

    Keep up the good work.

  35. mahmood

    Jaafar:

    انت واصدقائك من التجار والميسورين الساكنين مثلك فى بيوت جميلة وغالية وتملكون السيارات الفارهة والثمينة وتعتنون بحدائقكم الجميلة وترسلون اطفالكم الي المدارس الخاصة عليكم ان ترصدوا هذة الاموال للفقراء وكفوا عن المراهقة السياسية ومحاولة ارضاء ضمائركم علي حسابنا

    جعفر الحسد واضح جداً من كتابتك، فدعك من هذا الحقد و الحسد الذي سيدمر حياتك. فلعلمك أن بيوتنا و حدائقنا و سياراتنا و مدارس أطفالنا لم نخطتفها منك و من أمثالك و إنا جائت من تعب و عمل و أرق و دراسة و مجازفة و الإبتعاد عن المهاترات التي لا فائدة منها، فأنصحك إتباع خطواتنا و الإستفادة من دروسنا فلعلكم تفلحون.

    And another thing, stop depending on the Google translator, it’s still experimental and doesn’t do justice to your valuable comments.

  36. can we talk now

    correction

    انت فى حلم جميل يا محمود اليوسف خصوصا انك تريد القضاء علي الطائفية البغيضة من
    خلف الكيبورد والذي يريد حقيقتن ذلك ينزل الي الشارع ويساهم فى القضاء علي اسبابة الاجتماعية والاقتصادية خصوصا ان اليوم هو اليوم العالمي لمناهضة الفقر والاموال التي تجمعها للملصق انت واصدقائك من التجار والميسورين الساكنين مثلك فى بيوت جميلة وغالية وتملكون السيارات الفارهة والثمينة وتعتنون بحدائقكم الجميلة وترسلون اطفالكم الي المدارس الخاصة عليكم ان ترصدوا هذة الاموال للفقراء وكفوا عن المراهقة السياسية ومحاولة ارضاء ضمائركم علي حسابنا

    سيد جعفر الماحوزي

    if this campaign touches one sectarian person and gets them to think hard so the next time they want to hire an employee they choose on merit without any consideration of sect, then we will be one step closer to a better Bahrain.
    who the people are that support this campaign doesn’t matter. some might be well-off, others might not. giving money to needy people is a wonderful thing and none of us know how much or how little anyone else gives, but people also have to put their money and their effort and their time into attempts to make a change through influencing minds, so that there will be more fairness and justice in our society and fewer people in our country will go hungry. It isn’t just about giving someone supper tonight, it is about making sure they have the tools and are given a fair chance so that they can prove themselves and then they won’t ever go hungry.
    this blog can reach a lot of people and touch a lot of hearts. we need people on the street, people in parliament, people in their businesses and people on the internet all to work towards the same goal of making our country a better place for all Bahrainis, so we can all be proud. and if sectarianism is eliminated, poverty will naturally be reduced. we all wish for the day when there is no poverty and no injustice, it is wonderful that you have found a way to help achieve this, if everyone does their bit in their chosen way, we will get there that much faster..
    keep up your good work and let others get on with theirs

  37. can we talk now

    Woman has entered parliament in Bahrain. halleluja
    God bless Bahrain

  38. Anonymous

    correction

    can we talk now
    Woman has entered parliament in Bahrain. halleluja
    God bless Bahrain

    تعليقي علي كتابتة هي

    يقول الاخ لنا مبروك علي نجاح لطيفة القعود , هل الاخ يعرف انها لعبة من النظام لجعل لطيفة القعود تفوز بالتزكية واين فى جزر حوار!!!!! هل يعلم اخينا ان هذة المسالة لو حدثت فى الدول الديمقراطية لكانت فضيحة مدوية وصارخة فى عملية التزيف جميع الناس تعرف ان لطيفة القعود من سكنة الرفاع وكانت مرشحة فى الانتخابات السابقة ضد السلفى المتعصب النائب جاسم السعيدي وانها خسرت امامة فى الجولة الثانية لذلك تم تغير عنوانها فى هذة الانتخابات الي جزر حوار , وانا اسئل هل يستطيع اي شخص من القراء ان يغير عنوانة بكل حرية وبساطة من مثلا الدراز او النبي صالح او الماحوز الي جزر حوار دون موافقة الديوان الملكي !!! هل يمكن لكم ذلك

    سيد جعفر الماحوزي

    ————————–

    correction

    can we talk now
    Woman has entered parliament in Bahrain. halleluja
    God bless Bahrain

    My Comments on Him:

    Our brother Say Congratulations on the success of Latifa AlQuood, Brother knew of the rules of the game to make Latifa Al-Quood WINS acclamation and where in the dialogue!Is our brother knows that if this issue occurred in the democratic countries of the scandal openly and flagrantly in the process Altzev all people know that Latifa was a candidate in the previous election against the Salafi MP Jasim al-Saidi and they lost him in the second round of the title was changed in these to the Hawar islands, Can any of the readers to change their address with the freedom and simplicity of the example of From Al Drraz or Almahoz to the Hawar islands without the approval of the Royal Court!Can you that !!!

    Jaafar Almahozi

  39. Sadek

    Saed Jaafer Al Mahouzi: “stop the political adolescence and trying to please your conscience at our expense”. OK point made.
    But what is suggested as an alternative ? Perhaps Mr. Al Mahouzi can suggest an alternative. The problem has been, whether from this gentleman or others, like some of the previous parliament members, an abundance of redundant statements, which are neither useful or constructive. He could expand on his vision, rather than make populist, but useless, statements.
    This country cannot develop if the debate is focused on empty statements.

  40. can we talk now

    1) you can change yor address if you move your house from one location to another.

    2) you know what? it doesn’t matter even if it is true, because this will empower women. They will now feel that they have a chance to become parliamentarians. Just like when the first woman minister was appointed. the glass ceiling is broken now and the lines have shifted. If her constituents were unhappy, one of them could have run against her. If they were happy for her to represent them, good for them.

    I’m sure she will be better than a lot of men who made it the first time. she can’t be worse!!

  41. Sadek

    I agree with the last comment. Better an educated woman who can contribute intelligently to Bahrain’s political life, than some of the redundant and regressive characters that we previously saw as our lawmakers.
    If this country is to further develop and cater meaningfully to the less privileged, or poor, and that Mr. Al Mahouzi refers to, than priorities,like effective education and an enviroment which is business friendly, among others, have to be the priorities – NOT HANDOUTS.

  42. Anonymous

    The CP “stressed – several times – that we should not let sectarianism win!”
    ” He even suggested that we should also do “No Shi’i, No Sunni… Just Muslim”! and maybe send a couple of million to Iraq and other places to get rid of the sectarianism that is eating us up”.

    Charity begins at home.
    The once-looked-forward-to CP is the current Commander in Chief of BDF, this island’s front line of sectarian discrimination. (With sectarian affiliation a must fill on the applicatopn form).
    Instead of zooming out to “No Shi’i, No Sunni… Just Muslim” why doesn’t HH zoom in on “No Shi’i, No Sunni… Just Bahraini BDF”?

    What was the year the BDF last admitted a Shia recruit through its gate, your highness?
    MR

Comments are closed.