We’re back!
Thanks again… to everyone, and to Dr. Yateem, the undersecretary of the Ministry of Information and the Minister for proving that they are understanding and reasonable people.
I’m not sure how many countries in the world that a citizen can go and meet such high up people, discuss issues with them in a calm and open manner, while those officials knowing full well that that person in front of them has mercilessly criticized them in writing and on several occasions (the latest of which is just this morning!) and they still do not take things personally, but keep professional and find a to diffuse such a situation as this; but there couldn’t be many.
So regardless of our differences, I am honoured to have met these gentlemen and thank them once again for their efforts, and hope that they will continue to accept criticism without taking them too personally, for the good of Bahrain. And invite them, to jump in and comment and rebut any argument and article I put forth here, and hope that I too would be good enough to accept their criticisms with the same spirit.
So that page of our story is over… I’m now looking forward to the new page, one in which we can benefit from each other’s experiences, and can discuss matters which affect our country and our countrymen with the same understanding exhibited in this situation.
The next step for us, gentlemen, is to enact those 6 points suggested by the RSF which I have submitted to you and hope that they will be put into your consideration for any new legislation concerning the internet.
I am available to continue our discussions at your convenience.
Thank you, once again, to everyone.
Onward!
Suad
2 November 2006Congratulation Mahmood =D
River
2 November 2006Congratulations Mahmood…..truly glad for you and all of us readers…
Take care,
River
B
2 November 2006What about the other 5 websites on the blocking order?
Not everyone has open-door access to these officials and we know it. Countless other websites remain blocked but just because no fanfare and not many people get their nickers in a twist over it, remain ignored and blocked.
mahmood
2 November 2006That’s got to change B, because if this situation demonstrated anything then it demonstrated that to be quiet is not conducive to positive change.
The guys at http://bahrain-uncensored.com will now concentrate on this very problem and I unhesitatingly offer them my full support in their noble endeavours.
sillybahrainigirl
2 November 2006Congrats Mahmood. You have made a point but I doubt ‘they’ have learned their lesson from it. I sincerely hope this drive to raise the margin of freedom of expression in Bahrain continues to build up. Unblocking your site doesn’t mean that we are a free and open society. It doesn’t mean that you or I are safe to express our views without the worry of being dragged to jail. It doesn’t mean that we are not treated like children and being told everyday what we have the right to read and learn and what we don’t. Mahmood, life in Bahrain isn’t white or black and you of all people know it. You were loud and you had every right to be. You made a lot of noise – too much noise in fact – and they didn’t want the headache. The bottom line is that they didn’t lift the ban because they respect your freedom to express your opinion. And this is a dangerous thing. It means that they can block you again if you don’t behave!!
Lorena
2 November 2006Alfmabrook ya Mahmood!im very glad 🙂
Hassan Alkhuzaei
2 November 2006PROFESSIONALS!!!
Sorry Mahmood, what professionalism you are talking about?! If they had the slightest of that, they wouldn’t have act with such indecisiveness; issuing an order and then retract it in couple of days without a real change in situation.
If there was a law and you broke it, by publishing those articles, then you should be taken to court otherwise nothing of this nonsense should have happened.
The removal of those notorious articles about bandergate doesn’t mean that you didn’t break that law and it shouldn’t change anything in the case and if this was really their objective behind that act they could have called and asked you to remove them peacefully before blocking the blog and threatening to take you to court.
I still think that we are dealing with bunch of stupid people who know only how to take stupid decisions and then change their mind when they face the consequences.
Pissed off from calling these clowns professionals,
Hassan Alkhuzaei
bahrainirants
2 November 2006well there goes my “free mahmood” t-shirt enterprise
unJane
2 November 2006Welcome back, Mahmood! Your diplomatic skills are to be commended. Mine are a little more along the lines of Hassan Alkhuaei. I’ll have to brush off my old Berlitz tapes and work on my Arabic so I can read more of his opinions.
Bahrainiac
2 November 2006MABROOK!!!!!!!! 8)
That is a brain fart!
2 November 2006“I’m not sure how many countries in the world that a citizen can go and meet such high up people, discuss issues with them in a calm and open manner!!!!
Hassan Alkhuzaei
2 November 2006Mahmood,
One more question I should shoot before drawing my final conclusion on your meeting with those clowns.
– Does the removal of those articles about Bandergate mean you have changed your mind about the gag law and if not why did you remove them?
Don’t you think that they were successful in passing their message to you and to the blogging community behind you? The message says “You are free as long as you learn how to bow and accept any stupid law that restrains by force your freedom of speech?
Regards,
Hassan Alkhuzaei
mahmood
2 November 2006Hassan, Amira, et al:
Hassan, I don’t fancy looking at the world through vertical bars of steel, thank you very much. I work better with those bars as far away as possible from where I am.
Have I changed my mind about the gag order? No, I do no agree with it one bit as I think it is draconian and stupid to expect that people would just shut up because there is a law which says so, but if a government authority ready and willing to throw that law at people and it doesn’t bother them too much by making whole families destitute, then I would rather live and fight another day, on MY terms rather than theirs.
Why did I remove those articles? To acquiesce to their request. Momentarily. My agreement is that those articles would be removed and sequestered until such time as the law is repealed, then they will find their normal way back into the stream. And yes, the reason I did agree to do so was to escape being (a) thrown in jail, (b) drill the road to abject poverty by being sued, or any of the other million reasons there are.
Oh come on Hassan… What did *I* learn from this experience? Blog anonymously! What the hell can they do if I or 300,000 people did just that and ALL they talked about on their blogs was bandargate?
YES. They did shut me up, as they did you and all the national papers in Bahrain. They bloody well can’t shut anonymous users (new or old) up.
Ask yourself this: what do you think they asked for when I walked in to their office, and what did they get by the time I walked out?
I am sorry I disappointed you and others “for not standing up to them” and telling them to bugger off I’m not going to move a millimeter from my god-given right to criticize and talk about whomever I want, when I want, how I want.
But you weren’t the one in the firing line with a 6 x 8 cell awaiting your pleasure.
I am happy with my decisions and shall live by them and will CONTINUE to fight the fight; but on MY ground, and MY way and on MY time.
