Why #feb14 will never succeed

With the Egyptian demonstrations entering their 15th day, with today reportedly the largest so far, they seem to have defied all naysayers and kept their focus sharp and their demands very well defined. I don’t have any doubts at all that Mubarak will fall well before his due date, his expiry date has already comprehensively passed. Maybe the Egyptians will beat the Tunisian record and get the deed done before the three week milestone.

How did they do it? How did they succeed? The short answer as far as I see is that they both eschewed what differentiates them and worked very hard at what unified them. Didn’t you hear the shouts of “يد واحده يد واحده” (one hand one hand) whenever someone (Islamist or otherwise) attempted to hijack their cause?

In Bahrain, I fear it’s a completely different situation. So far.

I am disgusted by what I read in various sites and feeds. The over-arching direction in the Bahraini sphere is not only religious, but overly sectarian. Have a look at this video which reached me this afternoon:

read the comments which are dripping with hate and sectarianism (on both sides) and then just go over to the various Facebook pages set up for the cause here and here amongst others I’m sure and see the quality of discourse there. Do you really think that any such movement would succeed? And if they do succeed, do you realistically think they will last long enough to launch a new a modern democratic country?

I hate to be the pessimist, and I am also the most fervent supporter of democracy, democratic values and human rights, I am extremely pessimistic now that I have perused the various available social media and other sites more than ever.

How can they convert this almost definite failure to success? Emphasize and believe in unity. Don’t – for all that’s holy – bring out labels, songs, videos and writings with “azza beats” or liken what you’re doing with Ashoora, the best you could expect when you do is to completely alienate the rest of the population, and that you cannot afford to do, not even for a second.

I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again, every “revolution” has its own prerequisites and its own catalyst. I see that while one might be present in Bahrain, the other is most definitely missing so far.

What’s to be done then? Forget about it and stay as we are? Not by a long shot. I say that now, at this particular state of local affairs, continue to exert pressure on the government, extract as much concessions as could be taken but direct all efforts at ensuring proper human rights and freedoms, political and economic rights and work on evolutionary rather than revolutionary modes of operation.

Until we in Bahrain really believe in the mantra of No Shi’i, No Sunni, Just Bahraini, we’ll not be moving far from where we currently find ourselves and shall continue to wallow in our own sectarian filth.

Comments

  1. Wafa

    I agree, and even if we had unity I would still have my doubts. Let’s not forget that our police force and military is not bahraini, and in spite of the poverty and disturbing conditions that some Bahrainis live in, there are still many Bahrainis who are a-political and are quite satisfied with the status quo. My only fear is if these protests escalate to a sort of violent confrontation through which no one benefits.

    1. sleepy in saudi

      I feel dumb,but what nationality are the police and military in Bahrain? I guess a non Bahraini would have no qualms about firing on a Bahraini for their pay check. And why are non Bahrainis in the police force and military anyway?

        1. milter

          And, in some minds the name Ian Henderson pops up.

          Or, is that too bold or part of the forgotten past?

  2. Ali

    I agree to an extent. This whole 14feb thing won’t achieve much but reassert the fact that this country is SPLIT… no matter which way we want to look at it, we are DIVIDED and until we find a “unifying purpose” we will fail in our attempt to gain liberty & freedom.

    But as much as you wag a warning finger at the protesters to NOT user religion or sectarian references, can you really blame them?

    The regime/government has based it’s internal policy in alienating the majority, targeting them and marginalizing them for decades. Sadly, you cannot seperate the two issues now, it’s too late for that.

    I too feel the only reason the Tunisian and Egyptian revolutions have been so inspirational, was that they truly were ONE people. They cared for each other and stood side by side. They made me, for the first time, feel proud to be an Arab.

    I cannot say the same about Bahrain’s youth. We need to take a long hard look at ourselves, before we do anything.

    1. milter

      And, in some minds, the name Ian Henderson pops up.

      Or is that too bold or something of the past?

    1. Reeshiez

      This is exactly what I feared and I now that you confirmed it I am less hopeful of this movement. Videos such as these will only serve to alienate a huge chunk of the population and for a revolution to occur there must at least be a unified purpose. But I also agree with Ali – he is right. Can you blame them? The government has been sowing the seeds of sectarian discord for years and has been pitting us against each other. We are a divided society. There is rampant sectarianism mostly because of our governments discriminatory policies but also because we are part of a wider region where such sectarianism exists and where regional powers such as Saudi Arabia and Iran try to take advantage of the situation as much as they can.