Mohammad
2 November 2006as for this gentelman u r talking about: he is what u said. so the piont as u said again: how many of this kind we have?.
after all: well come back..to your den..shall we could u : lio..?
Mohammad Fadhel xxxxx
moclippa
2 November 2006First of all, Congratulations Mahmood on the removal of the gagging order! I hope you emerge from this experience both stronger, wiser and more adamant in your cause.
Sorry Hassan, I have to agree with Mahmood myself. In consideration of the fact that he would do more good for both the country and his family by avoiding being sent to jail or facing law suites. While our belief in social martyrs is all well and done, some of us don’t want to be a sacrifice to a cause, but rather the people that keep the movement running.
Desert Island Boy
2 November 2006I am rather impressed Mahmood; you worked out a good compromise, one of the more honorable legacies of Arab culture.
However, I am with Amira on this one. While it makes sense to not “interfere” in the investigation, the topic itself and its social implications ought not to be off limits.
In the grander scheme of things, you proved that the government is indeed, afraid of its people. But it needs to be afraid enough to pursue justice and preserve peace, rather than take the easy way out and control who knows what and when.
Given your description of their interactions, ie- acceptance of criticism, I am encouraged. However, until we in Bahrain have an independent judiciary and a responsible and respectable media, tensions like what transpired these past few days (actually several weeks now, if you look at the larger issue) will be the norm.
Øسن الخزاعي
2 November 2006Mahmood,
I’m sorry that you misunderstood my questions and responded to them as if they were attacks criticizing your decision to acquiesce to MOI’s orders to avoid any legal action that might be taken against you and to bring your blog back to light.
I highly praise your openness and transparency and might even go further than that and call your decision an intelligent one as I’m one of those who don’t think loosing their freedom for a post in a blog is an act of bravery or courageousness but rather stupidity and a sacrifice for nothing.
The only take I have against your last post is the new anomalous tone that is nothing like the Mahmood we know.
And of course still pissed off from calling those clowns PROFESSIONALS!
Hassan Alkhuzaei
Mohammad
2 November 2006Alkhuzaei..
take it easy my friend.. Either/Or is not the golden role here..
take it easy..
Øسن الخزاعي
2 November 2006Abu eyad,
What are you talking about?!
Yousif
2 November 2006Congrats Mahmood. I’m sure any sane man would’ve done the same to avoid jail time. Looking forward to reading your future posts.
mahmood
2 November 2006Hassan, habibi, it is best to pursue a “win win” situation. I would love to discuss my decision with you some time… I hope you’re coming over tonight?
BuZain
2 November 2006Congrats Mahmood. I kind of felt exactly what Hassan has expressed when I first read about your meeting with the MoI gang and the conditions for unblocking your blog. I would’ve loved the scenario of you standing up to them and their unjust order. But on a second thought, I agree with your justification and I believe you made the right decision. Welcome back.
Hanan
2 November 2006:yes: Well done Dad! Congratulations 😀
B
2 November 2006Have I missed something here.
All articles related to “Bandargate” have been deleted??
Jamal AlYousif
2 November 2006All my life Mahmood, I have never seen you back down in front of a confrontation. You remember when we were kids? Most of your cousins were crossed with you, most of the time, over your stubbornness in agreeing on certain things their way. Even if it means them ganging up on you and boycotting you! you stood your grounds firmly then, but at the end it is they who always come back wanting to befriend you again!
Just a few words of support Mahmood. I always admired what you stood for and believed in and I know your consistency in perusing things. At the end of it all you have Injustice in the cross-hair viewfinder, don’t you and they think you repented, huh!
B
2 November 2006Were the tea and biscuits good?
Oh and were they professional before or after they threatened you?
Congratulations on the honour of being gagged!!
can we talk now
2 November 2006mabrook, mahmood..
in response to some of the posts above, i have to put in my two cents worth..aside from the fact that you don’t want to be looking out from behind vertical steel bars and thinking of your children, i think it is important not to miss the big picture..
1. mahmood t.v. does a lot of good by providing a forum for exchange between people of different cultures and it is very important that it remains in place. the scandal in question is not the only topic that was discussed, and it would be a shame to cut off your nose to spite your face..
2. change happens slowly, it doesn’t happen overnight. we still have a reactive system of management which is extremely personal. you can’t fight a system if it does not operate in a logical legal system-like way when the tools are not there to aid you.
3. there are two ways to get what you want. well there are probably more than two, but only two options here, IMO. you can go in like gangbusters and shout what you want or you can saunter in and discuss and be willing to make compromises. in the first situation you make enemies and lose in the long run (win the battle, lose the war). in the second, you move one step closer to your goals without creating resentment. it takes longer but everyone gets to keep their face, no eggs on anyone and the door is open for more negotiation in the future.
4. my motto in life is.. you have to pick your battles. think hard about each and every cause, weigh the pros and cons and make intelligent decisions. being a hardhead costs one credibility. give and take.. think about what is being offered and what it costs and make intelligent decisions. what is the use of throwing oneself into the fire to make a point???
keep up the good work, Mahmood.. in the big scheme of things, you did the right thing..
Jasra-Jedi
2 November 2006Hmmm.
Lots of attacks Mahmood, eh?
I actually think that you won this round, hands down. They have to renege on their position, and are now having to justify why you and not the others. They are being inconsistent and also wish washy about the basis for the gag. So .. by playing the game with civility, you have actually won it…
Look at the final result. YOur blog is unblocked, and just because we cant discuss what cannot be mentioned ;), that doesnt mean that it never happened, does it? Or that what was discussed didnt take place?
As for everyone else who has an issue with the way that you worded your post, I think it is prudent to let them know that it is only the winner who can ever afford to be so gracious and generous!
Either way, Mahmood 1, MoI 0.
Onward and upward.
We have other pressing issues to discuss. And it is always better to fight fire with water … not with fire.
Ingrid
2 November 2006phew, unblocked and with a great new look no less. (unless it was like that before the blocking to which I have to confess I was awol for a while)..thank you gentlemen for being fair and confident inspite of disagreements and critique. That ought to give one hope right? Welcome back to the world of blogging because I cannot imagine you being able to not write online after doing this for so long. Not to mention all your loyal readers who have to get their fill somewhere somehow. There’s only one Mahmoud’s Den and it’s good to see it back in business!