      The only way this movement will succeed is if the non-secetarian voices make their voices heard. My worry though is that there isn’t enough of us and that the majority is apolitical. Why would they risk being part of this when they are already comfortable and when this movement is sectarian and religious in its nature?

      The weird thing is that I am getting mixed messages. The Feb14 twitter feeds has slogans in arabic stressing unity. But then when I go on the websites all I see is rampant sectarianism and religious imagery.

      I do hope though that whatever happens the movement does make some gains and that the government reforms fast. The longer the government stays with its current ways, the more sectarian the people will get.

      Hopefully Egypt and Tunisian will be successful. Perhaps then they can become models for us all.

  3. Native Citizen

    I think this video doesn’t represent the movement, and the 14 February movement is currently leaderless.

    Personally, I don’t blame anyone but ourselves.

    In Egypt the April 6 movement represented a well-off middle class educated segment with strong organisational and mobilising powers.

    In Bahrain, where is this segment? Where are the people doing the progressive videos and visuals? Everyone is frightened and passing the buck.

    I really don’t blame the downtrodden, but they should be smarter than this, but let them do it their way, until we wake up and do it OUR way!

    I will be there on 14 February just to make a point.

  4. Native Citizen

    I have a suggestion Mahmood, why don’t we go out on the 14th and give out the la sunni la shia badges?
    i’ll volunteer right now if you have a ready made batch.
    If you have a big banner, my friends and I will be more than happy to raise it?

    What do you say? I need some logistical support here.

    1. Post
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    2. Reeshiez

      Native Citizen,

      Your comments and suggestions are spot on. If I were in Bahrain right now I’d be the first to help you but unfortunately I am not. People like you make me hopeful for the future of our country.

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  5. Salman Abdulrahim

    Mahmood – I agree with you. I have been speaking out against these suckers for a long time, particularly this guy running the facebook page called Ebrahim Marhoon. The funny thing is these dim-wits cannot even speak English. I thank God every day for the investment we have made in the BDF and of course, the fact that accidents do happen. I mean, sometimes military aircraft do accidently drop their payloads. Heres to hoping one lands on Ebrahim’s village. Here, Here!! Cheers, Cheers!! Oh and everyone: Happy Valentines Day on the 14th! If you dont have a girlfriend yet, get one!! Thats where you should be channelling your energy 😉

  6. Salman Abdulrahim

    Oh and I forgot to mention, I even told Ebrahim that I am a fan of baseball and that I would definitely be willing to introduce him to my two new bats: The Skullcracker and the Idiot Smasher. But it all got lost in translation! My goodness, he puts the idiot in Village Idiot nicely!

  7. Khalid Izzeldin

    @Mahmood: I’m sunni. My dad (RIP) paid for my education, food, clothing, univeristy, and everything. He worked at non-government public shareholding bank. I got my first job in a private company at a lowly entry level in the hot sun. Worked my way up slowly. Paid for higher education on my own. I don’t own a house, I don’t own own any land; and I have not applied for a housing loan or any kind of iskan. I pay rent, GOSI, and phone bills. And of course I have loan installments to repay. I’ve been called names because of my color, bald head, and weight. I never had a problem speaking my mind, I even had a couple of fights with a couple of people because I thought they were stupid; to be fair, they thought the same.

    Where do i stand in all of this? How would one like me be united? What would motivate me?

    1. Post
      Author
      mahmood

      Khalid you stand for what you feel is right but keep an open mind. It’s easy for one to be convinced that one is right only to be proven otherwise.

      There are inalienable rights, though, which should be supported by everyone: human rights and freedom of expression. Give me those two and I’ll be happy in any society which espouses and protects them as much as can be. With those protected and cherished, living with dignity is a certainty.

  8. milter

    Practically all sources tell us that the backbone of the protesters in the current protests in The Middle East is young people that are fed up with unemployment, powerty, corruption and lack of signs of improvements in the near future.

    The total population of Bahrain varies, according to which source you go to. They all, however, seem to agree that only about half of them are Bahraini.

    How about, for starters, making most of the non-Bahraini half redundant. Teach the young the skills that are necessary to run and develop a country. And, first of all, teach them that no jobs are inferior to others.

  9. Rashid

    Bahraini’s are known to be hard working, kind, loyal and industrious we enjoy one of the best reputations as a people in middle east region.