Ingrid
zoemirai
2 November 2006Soooooooo god to have you back!
Osnath
2 November 2006Mahmood you did the right thing !
Those that are critical of your action ” shut up ” this way you can face the brass from the outside later, can’t do a damn thing from behind bars.
Redbelt
2 November 2006I am as stubborn as anything..
If I had just cause.
I still would choose my battles.
Just like you did Mahmood. I’m proud of you and I think its a point to you, for sure, not the otherway round.
I applaud you.
الماØوزي
2 November 2006Mahmood,Wakup
Since you Start youre Blogs And You Think Youer Self Superman Of Bahrain Bloggers! But After This Every One Knows Now You Are Superrat Of Bahrain Bloggers!!!!!!!!!!!
😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod: 😆 :grinnod:
alfanan
2 November 2006Alf alf alf Mabrook Mahmood 😉 You have truly made history. 🙂
نواّب
2 November 2006مبروك على العودة
نتمنى منك المزيد و إلى الأمام دائما
lizardo
2 November 2006well comeback Mahmood .. 🙄
Sandeep
2 November 2006Welcome back Blogfather! I must say that the best part ofthis entire exercise was that all of us now know how to unblock websites! Thanks Mahmood and yes you have got a break now! Get back to work! I may sound mean but that’s the truth, I bet all of us don’t even check our mails but check your blog in the morning.
CHEERS!
Blayde
2 November 2006Congrats Mahmood :yes:
Lujayn
3 November 2006A smart man chooses his battles, and you are one smart, practical cookie, Mahmood. I’m glad you took that route. Foolhardy intransigence would have been detrimental both to you and your cause. I definitely don’t think you sold out; you proved that there are forces to be reckoned with out there, and though you’re a regular guy, you managed to get under their skin. That’s enough for now.
NewMe
3 November 2006كما أنت رائع دائما
مبروك عودتك إلينا من جديد
ولكن ماذا عن المواقع الأخرى
هل يوجد أمل؟!
أتمنى ذلك…
يعجبني اØترامك للقوانين الذي يدل على شخصية واثقة تتعامل برقي لاÙت
الشطارة ليست ÙÙŠ تجاوز القوانين
ان التصر٠بØضارية ونبذ الغوغائية والتطر٠أي كان
هو ما Ù†Øتاجه ÙÙŠ زمن طغت عليه العنصرية وازدواجيه المواقÙ
ان Ù†Øترم القانون وان ÙŠØترمنا القانون
ليس تنازلاً ابدا بل رقي عن التعنت والتزمت الذي لا يسمن ولا يغني من جوع
لديك رسالة تØملها على عاتقك
ليعر٠الآخرون ان التمدن ليس مظهر بل تصرÙ
كم اØترمك لاØترامك لنÙسك
اجدك نموذج جميلا ÙŠØتذى به
سأظل أتابع
دمت بØب
تØياتي
anonymous
3 November 2006مبروك على رÙع الØظر …. Ùˆ ما عليك من الانتقادات Ù…Øد يبي يجو٠نÙسه بين يوم Ùˆ ليلة متبهدل ÙÙŠ النيابة العامة Ùˆ المØاكم Ùˆ خراب بيته ايي على سبة مقال …. Ùˆ ÙƒÙاية انك تكتب Ùˆ تستعمل اسمك Ùˆ تنشر تÙاصيلك Ùˆ قلة سووها Ùˆ كتبو بهالصراØØ© Ùˆ باسمائهم الØقيقية …. Ùˆ على الطاري بس Øبيت اسأل بتبيعون بادجات بس بØريني؟
Siham
3 November 2006Mahmoud: “To acquiesce to their request. Momentarily. My agreement is that those articles would be removed and sequestered until such time as the law is repealed, then they will find their normal way back into the stream. And yes, the reason I did agree to do so was to escape being (a) thrown in jail, (b) drill the road to abject poverty by being sued, or any of the other million reasons there are”!
I am sorry to tell you Mahmoud that you will never be free when you think like this!!! If you are not welling to sacrifice, you don’t deserve to be free!
can we talk now
3 November 2006you can believe in a lot of things but that doesn’t mean you have to be willing to sacrifice your life for every single one of them.
a lot of people truly believe in gender equality, does that mean every man who believes in it has to sacrifice himself for that cause? or is it enough that he treats the women (mum, sister, daughter, colleague)in his life with the utmost respect as equal human beings, brings up his children to respect those values and speaks up when he sees a woman being discriminated against?
i repeat as i said before: YOU HAVE TO PICK YOUR BATTLES… not every one is to die for… a person is wise IMO when they can tell the difference!
Ibn
3 November 2006Siham,
You are wrong.
Mahmood has already sacrificed alot just being part of this horrible ordeal. What is worse than being persecuted, than the ambiguity of getting persecuted? Living day by day, night by night, only guessing what the all-powerfull executive branch or member of royalty or government will do to you tomorrow, all on a stupid whim.
I cannot think of any better type of mind-f*** than that.
Anyone who is willing to put up with this deserves a medal, a sculpture made in his image, and free supply of baklava for the rest of his life.
Mahmood is a model for the rest of the Arab world, indeed, the rest of us. And as of now, he’s one of the few people here taking all the heat.
-Ibn
Acad Ronin
3 November 2006Glad you’re back. And Bahrain takes a small step forward.
Rancher
3 November 2006Alright!
a Duoist
3 November 2006“Over his body and his mind the individual is sovereign.” – J.S. Mill
‘Be free,’ Mahmoud.
moryarti
3 November 2006mabrook and welcome back …
Haitham Salman
3 November 2006Wellcome back
mahmood
3 November 2006thanks guys, again.
Fatman
3 November 2006x slaps y in the face
y is sad
x gives y anti-slap cream
y is happy
A wise man once said: Don’t be afraid of a dog that doesn’t bite. Case in point.