    I believe political reform is important and necessary especially in these difficult economic times. I do not however believe that just because Tunis and Egypt have a revolt that we should follow suit.

    Through communication, through a political campaign to encourage informed economic reform as well as regulation and legislature that contributes to the future prosperity of ALL Bahrainis we will see standards of living improve.

    We need a revolution in thinking not in leadership…

  10. collegekid

    it saddens me. the people have been kept poor and stupid, this makes it easier for sectarian hate and religious extremism to survive. what are they going to do if they topple any form of government, place some overzealous imam as leader? Iran 2.0.

    education is the missing link, and until people can represent themselves intelligently and as one, it will never happen. totally with you.

  11. Salman Abdulrahim

    I say keep the status quo, we have a fabulous king and a really cool crown prince. I wouldnt trade that for anything. Revolution in thinking is correct, but changing mind takes time and the village idiots lack the intellectual capacity to grasp concepts of development and freedom. We need to all think about how we can live well, how can we live the best, and how to ultimately live up to our reputation as merchants and traders of the Gulf. But in all of this I see an ugly Iranian hand at play, spreading their filth and their hatred. And guess what the agents of Persia, like Ebrahim Marhoon, are happily responding? The 25 behind the docks should be more like 2500, mass trials I say!! Long live Bahrain! Long live King Hamad!! Death to the agents of the Persian Empire!

  12. Rogork

    @Salman Abdulrahim: Wow, you make those “village idiots” look like geniuses.

    Firstly, if you think the status quo is perfect, people like you is why the middle-east isn’t going to develop or become anything other than “those guys with the oil”.

    Secondly, Mahmoud addressed people like you in his post about hatred and sectarianism, so no one here is really n agreement with what you said, hence the downvotes you are getting (enough to hide your post).

    @Mahmoud: I had similar analysis of the situation. I still think that unless those asking for a reform put their own agendas aside, nothing will ever be fixed.

    In my opinion, if anyone can pull this off, it’s those Haq guys, I was really saddened by the fact that they got ignored in the elections.

    1. Post
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      mahmood

      I was talking to one of the leaders of a leftist political society this morning and told him that they should take the initiative and continue to emphasise that our salvation as a country cannot be bifurcated, and all of their programs much enact unity in society. I was surprised and saddened by his response, which was

      شنسوي بعد
      or “what can we do”.

      Now THAT is sad.

  13. Rogork

    Addendum: “Let us improve our situation!” is a message everyone can agree on, “Let us improve our situation by following my agenda!” isn’t.

  14. Salman Abdulrahim

    Rogork – Forgive me if I feel insecure to the point that I cannot trust anyone but the Al Khalifa to provide leadership. Forgive me if I feel that the so called Freedom Fighters are uncomfortably cosy with their Iranian Friends. Forgive me for seeing the pathetic villagers who wallow in their own self disdain as the very and most likely only reason for their problems. Lastly, forgive me for wanting to believe that the educated and reputed people of Bahrain are more capable and willing to turn their country into a sporting business hub, and a Monte Carlo of sorts, but are held back by the ignorance and stupidity of the droves and droves of lemmings that want to do nothing else but catch the next Gulf Air flight to Najaf!!!!!!!!

    1. Robok

      -No one said that for Bahrain to reform the leadership needs to be replaced from scratch.

      -Freedom Fighters? First time I heard this name.

      -You need to know the difference between Religious Allegiance and Political Allegiance.

      -Watch this report on poverty in Bahrain:
      http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TmvU6SMfNhA
      But hey, they are responsible for that too.

      -Your idea of a developed country is a business hub? And here I thought Japan was had the right idea…

      -Since when was religious tourism a bad thing? Or is it only bad when you don’t like the people doing it?

  15. Anonny

    @Salman

    “Lastly, forgive me for wanting to believe that the educated and reputed people of Bahrain are more capable and willing to turn their country into a sporting business hub, and a Monte Carlo of sorts, but are held back by the ignorance and stupidity of the droves and droves of lemmings that want to do nothing else but catch the next Gulf Air flight to Najaf!!!!!!!!”

    Or Riyadh.

  16. Eman

    It is a fact that Bahrain as a society is greatly divided more ever, being on the spectator seat I have witnessed these so-called racial differences. It is a grave matter to know that yet again society can not overcome their difference and become one to succeed in allowing their voices to be heard. Being united is crucial to develop a society that can achieve great change and produce a proper population.
    I do hope that some day the people of Bahrain will realise the importance joining hands and becoming one.

  17. Walter

    Mahmood, I am a journalist planning to report on the 14 February protest Bahrain for an international media company. I am very interested in what you have written about the planned demonstration and I would like to interview you for my report. If you are interested, could you please contact me on: pwwnews@hotmail.com
    I am also interested in hearing the opinions of anyone who reads your blog and will be attending the protest and I would like to ask them to contact me by email if they are willing to talk.
    I have heard that people will be protesting in several different locations. Is this true? If so, do you know where the biggest protest is likely to be held?
    Thank you for your help and consideration. I look forward to hearing from you.

    1. Post
      Author
      mahmood

      Hi Walter, thank for stopping by. I shall see if I can help, though be aware that my schedule is packed until the 18th.

  18. ajax

    if that the mentality in the vid ,my answar is easy rather status quo , and that what would happen(i hope so for the greater good).

    otherwise Revoltion is not the key word
    “civil war” is the correct word 🙁

  19. Bahrain Youth for Freedom

    “in a time of universal deceit, telling the truth is a revolutionary act”. Orwell

    Your skepticism was the same that divided Tunisia and Egypt but along different lines. Its time to stand up for the truth. Bahrain has been taken to the shits, it has been raped of its resources, tortured and corrupted.

    We will prove everyone wrong, because freedom is in every human language

    We have called ourselves “Bahrain Youth for Freedom and Change” and we have been clear on our demands on February 14 from day one. We are a core group of sunni and shia undercover activists that believe that our time has come. Its time for real democracy and change (sounds like Obama but we really mean it!)

    February 14 is just the beginning of our struggle.

    Yes to peaceful protest
    Yes to unity
    Yes to freedom

    http://www.facebook.com/pages/Bahrain-Youth-for-Freedom/168929316486071

  20. Bahrain Youth for Freedom

    14 February Statement

    In the name of freedom and the people

    “It was a dream, then a thought, then a possibility, then it became a reality not a dream”

    We, the Bahraini youth, from all the different sects and ideologies, call the people to unify their position in demanding their rightsWe, the Bahraini youth, from all different sects and backgrounds, call the people to unify their position and demand their rights. We call on Bahrainis to take to the streets on Monday 14 February in a peaceful and orderly manner. The time of waiting has ended, and the time of action is now. If we do not demand our rights by our own hands then no one will grant them to us. We have witnessed our brothers in Tunisia and Egypt carry the banner of freedom and justice. For what is the value of life without freedom? And how will we have our dignity without justice? Change will not come without sacrifice, so let us sacrifice for the sake of our future and the future of our people.

    We have been suffering the ills of unmitigated corruption and brutal oppression for far too long, established under an irresponsible and unaccountable regime. The grievances may diverge but the cause is one. The regime has grown accustomed to creating crisis after crisis under the constructed banner of sectarianism, escaping accountability and suppressing the legitimate rights of the people. The plunder of the nation’s wealth has reached unprecedented proportions, including the expropriation of public land and sea. They have used foreign security forces to humiliate and attack citizens, and endemic corruption has seeped throughout the state’s institutions. Our thoughts and voices have been controlled through censorship and press control, while political naturalisation to change the population of the country has reached unprecedented levels. Anger and frustration is boiling amongst us all.

    It is time for us to unify, and for the nation, the entire people of this land, to take control of its destiny. For we either awaken and live, or die and be forgotten. We are demanding a new constitution, where every letter is written by the people. Furthermore, we demand that a special body, fully mandated by the people, is established with the purpose of investigating and holding to account violations in the economic, political and social spheres. These include the theft of public wealth, political naturalisation, human rights and security transgressions, as well as institutional corruption. The aim is to reach national agreement and conciliation. These are the demands of the people, and these are the rights of the people. They are based on universal human values and principles of equality and justice, and the rulers must heed to these demands.