>>Ibn: …is a model for the rest of the Arab world, indeed, the rest of us. And as of now, he’s one of the few people here taking all the heat…
Give me a break. Do you spend all your days behind the computer screen because I can think of tens of people in this tiny Bahrain of ours who’d be much more deserving of that medal for being fearlessly vocal and for suffering years of imprisonment, torture and terror. None of that made them budge an inch. They too have families and loved ones.
Perhaps if you rubbed shoulders more with the grass roots of society instead of spending all your time doing so with keyboard warriors you’d be more politically aware than you currently are.
Giants don’t bend in the face of opposition if they are convinced that they’re fighting for a universally righteous principle. A few decades ago, an old man stood in his 5x5m house and heard the thunderous screams of thousands outside chanting his name and promising to sacrifice themselves for him. He turned to his friend and said “If all those people where to one day shout ‘Death to x’ I wouldn’t budge an inch.”
But regardless, everyone is free to choose how and when to fight and although there’s no way I can agree with the blog owner’s decision, it is in the end his decison and it is his blog and he can do whatever he thinks is right.
layal
3 November 2006غبت Ùتره عن النت ولما رجعت تÙاجئة بالخبر
لكن الØمد لله علي السلامه
8)
Suad
3 November 2006I don’t agree with those who criticized Mahmood and thought that he lost his battle.
Being right, defending our positions, takes an enormous amount of mental energy. Needing to be right encourages others to become aggressive and defensive and puts pressure on us to keep defending.
We believe that it’s somehow our job to show others how their positions, statements points of view are incorrect, and that in doing so, the person we are correcting is going to somehow appreciate it, or at least learn something. WRONG!
I believe in a “Win-Win†strategy, and in choosing our battles wisely. Pissing them off all the time will not help us in achieving our goals. We win people by logical, civilised conversation and not by being stubborn and aggressive.
What will happen if Mahmood insisted on not removing those articles?? His web site will remain blocked, he will be dragged to jail and there will be no room for the change we are looking for. “Suicide bombing†is not the right way to enforce our message, it is a stupid reaction. Yes .. It attracts the attention of others but this attention is a permanent one.
Suad
3 November 2006Permanent = temporary (correction)
Sadek
3 November 2006I am glad that one of the liberal and intelligent blogs is back in the public domain. Its unfortunate that one of the cleverest and enlightened voices had to be banned, even temporarily.
Hassan Ali
3 November 2006Wellcome back Dear mahmood & Congrats
:yes:
Silver Girl
3 November 2006Congrats Mahmood =D
mahmood
3 November 2006Fatman, and your real name, telephone number and home address are what exactly? Courageous enough to share?
Aqeel
3 November 2006Mr Al Yousif….
Welcome back to the WWW
Just wanted to remind you that 22 dayes to kick the funny Parliament out.
very glad for the unblocked decision.
Fatman
3 November 2006>>Fatman, and your real name, telephone number and home address are what exactly? Courageous enough to share?
Look bro, you’ve beat that horse to death. You don’t post anonymously, we get it. My goal in life is to propagate ideas, not plaster my name everywhere, hence the reason why I don’t use my real name and why your string of thought is flawed.
Ibn
3 November 2006Fatman,
Mr Fatman, my statements were not designed to elevate Mahmood to the status of demi-god. Of course there are others who have suffered alot more, and are probably in prison for politcal dissent.
But weather we like it or not, The Den generates alot more awareness than anything else I have seen in the Bahraini political arena. They try to shut it down, and they realised its not going down without some noise. And it is that very fact Mr Fatman, that makes this blog, as well as Mahmood its owner, valuable for the fight for freedom in the middle east. Because they wont go out quietly. Others have because they have copted out, or were brave but simply lacked all the capital in resources and awareness from other people to support them. I am sympathetic to them.
I think that is true of everyone for every arena – better to be on the ground than to type away. Unfortunately Mr Fatman, unless you are willing to foot the bill for my round-trip to Bahrain as well as room and board for, oh, say two weeks, you’ll have to wait until I finish school and make some money. Until then, you’ll have to deal with me on my laptop. 🙂
-Ibn
Ùاطمة البØرانية
3 November 2006الظاهر أوتعوا
كان لمصلØتهم إبقاء هذه المدونة ومشروع هذه المدونة لأنها تلهي الناس عن المصيبة الØقيقية
الظاهر Øاقد ÙˆØاسد هو من وشى وشوش وزارة الإعلام لإغلاق هذه المدنونة
بس أوتعوا وإعادوا ÙتØهها
والبØارنة والسنة Øبايب وطول عمرهم Øبايب
عقبال بقية المواقع
موقع Øقوق الإنسان واللي يتكلم عن المجرم الØقيقي والمنتهك الØقيقي Ù„Øقوق الإنسان
mahmood
3 November 2006Fatman, bro, get a life.
Fatma, you can join him.
Ùاطمة البØرانية
3 November 2006نسيت أقول شيء
الدول المتقدمة ماÙيها أشكال اللي قابلتهم
Ùالدول المتقدمة بالتالي مواطنوها لا يقابلون أشكال كالذي ذكرتهم
Ùالدول المتقدمة لا ØªØ³Ù…Ø Ø¨ÙˆØ¬ÙˆØ¯ متآمرين على الوطن ÙÙŠ وزاراتها وإداراتها
Ùأشكال الذي ذكرتهم متآمرين لا ÙŠØظى بمقابلتهم إلا ناس من هذه البلدان مساكين مغلوبين عن أمرهم
والتعبير عن الرأي وأياً كانت الوسيلة Ùˆ بلا قيد بلا شرط ØÙ‚ إنساني موجود ÙÙŠ ميثاق الأمم المتØدة Ù„Øقوق الإنسان واللي وقعت البØرين على أمثاله لتكون عضو ÙÙŠ لجنة Øقوق الإنسان ÙÙŠ الإمم المتØدة هي وسبع دول عربية ÙƒØيانة
Suad
3 November 2006Cool down Fatima 🙂
لا يمكن أن ننعت كل موظ٠أو مسئول ÙÙŠ وزارة يقوم بتطبيق قوانين سنتها الØكومة بأنه متآمر. يا ليت نتخلى شوي عن أسلوب التØريض والتعصب ونكون موضوعيين أكثر.