    To all freedom-seeking people of Bahrain, now is the time for change, and now is the time to unite. Let us make February 14 a day of glory in the history of Bahrain – the day where all the Bahraini people emerged, in all their colours and from all its towns and cities: from Manama to Muharraq, from the northern villages to the the central governate, from Sitra to the southern governate. Our demands and aims are constructive, our means are peaceful, and they are not stained with the sectarianism and division that the regime has sown over the years. There is no difference between Sunni and Shia, rich or poor, between Bahrani, Ajami, Houli or members of tribes – we are all Bahrain. We all sacrifice ourselves for this beloved land. Let us be proud that we emerged on this day to demand our right to a dignified life that embodies our legitimate rights, and to create a state that represents our aspirations and dreams.

    Yes to unity, yes to change, yes to human dignity, yes to our demands and rights!

    On behalf of the Bahraini youth to the sovereign people of Bahrain.

    The demands made on February 14:

    A new constitution written by the people

    The establishment of a body that has a full popular mandate to investigate and hold to account economic, political and social violations, including:
    -Stolen public wealth
    -Political naturalisation
    -arbitrary arrests, torture and other oppressive security measures
    -Institutional and economic corruption

    Important next steps:
    Forming local committees in every area to manage and direct gatherings on the day
    Choosing a central and busy area that is easy to reach in the capital
    Drawing maps to guide protestors
    Taking precautions to avoid disclosing protest tactics to officials
    Full use of media and internet tools such facebook, twitter and web forums

    1. Post
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      mahmood

      This is the kind of thing I can subscribe to. God’s Speed. I hope this to be the catalyst for complete reformation of the system in Bahrain for the benefit of all who live here in harmony and respect.

  21. Salman Abdulrahim

    CRAP, ABSOLUTE STENCH WREAKING CRAP!! You represent no one but yourselves! Long live the royal family, long live King Hamad, yes to the status quo!!! Preserve and protect!! I will be there, right on the opposite side, on the right side of history, standing as an obstacle to the enemies of Bahrain and the agents of Persia. I WILL NOT REPORT TO TEHRAN, maybe thats ok for you, but not me! I will be there with the skullcracker and idiot smasher, waiting to get to work! Bahrain Youth for Freedom – hahahahaha!!! I hope those mercernaries you so despise come down hard on you, like a ton of bricks, knock you senseless and if you are lucky allow you to spend the remainder of your days sipping food through a straw in the Geriatric unit in Muharraq Hospital! HAHAHHAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!

  22. Nhusain

    Yes this manifesto from the youth is biased and sectarian in orientation. I’m all for reform but on those agenda items that all can agree on. This manifesto is rejected.

    1. Post
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      mahmood

      Rejected by whom? You? Well, that’s your right. The vast majority of Bahrainis will most probably welcome it with gusto. I think it’s quite balanced and representative. It gets a +2 from me.

    2. Anonny

      @nhusain

      You say you are all for reform of the agenda items that all can agree on. Which ones do you not agree with?

      -Stolen public wealth
      -Political naturalisation
      -arbitrary arrests, torture and other oppressive security measures
      -Institutional and economic corruption

      These are the ones I saw. Which ones don’t you like?

      Oh I know. Is it the naturalization one?

      1. Nhusain

        Yup that one needs to be modified a little and then I’m pretty much good to go. Also should add protection of the rights of the poorest and most vulnerable of society regardless of national origin. Also clear statements and guarantees from Shia leadership of Bahrain they are supportive of the rights of everyone not only their sect. It seems they are going for a power move under the guise of these demands. We have seen the poor results when that happens.

        1. Anonny

          @husain

          So now you’re adopting the ‘hate Shia’ line in the hope that it will get you a passport?

          Where are you from originally nhusain?

          1. Nhusain

            I have no problem with many individuals of the Shia persuasion. Some of my best friends are from among them. I know some of them that are secular and some that are very sincere Muslims. I myself am a big fan of mahmood though with some difference of opinion. I’m originally from Al-khobar. And no I’m not looking for any passport but I’m against the in your face blatant racism and sectarianism of some individuals and groups in the region.

  23. Bahrain Youth for Freedom

    Mahmood, for the first time, you are allowing your site to incite violence, racism, hate and murder. Just shows you the mentality we are up against.

    Thank you for your support, this is what true citizenship is about

    1. Walter

      Dear Mahmood,

      I tried to contact you yesterday. I am a journalist working for an international media company. I will be covering the 14 February demonstrations in Bahrain and I am looking for people to interview about them- to get thier views. If you are willing to do a short interview with me, could you please contact me on: pwwnews@hotmail.com
      Also, If you know a spokesperson for the Bahrain Youth for Freedom could you pass my contact details to them?