Esra'a
3 November 2006Look, at all times, we need to stick together. I agree with you that there are many efforts that go unnoticed and thus under-appreciated, and some bloggers or activists receive more support than others. But instead of waiting for someone else to shed the light upon others who go through worse than what Mahmood has gone through, why not start something yourself and wait for others to follow your lead?
One of the people taking most of the heat I’d say is Mohammed, president of the Bahrain Youth Society For Human Rights. By far one of the bravest, intelligent, and outspoken Bahrainis who is also well-traveled and trained. I don’t see anyone praising this young man for his courage and dedicated to his crucial work.
Despite his very young age, Mohammed contributed a lot to Bahrain and its human rights organizations. He’s one of the most active individuals I know, but he hardly receives the credit he deserves within Bahrain. Outside of it, you have no idea how good of a representative he is. I met him in a conference in Cairo and have since looked up to him as a great example to how young Bahraini men and women should be. He does a great job encouraging youth activism, too, and serves as a great inspiration to me.
Sadly, you never see anyone blogging in his favor in order to encourage him. I’ve tried doing so, but I also want to protect his identity at all times because he’s under enough pressure as it is. He’s constantly threatened, harassed, and he’s often away from our beloved Bahrain in order to speak of this country’s status abroad. Yes, he’s critical of what happens within the country, but his love for this country and admiration for its people is apparent.
I am working on a network that will keep him and those like him protected. There are many youth activists in Bahrain who go unnoticed, discouraged, ignored, or silenced through threats. We need to support these people. We need to stick together, advise them when it’s needed, and offer our encouragement, love, and protection. We need to know what happens to whom and why. Bahrain Uncensored will work towards this, even though we will have to practice some form of self-censorship in order to avoid being too direct in our approach and suffer the fate of the blocked websites. We need to be smarter and choose what we include in that website wisely. But more than that, we need involvement and support from the local community, especially when it comes to protecting our identities for the sake of our safety and the safety and reputations of our families.
We are not trying to start a revolution. We are not trying to overthrow the government. We merely wish to protect certain unalienable rights, and at least have more dialogue between government officials and the citizens. Meaning, before websites go blocked, we at least need a system of warnings in which we can discuss with the decision makers why the site is blocked and what we can do to protect the privacy that the government might need. And if it’s for the sake of national security, we might comply. That means we can progress through having better relationships with those in power, rather than allow our websites to thrive on insulting them or threatening their positions. Doing that won’t work. Many tried and failed, and the results were disappointing.
This doesn’t mean we’ll bend over and take whatever the government says up the ass. This means we’re willing to work things through dialogue and through having them explain why certain information can’t be revealed, rather than just threatening journalists and bloggers to stop talking about it for no apparent reason other than the fact that it’s “top secret.†If it affects us, and if it plays a role in Bahrain, we reserve the right to know and we will protect the citizens’ right to know. The government has to understand that, and at the same time we want to take this opportunity to understand the government and where its decisions are coming from.
Once again I repeat that we wish to threat no one’s position, and we wish to do all of this while maintaining the respect required for this project and information source to be successful as opposed to dangerous or scandalous. We will not insult the government and those in power, we will just question unfair policies and I don’t think that’s threatening anybody.
In sum: 1) More activists will be appreciated and known, 2) They need to be protected and ways to re-open their organizations or websites will be suggested, 3) We want dialogue, not threats or danger, and 4) We need your involvement in achieving our aims.
Yusra
3 November 2006This is definetly the best news i’ve heard in quite some time now.
Keep Blogging Mahmood. You’re the best.
Kind Regards
Yusra Allaith
London.
Abu Joori
3 November 2006Mabrouk Mohammed. 🙂
Jasra-Jedi
3 November 2006Mr Fatman ..
I dont understand why you are so angry at keyboard warriors? Or why you are making assumptions that noone of us on this blog contribute in any way, shape or form in the real world of Bahrain’s evolution? If you are really so angry at Mahmood, and if you think he was a traitor to the cause, why dont you start your own blog, real life publishing entiry/paper/radio station and fund raise for a campaign that you beleive in? Then you can be a hero at your hearts delight ..
Ibn .. I thought your response was civil and funny and was on the nose! Am glad that you are a keyboard warrior .. at least it gives us all a sense of community and belonging .. the only voice of opposition in Bahrain today is a violent one. Mahmood gives the rest of us a voice ..a liberal, open minded, pro freedom of speec, pro evolution voice.
I am not interested in Revolution. I want Evolution. Mr Fatman .. when you offer me something that I can subscribe to and support you, I will join your brigade. Until then, leave Mahmood alone. He has already contributed a significant amount for the morale of Bahrain …
Fayrouz
3 November 2006Welcome home Mahmood 🙂
haddad
3 November 2006I respect Mahmood\’s decision to be pragmatic in the face of a real risk. What I don\’t understand is, what threat was Mahmood really facing? Would they really dare throw him in jail? I thought Mahmood was best friends with the Crown Prince. He stuck a \”Just Bahraini\” badge on his bisht, and the CP personally told him to keep blogging and not worry about any trouble. Or am I imagining things?
I am delighted that MTV is back online, but let\’s not treat it as a victory for free speech. The ministry was the clear winner in this case as it has continued blocking sites, and there is one less blogger today talking about Al Bander.
Fatman
4 November 2006I’m not angry, I’m saying don’t fall into the trap of living in a fantasy world. Don’t be like the general and his lieutenants who get all the epaulettes, but who sometimes have a skewed view of what is actually happening on the battlefield. You don’t have to agree with me, you don’t have to like me, but at least be aware of my opinion.
>>why dont you start your own blog, real life publishing entiry/paper/radio station and fund raise for a campaign that you beleive in? Then you can be a hero at your hearts delight ..
Bro, you’ve more than likely come across my work at one point or another without knowing it.
Esra’a, thanks; that was nice.
Ibn
4 November 2006Fatman,
… What? You designed the traffic light?
Dude – come out of the closet already since you’re so adamant about it – and cut this Mr Mysterious crap – you’re not on a first date with anyone here.
-Ibn
Anonymous
4 November 2006Don’t mock the Fatman. He is a man who tells us he has a self declared mission “in life to propogate ideas” – how many of such selfless intellects do you come across in a lifetime? Its obvious that the Fatman is someone Very Important. If only you knew you’d treat him with the respect he deserves!!!
mahmood
4 November 2006Okay let’s put this to bed and get on with our lives, this is particularly for those people aggrieved by my decision to find a way out of a situation that I judged to be not to my liking:
1. I am no hero and I don’t want to be one.
2. I did not want to “make a stand” in the way that you have designed for me; I judged the situation would escalate and there was a possibility of my being further harassed. I did not want that, and I found a way out.
3. The way out I feel for me personally would allow me to live and fight another day. Who one is not very important. The site was available immediately after the unblock, but that’s not the issue, the issue is finding ways in which I could get the ministry to see the futility of its archaic ways. Time will tell if I had succeeded there.
4. If you don’t agree with my decision, that’s fine, that’s your prerogative, but please don’t design romantic endings for me. You were not in the situation I was in and you know nothing of the background to my decisions, so be gracious enough to give me the benefit of the doubt.
I welcome the opportunity to have your views on the site, and truly continue to look forward to reaching them. We all have a job to do, so let’s get on with hit rather than getting into this unneeded spiral.
And I hope you get the chance to practice what you preach in the future. And you can rest assured that I shall stand by you.
Tariq Khonji
4 November 2006There is also the the philosophical argument about whether you should protest a ‘stupid law’ within the boundries of the law or outside them. If you break the law to protest what you think is bad legislation, you are showing that you have no respect for laws.
The other option is to try to change the law, instead of ignoring it.
So which is better? Anarchy or a society based on laws?
Although granted, it is quite difficult to change the laws here.
B
4 November 2006Ù…Øمود اليوسÙØŒ ما له وما عليه
رÙÙع الØجب عن عرين Ù…Øمود، الذي لن أجرأ على تسميته عرينا بعد اليوم ولي ÙÙŠ ذلك أسبابي الخاصة التي لا أود Ø§Ù„ØªØµØ±ÙŠØ Ø¨Ù‡Ø§ الآن. رÙÙع الØجب بعد أن استنÙر المدونون والصØÙيون قواهم مطالبين بإلغاء القرار Øتى أن جرائد يومية، كالوسط والوقت ÙˆGDNØŒ نشرت أكثر من موضوع عن القضية ذاتها وأعطت ضوءً أخضر لصØÙييها للكتابة عن القضية بØرية تامة ومواصلة الضغط على وزارة الإعلام من أجل التراجع عن قرارها القاضي بØجب المدونة وربما مقاضاة صاØبها.
المسئولين ÙÙŠ وزارة الإعلام وكما عودونا دائما أكثر غباءاً من أن يتمكنوا من دراسة عواقب قراراتهم الساذجة والمرتجلة عادة، وكما Øدث ÙÙŠ قضية “بØرين أونلاين” الذي ØÙجب ثم تم Ø¥Øالة مديريه (علي عبدالإمام، Øسين يوس٠وسيد Ù…Øمد الموسوي) على النيابة العامة واعتقالهم لأكثر من أربعين يوما، الأمر الذي شوه صورة ديمقراطيتهم المزعومة لأبعد الØدود وأثار موجة استياء واØتجاجات واعتصامات أمام مكاتب النيابة العامة من أجل ÙÙƒ سراØهم.
تØت الضغط أطلق Ø³Ø±Ø§Ø Ø§Ù„Ø«Ù„Ø§Ø«Ø© وبقت قضيتهم Ù…ÙتوØØ© إلى يومنا هذا، إلا أن Ø£Øدا لا يتØدث عنها الآن Ùلا تØقيقات ولا Ù…Øاكمات ولا أي شيء، Ùقط صمت كصمت القبور Ùقد أدرك المسئولون سذاجة قرارهم ذاك أو ربما وصلتهم قرارات من جهات عليا لإغلاق المل٠وسد الطريق على قوى المعارضة الماÙتئت تØاول ÙØ¶Ø Ù…Ø²Ø§Ø¹Ù… الديمقراطية ÙÙŠ البØرين.
وبعد اجتماع مع وكيل وزارة الإعلام، د.عبدالله يتيم، قرر رÙع الØجب عن عرين Ù…Øمود شريطة أن يتخلص من كل المواضيع الخاصة بÙضيØØ© تقرير البندر وكذلك Ùعل Ùعاد موقعه للنور مرة أخرى. انتقده البعض لتنازله عن Øقه ÙÙŠ الØديث عن تقرير خطير كذاك خصوصا بعد أن كان قد ØµØ±Ø Ø³Ø§Ø¨Ù‚Ø§ ÙÙŠ Ø£Øد مواضيعه بأنه سيطالب برأس المتهم الرئيس ÙÙŠ ذلك الملÙØŒ الشيخ Ø£Øمد عطية الله آل خليÙØ©!
صاØب العرين اختار أن لا يكون أسدا وذلك Øقه كاملا ولا يجب أن يلومه Ø£Øد على استخدامه، Ùقد استخدمه Øسين مرهون صاØب “مداس آية الله” قبله، عندما كتب بأنه لن يتØدث عن التقرير بعيد صدور قرار منع تناوله مباشرة وكذلك Ùعلت أنا ÙÙŠ الزرنوق Ùلم أكتب شيئا عن التقرير أبدا ذلك أني أدرك تماما معنى أن تكون أسدا ÙÙŠ ديمقراطية عريقة كالبØرين!
غير أن الخو٠قد استبد بمØمود اليوس٠لدرجة أنه خرج من ذلك اللقاء ليكتب مادØا النظام الذي قال عنه “لست أدري كم دولة ÙÙŠ العالم يتمكن Ùيها مواطن عادي من مقابلة مسئولين على هذا المستوى” واسترسل Ù„ÙŠÙ…Ø¯Ø Ù…Ø³Ø¦ÙˆÙ„ÙŠ وزارة الإعلام بعد شكرهم ووصÙهم بالاØتراÙية وعدم أخذ الأمور بصورة شخصية!