    2. Nhusain

      You are the one doing that. Naturalization is a right for any long term resident. Also the rights of poor foreign workers are completely ignored. The reason is your racism towards them.

    3. Post
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      mahmood

      Not at all. You see yourself that visitors themselves have a good handle on things and they use the rating system to show their displeasure with those comments. So it’s fair to keep them, much as I find them distasteful, utterly moronic and childish.

  24. Salman Abdulrahim

    Death to the enemies of persia, death to the Iranian agents. We will not standby and just watch as you drag our country and royal family’s name in the mud. We will stand our ground, we will deploy every resource in our arsenal, and every fiber of our existence to ensure that you are not even remotely successful on the 14th. CRACK goes the Skullcracker!! Long live Bahrain, Long live King Hamad!! Long live Abu Salman!! Long live the real men of the BDF and the Police!! This is not done yet, far from it, the 14th will be your day of reckoning. Fear it only if you are a traitor, fear it only if you are an operative of Tehran! We will be there, at the ready! Kiss your loved ones goodbye

  25. Robok

    Bahrain Youth for Freedom: Now that is a move I can get behind. Well done on the clearly laid out goals and well-thought description of your movement. Here’s hoping you will get good support, you certainly have the right idea!

    Salman: “Death to the enemies of persia”
    Wait, what?

  26. Salman

    The wave that started in Tunis swept through Egypt and drown another Pharaoh as it did before.

    The Gulf leaders are already scared breathless, this wave might drown them too. Enough proof is the leader of Kuwait giving out financial gifts to all families and free essential foods free for 2 years.

    I heard from people that the King of Bahrain is giving BD1000 to every breadwinner in Bahrain. Afraid of being next? Perhaps.

    To shut the people of Bahrain up with 1000 dinars each and keep them quiet is cheap, considering he probably owns horses that he paid more for than this thousand dinar for each family gesture.

    Dear “King” of Bahrain. Remember we do not want you removed or replaced. We do not want 1000 dinars to shut us up!

    We want only the following :

    Freedom of speech. The kind that the ministry of interior will honour and not arrest every person who speaks his mind.

    Stop the constant reclamation of lands in the sea which is killing our marine life.

    Better living standards

    EQUAL RIGHTS REGARDLESS OF COLOUR, RELIGION OR BELIEFS

    EQUAL OPPORTUNITIES

    STOP POLITICAL NATURALIZATION

    PUT A STOP TO SECTARIAN HATEMONGERS AND RACISM OF ALL KINDS

    To Mr. Salman AbdulRahman, the hatred your preach here is the kind that has ruined this country and torn it apart.

    You seem to hate people for even traveling to a destination of their choice. Why does it upset you that people go to Najaf? Paying from your own pocket are you? Now you want to control the peoples freedom of travel too?

    Inshalla you will mature someday and realize that all Bahrainis want the same rights. Sadly those who are courageous enough to demand them are branded as terrorists, traitors…some even accused of inciting hatred against the regime.

    Good luck to our beloved Bahrain. I pray for a great future for the citizens of Bahrain.

    1. Salman Abdulrahim

      Najaf is cool and if you want to vacation there, thats your choice. I just think it says more about the people who go there than anything else. It shows you the mentality of these simpletons and how they would rather spend their money on the backwater of Iraq than share the elegance of some of their GCC bretheren. Geneva? Paris? Milan? anyone??

      1. Salman

        Your comment is filled with so much hatred its unbelievable. Bigots like you are why Bahrain struggles to maintain the unity of its people.

        Seek help mate, you really need it.

        Yes, long live Bahrain.

        Bahrain along with all its wealth and natural resources existed before the Al-Khalifa and will remain after they are extinct.

        Be loyal to your country.

        I wonder if those loyal to Hosni Mubarak will be joining him on his plane to his new home in another country to live lavishly with him? Do expected however, from the loyal citizens of Egypt to remain united and work hard together to rebuild their country.

  27. Salman Abdulrahim

    Long live Bahrain, Long live the Al Khalifa! May God protect our nation from its enemies! Death to the agents of persia!

  28. Kira

    Great read mahmood,
    salman, why are you so bothered by someone wanting to go to any location regardless of purpose? Really if you fancy great European cities then thats your ideal place to travel to. But If someone else wants to go to any part of this earth , then you have no right to outright condemn them from going where they want to go. It’s none of your business … *sigh*

  29. nhusain

    There is no problem with Kingship as long as the King rules with justice for all residents. The issue with Najaf is that Najaf has an influence over events in Bahrain. If Najaf encourages the defending of the rights of each resident without discrimination including maids, and foreign poor then that’s fine. The problem is that they encourage a sectarian agenda. If the King manipulates demographics for its own material benefit the so called sectarian based opposition wants to do the same. That’s why they scream about naturalization. If they stop naturalization and they go for revolution they will stick it to other residents. This is what happened in Iraq and Iran. That is the concern here.

  30. Ali Abdulla

    I’ve seen quite a few circle-jerks in my day, but this has to be the worse one.

    You keep rehashing the same ridiculous and naive opinion that MOST Bahrainis share your ideals.

    Get it through your head, they don’t! Like it not, you are the aberration. Most Bahrainis are religious, most Bahrainis are not people of means, most Bahrainis don’t live in villas and drive Porsches, most Bahrainis don’t drink like there’s no tomorrow.

    Do everyone a favor and realize that you and your fucked up badges are an insignificant speck in the Bahraini political and social scene.

    What I find more frustrating is the imbeciles who agree with every brain-fart that comes out of you.

    1. Salman Abdulrahim

      Abdulla – if I could give out medals, I would. Brilliant, really enjoyed reading it. What a champ!!

  31. Salman

    Can you clarify how Najaf has an influence over the events in Bahrain? What is this sectarian agenda influence you speak of and how is it introduced into the minds of those who visit this city?

    You seem to forget that a lot of Iraqis live happily regardless of sect, marry into each others sect and most even pray together in the same mosque (and in some cities, shrine). They respect one another, especially personal beliefs.

    So how can you judge for yourself, may I ask? Have you been to Najaf and seen this phenomena or its what you have been told?

    Visit Najaf yourself and find out why people go there, and what they truly learn. Read into its history, and learn about the wisdom of who once ruled it and what we can learn from his teachings.

    A just “King” will guarantee equality to all Bahrainis regardless of religious belief. We ask our king to provide us with these basic human rights.

    Mr. Salman AbdulRahman targets those who visit Najaf because of his sectarian hatred towards them. He tries to mention it indirectly so that he can look intellectual. Regardless, he has obviously failed.

    1. Salman Abdulrahim

      Salman -sectarian hatred is a strong phrase. Please use sectarian bias, this of course, is despite the fact that I am supposed to be Shiaa. But regardless, as our friend Nhusain clearly and more eloquently pointed out, Najaf isnt about the geography but about the imported ideology it represents and why that is a threat to our beloved nation. I will not stand for “Velayti Faqih”, that maybe the utopia you and your likes are so desperate to achieve! But not on my watch, and certainly not on the watch of the Skullcracker!! Death to the agents of Persia!

  32. Salman

    I would like to ask how you came to the conclusion of what what my beliefs and ideologies are when you don’t even know me?

    Whether you are a Muslim, Christian, Jew, Hindu, Buddhist, Atheist, it makes no difference to us and should not make a difference in how you are treated as a citizen.

    The problem with Bahrain, as with most of the Arab countries unfortunately, is that it somehow does. Going to blame Najaf on that too?

    Everyone is free to practice whatever they believe in without being judged or forced. This is a right that is protected by the laws of Bahrain and I will stand behind it to the death. The loyalty remaining to the country of Bahrain is what we should worry about. You are only worried about them not being loyal to the Al-Khalifa.

    Is anyone shoving these ideologies down your throat? Forcing you to join in?

    Sectarian bias is also a form on inequality, a practice which we seek to banish from Bahrain. It is one of the main reasons why we do not have equal rights and opportunities in Bahrain.

    Those European countries you so highly speak of as “elegant” have violated as many human rights as Bahrain has, if not more.

    You think highly of them because of what? Exotic cars lined up on the streets of Geneva with GCC numberplates? The topless women who sunbathe by the lake in the summer? A superficial life is all that it is.

    Bahrain is a beautiful island, and after living in a few European countries throughout my life, here is where I always feel safe.

    But as a citizen, I do not feel respected.

    I pray for this place to improve and for the hatred to be washed out of peoples hearts.

    Moving forward hand in hand, Bahrainis working together to build a better future for our future generations.