وهذا ما أخذته عليه Ùإن كان من Øقه أن ينجو بنÙسه من مضايقات النظام بالتنازل عن نشر ما لا يروق لهم Ùليس من Øقه أبدا ولا أراه ضروريا البتة أن يضلل القارئ Ø¨Ù…Ø¯ÙŠØ ÙƒØ§Ø°Ø¨ ليس له مثيل غير ما يكتبه طرزانات الصØ٠اليومية الذين لا يجيدون أمرا قدر إجادتهم Ù„Ù„Ù…Ø¯ÙŠØ Ø§Ù„Ù…Ø¨ØªØ°Ù„.
الأمر الآخر والأكثر أهمية من سابقه هو أنه ÙÙŠ الوقت الذي Ø§Ù…ØªØ¯Ø Ùيه جلاده نسي أن يشكر ولو بشكل خجول من وق٠إلى جانبه والسبب الØقيقي ÙÙŠ تراجع الوزارة عن قرارها، ÙÙÙŠ Øين وجه شكره لسعادة الوزير ووكيله واسترسل ÙÙŠ وصو٠مطولة عن Øلمهم وأناتهم واØتراÙيتهم وروعة نظامهم لم يكل٠نÙسه عناء شكر الصØÙيين الذين ساندوه وكتبوا عنه ونسي أو تناسى الصØ٠التي خصصت مساØات كاملة لقضيته، Ùلم نجد اسما لصØÙÙŠ كتب عنه ولا لصØÙŠÙØ© ÙÙŠ المضوع الأخير الذي نشره بعد عودة مدونته.
تØية ود،
Øسن الخزاعي
المنامة المØروسة
mahmood
4 November 2006At least be factual Hassan.
If you bothered to read the article properly you would have noticed that there are not one, but TWELVE articles about bandargate still alive and kicking on the site, including the one asking for Ahmed bin Attiyatallah’s head. All you have to do is look.
What I agreed to, and I mentioned that specifically, is the temporary quarentining the articles (4 of them) since the gagging order went into efect.
Further, I have thanked all of those who stood by me several times, over several articles. I suggest you re-look at what is written.
Finally and getting back to your personal grudge about my description of the meeting with the MoI… well, you might be a person who kicks your enemies (and friends?) when they are down, I do not descend to that level.
Grace, you see, if a good thing.
Tariq Khonji
4 November 2006Further to what I wrote above…it’s the ‘two wrongs make a right’ falacy.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Two_wrongs_make_a_right_%28fallacy%29
MooDy
4 November 2006Welcome back Buddy … 😉
Hassan Alkhuzaei
4 November 2006عزيزي Ù…Øمود،
أرجو أن لا تأخذ الموضوع بØساسية Ù…Ùرطة Ùلست أنا من يركل أصدقاءه ولا Øتى أعداءه Ùأنا لا أجيد الركل أصلا.. ولكني أعطي لنÙسي الØÙ‚ بانتقاد ما لا يروق لي وأظنك تتÙÙ‚ معي بأن هذا مما يقع ÙÙŠ دائرة Øرية التعبير التي ننادي بها.
يبدو بأني أخطأت عندما قلت بأنك ØØ°Ùت كل المواضيع المتعلقة بتقرير البندر وأعدك بتعديل المقال والتنويه إلى أنك ØØ°Ùت ما بعد قرار المنع Ùقط، وأرجو أن تقبل اعتذاري عن هذا الخطأ الغير مقصود.
أما عن شكر الجهات الأخرى التي ساهمت بÙعالية ÙÙŠ خلق رأي عام مؤيد لقضيتك Ùهذا ما لم نقرأه، على الأقل ليس ÙÙŠ مقالك الأول من بعد رÙع الØجب، وإنما اكتÙيت بشكر عام ثم بشكر وكيل الوزارة بالإسم إلى جانب Ù…Ø¯ÙŠØ ÙŠØªÙ†Ø§Ù‚Ø¶ كلية مع ما كنت تقوله ÙÙŠ الوزارة ذاتها!
أرجو الإشارة للمقالات الأخرى التي شكرت Ùيها الصØاÙØ© والصØÙيين بالإسم كما Ùعلت مع الوزير ووكيله وأنا على استعداد لأن أقدم اعتذار علني آخر.
يبدو عليك الاستياء Ø§Ù„ÙˆØ§Ø¶Ø Ù…Ù† انتقادي لمديØÙƒ الذي وجدته غير لائق أبدا بكاتب Øر، Ùهل يا ترى غيرت نظرتك ÙÙŠ وزارة الإعلام وعدلت عن تسميتها بوزارة التضليل كما اعتدنا قراءتها دائما ÙÙŠ مقالاتك؟! ولو Øقا عدلت عن تلك النظرة أليس من Øقنا كقراء أن نعر٠وجهة نظرتك الجديدة قبل أن Ù†Ùاجأ بديباجة Ø§Ù„Ù…Ø¯ÙŠØ Ø¥ÙŠØ§Ù‡Ø§ØŸ!
تØية ود،
Øسن الخزاعي
mahmood
4 November 2006بالنسبة لتسمية الأصدقاء اللذين آزروني، الرجاء الإطلاع على المقالات التي تلت رÙع الØجب.
أما عن تسميتي المÙضلة لتلك الوزارة Ùهي لا تزال “وزارة التضليل”
أخشى يا صديقي إنك قرأت ÙÙŠ “المدؔ أكثر بكثير من المضمون. أما عن الإنتقاد Ùإنتقد يا صديقي Ùليس بإمكان Ø£Øد أو شيئ أن يتØسّن بغيره Ùˆ أنا أدري أن إنتقادك مراده نبيل.
Hassan Alkhuzaei
4 November 2006العزيز Ù…Øمود،
أشكر لك تÙهمك الكامل وسعة صدرك وتقبلك للنقد الثقيل ولكن ثق تماما أن ذاك إنما Øبا Ùيك وإصرارا منا على أن تبقى براقا كما عهدناك دائما.
أود أن ألتقيك قريبا غير أني ذاهب ÙÙŠ رØلة عمل غدا الأØد قد تمتد لأسبوع أو أكثر.. لكني سأجهد أن أتواصل معك بعد عودتي لنرتب للقاء قريب.
تØية ود،
Øسن الخزاعي
Taal Umruk policy!
4 November 2006To every Barbari and/or Ras Roomani.
I think that what Mahmood did was the right thing.
he was forced to kiss some ass, and he did with a smile:-)
so please everyone do not be harsh on the guy!
ws
4 November 2006I’m just glad you’re back Mahmood. All this stuff about how you should have handled the situation, that’s a bucket of crap. no one’s a ‘hero’ and it doesnt have to be a ‘true dream end’ with the emotions connected to it and all, it was either acting rationally or acting like you have nothing to lose and not caring for your future being (not forget your family of course).
There’s a time and day for everything, and you’re right, time will tell how this all plays out.
one thing’s surely different though, I’m for sure supporting you more and will be checking your blog more often ! 🙂
Suad
4 November 2006ليس دÙاعا عن Ù…Øمود ولا Øتى عن وزارة الأعلام ولكنني Ùعلا مندهشة لماذا أعجبكم هجوم Ù…Øمود اليوس٠على الوزارة لاتخاذها قرارا لم يكن ÙÙŠ Ù…Øله ولم يعجبكم أن يشكرهم Øينما قاموا بتصØÙŠØ Ø§Ù„Ø®Ø·Ø£ وإعادة الأمور إلى نصابها؟؟ قد تقولون بأنهم لم يكونوا ليتنازلوا لولا الضغوط ولولا التنازل بالتخلص من المقالات موضوع القضية. ولكن ما الضير ÙÙŠ ذلك ØŸ
إذا كان خصمك ضعيÙا وأدرك منذ البدء انه لن يخرج منتصرا وأÙØ³Ø Ù„Ùƒ المجال لتتغلب عليه لأنه لا يريد مواصلة معركة سيخرج منها بالمزيد من الخسائر .. إذا كان كبرياءه لا ÙŠØ³Ù…Ø Ù„Ù‡ Ø¨Ø§Ù„ØªÙ„ÙˆÙŠØ Ø¨Ø§Ù„Ù‡Ø²ÙŠÙ…Ø© واختار التÙاوض Ùلماذا لا تمنØÙ‡ الÙرصة طالما أن ذلك سيØقق لك مرادك؟ ماذا كان الهد٠منذ البداية من الضغوطات التي مارستها الصØاÙØ© ورسائل الاØتجاج؟ ألم يكن رÙع الØظر عن الموقع؟ ألم يتØقق ذلك؟
ماذا بعد ØŸ هل على Ù…Øمود اليوس٠أن يخوض معركة كداØس والغبراء Øتى ترضوا عنه ؟؟ لماذا دائما Ù†Ùكر Ù†ØÙ† العرب بان النصر لا يتØقق إلا بقطع كل وسائل الاتصال والوصول إلى طريق مسدود عوضا عن التÙكير باستراتيجية بعيدة المدى؟
ÙÙŠ رأيي بقدر ما نجØت وزارة الأعلام ÙÙŠ إيصال رسالة لمØمود وغيره من المدونين بان الØجب هو عقاب كل من تسول له Ù†Ùسه بكتابة ما يخال٠أمزجتهم بقدر ما Ù†Ø¬Ø Ø§Ù„ÙŠÙˆØ³Ù ÙˆÙ†Ø¬Øتم كصØاÙØ© ومتضامنين مع القضية ÙÙŠ إيصال رسالة مضادة بان ذلك لن يكون سهلا ولن يمر مرور الكرام.
larie
5 November 2006Who, I’am glad indeed 🙂
Moli
6 November 2006Hi Mahmood,
From a french expat that has been living & working in the GCC & bahrain for a while, glad to see your blog’s back! I don’t necessary agree with its material, but freedom of speech… ahhh, freedom of speech…
Hope this adventure won’t propulse you as the “free bahraini”, and that we will still enjoy your intuitive reflexions.
With pleasure, awaiting to read you again, congratulations !
US_Male
6 November 2006Hi Mahmood and everyone else from a guy in the USA. I just found this site so I don’t know everything that has been going on here yet. I just wanted to say that I think the Internet is a great thing because it gives people all over the world a chance to get to know each other. Usually all we know about each other is what we read in the news. I wish happiness to you all.
lara
9 November 2006glad you free again, heard about your arrest in dutch blog somewere. Its a shame things like this happens. take care
الإمبراطور سنبس
9 November 2006أستطيع أن Ø£Ùهم قيامك بØماية Ù†Ùسك .. Ùˆ لا Ø£Øد يستطيع أن يلومك على ذلك ..
لكن أن ØªÙ…Ø¯Ø Ø¬Ù„Ø§Ø¯Ùƒ !!
شيءٌ ÙŠÙثير العجب .. على الأقل ينبغي عليك ØªÙˆØ¶ÙŠØ Ø§Ù„Ø£Ø³Ø¨Ø§Ø¨ .. لأن الØقيقة Ù…Ùغايرة عن ما تقول ..
لو ÙƒÙنا ÙÙŠ بلد يستطيع Ùيه المواطن أن يناقش Øكومته بهدوء Ùˆ روية ÙÙŠ جلسة ÙŠØ·Ù…Ø ( الطرÙين ) Ùيها للتوصل إلى ØÙ„ .. لكان شأننا شأن آخر !!
Teflon Religion
11 November 2006Mahmoud
Ref the critisism of your actions
To badly Paraphrase a Christian saying “Forgive them for they know what they do”
Hot heads and hot talk, but very little real action on the real problems of Bahrain, just Regurgitate the rhetoric round the blog.
Good on yer mate !!
When some some of these kids learn
“there is a time to duck and a time to punch”
the world will be a better place
M.P.T.Y.E
TJ
mohammad alQaq
14 November 2006Øمدالله ع سلامتك
أتمنى أن تكون Øرية التعبير لدينا هي أرضنا ÙˆÙÙŠ Ù†Ùس الوقت مخرجنا الوØيد للØريه… دائما
aussiefem
25 December 2006Glad to see you back.
Butterfly
16 March 2007Mahmood,
What’s wrong with your website, links to old posts!
:biggrin:
mahmood
16 March 2007nah, Hisham updated one of his articles that sent a trackback… nothing to do with me!