  33. Salman Abdulrahim

    Not to feel left out, if I could give out medals I would give you one too. Just like Ali Abdulla. I appreciate that you maybe some private school kid, who has now discovered art of pensmanship but you had me moved there, really you did. Maybe even a little tear, or two. (Did you really say topless women? Where?) The part you are missing my young friend is that the integrity, continuity, success, and even existential viability of our little kingdom demands a sovereign, demands someone as skillful yet careful in the fine balancing act required to keep the place ticking. You forget that we sit right on the fault line between Iran and Saudi Arabia, the Shia – Sunni divide. Parading around with nice fancy labels like “democracy” and “freedom” are all very well and nice, probably makes uncle sam proud too, but does very little to show maturity and sophistication in grasping the regional context and the powder keg that could set alight, should we progress to an alternative that differs from the status quo. God bless King Hamad, a shrewd and tactful man, and may those who are enlightened continue to serve, protect, and preserve. I will not be an Iranian slave! You and your Bahraini Freedom Panzys do not speak in my name! or in the name of thousands of others! Long live Bahrain and death to the agents of Persia!

  34. Robok

    Salman Abdulrahim: And here I thought you were calming down with your last post, had to end it up with your propaganda and screaming didn’t you…

    Yes, he and his pansies do not speak in your name, you do not want freedom, you do not want to get out of your shell and think for once, you only want to be led by a shepherd like a bunch of sheep and freeze the minds of everyone.

    I pity you, really, and I’m under the impression that you might actually be hired to spam blogs with your propaganda, but then again, there _are_ people that stupid in the world, so it wouldn’t be far-fetched if you are actually doing this under your own personal motivation.

    nhusain: You’re posting these as if all Shia are followers of Sistani, or as if all Shia are in agreement with what he says. And that doesn’t really provide any proof or answer to the questions imposed to you by Salman.

  35. Muzafari

    If you guys want to really be patriotic about this, I think you should put Iran and Saudi Arabia out of the picture to resolve your differences.

    “Dont shit where you eat”

    Lets start counting what needs to be improved and developed in our beloved country, we have established there is Sectarian problems and this should be solved, HOW TO SOLVE IT?

    TACKLE QUESTION NOT PEOPLE

  36. Salman Abdulrahim

    I have spoken, my words are final. You will not be hearing from me anymore. But rest assured that you will be seeing me on the 14th if you dare tread on sacred grounds. I will be there with the Skullcracker and the Idiot Smasher, and my God, it will be beautiful. Long live King Hamad, long live Bahrain, death to the agents of Persia!

    Good luck and god bless all those who will sacrifice for this great nation, its royal family and all that holds true. Blood for blood. Over and out….

    1. Anonny

      Dear Salman Abdulrahim,

      Are you ok? Don’t slip on any of those imaginary rivers of blood, my dear. You’ll end up in Valhalla a little too early ..

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  38. Abdulla

    guys, all I see and read these day (whether in this blog or any other website related with the 14th of Feb.) is hate and anger not against our current miserable situation in our beloved land Bahrain, but against each others. we really need to get our S— together or els we will always live with no dignity on our land and even outside for that matter. honestly, I am very excited about the so called revolution, but yet I am very scared of the outcome of all that…..will it be the beginning of a civil war in Bahrain?? we all acknowledge that there is a big gap between Sunnis and shi’ias in Bahrain, but I see that little is being done to tackle this sensitive issue!!….why…I guess because we are kind of scared of each others.

  39. Herman

    Dear Bahraini’s
    I read the blogs every now and then and I truely agree that the hate and lack of any respect towards each other is an big issue, everyone is blaming the other. As a European I have friends both Sunni/Shi’ias and everyone claims the other is the culprit, and both blaming the expats where they cannot blame each other.

    Wishing wisdom for all the next weeks.

  40. exclamation mark

    Lets be realistic… such a move in Bahrain won’t be successful, as the variables in Bahrain are very different. People are not even unified in acknowledging that there are serious problems to be dealt with. I do not know about Salman AbdulRahim and the nutcases like him, but he is a sample of how backwards and primitive some people are in this country, as they are still thinking that they are ruled by a tribe, and it is wrong or a taboo to go against the tribesman’s will, and no matter whats wrong in this country, everything is just fine and alright.

    I know the King would disapprove such actions as those by Salman, as he is well aware and well informed about the issues that need to be takled in this country

  41. Pingback: Where to now, Bahrain? « Hugh Canavan's Bahrain Blog

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