Senator Wyden: What’s Next for Bahrain?
Two months since the release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report, as the February 14 anniversary approaches Senator Ron Wyden (D-OR) delivered remarks on Thursday regarding the critical situation Bahrain faces on the path to reform. Wyden discussed the historical importance of the wave of protests and acknowledged that the protests have been “met with government violence.” He highlighted the dramatic increase in violence in recent months, attributing the violence to continued government abuse as well as frustrated protester aggression. He applauded King Hamad al-Khalifa’s creation of the Independent Commission, which Wyden said showed “at least a willingness” to implement necessary reform. Wyden condemned the denial of entry to humanitarian organizations and said that these organizations are necessary to measure the “progress of reform” implementation.
Wyden declared that he was disappointed by the “timid” response of the U.S. President Barack Obama‘s administration and spoke out against planned arms sales of any kind; even sales of items that theoretically would not be used against protesters. “I do not believe that any of the items will be used against protesters, but I do think that the sales send the wrong message,” said Wyden. He supported his position saying that “any sale” made in the face of “continued abuses” perpetrated by the government, would prove the U.S. inconsistent “in its approach to democracy and human rights.” “Every exception,” said Widen “undermines our nation’s claim to be the true champion of these values throughout the world.”
Wyden concluded that the Government of Bahrain has the opportunity to show the world a “new Bahrain” by allowing peaceful protests and starting “honest dialogue.” He claimed that the choice “is in the hands of the Government of Bahrain […]they can choose peace, dialogue and reform, or they can continue down the path of frustration, fear and violence.” He ended saying that the Government of Bahrain would reveal its choice in the next days as the anniversary approaches.
Best regards to Sent. Ron Wyden
It is a kind message from an independent and not activist Bahraini for Mr. Michael Posner and the U.S. PLEASE DO NOT BE PERPETRATOR.
Protesters useful and seeking rights
Mr. Posner do not show your strong muscles to them.
You may reconsider your situation
Considering the massing of army vehicles, the increase in teargassing, the installation of CCTV, multiple roadblocks and the rolls of barbed wire being laid in Bahrain ahead of Feb 14th, it seems obvious that the Gvt of Bahrain have already chosen the wrong pathway, that of abuse, violation & violence.
Mr. Wyden, thank you for your keen interest in our country Bahrain. It is quite evident that you are taking info from one side and for credible opinion one should hear all sides. I am a Bahraini borned and raised on this island.As an eyewitness from Bahrain I cannot quite agree with your assessment (that the protests have been “met with government violence.”) Perhaps you meant violence from protestors have been met with violence from government. I guess the latter expression would have given more integrity to your report. Bahraini’s have high regards to the American people and we look forward to extend this friendship in good deeds. All the best.
Senator Wyden,
It is very sad that vicious vandalism and terror attacks by those protestors constantly comes along in the name of Human Rights, Democracy and Freedom. They know very well that the aforesaid are the buzz words that would influence the rest of the world.
I am sure that many innocent people have been fooled and have already fallen for it and I sincerely hope that you are not one of those people. Thank you
i’ve been a resident for 35 years and i tell you this even my own country or other countries i visited can’t even equal the generosity of the Al Khalifa’s. everything here if not free is subsidised. bright students gets free education and sent abroad for further studies. very ill people is sent abroad for treatment not available in Bahrain if they approached the government. very lenient to criminals be it local or expat, clean parks, streets, etc. why people work to get these things right, but here Bahrainis don’t have to work hard to get all the things that millions of people all over the world just dreamed of. and you know why because they are not really Bahraini, their hearts and minds are glorifying Iran. they are not the real Bahrainis they are descendants of Iranians adopted wholeheartedly by the real Bahrainis. to you Mr. Wyden come here and live with us so you can feel how loving the real Bahrainis are. shame on you talking without knowing what you’re saying, how much Iran pay you huh? get real.
To Ann, shame on you talking about Bahrainis as they are not belonging to their land. We have very long history as Baharna probably before your grand ba know there alace called Bahrain , I am not sure about your origin and it is not my concern either. Bahraini people demands are crystal clear and any decent human being will agree with those demands. In the other hand any sectarian sick person will see it the way you have described.
In Bahrain,
The Prime minister is from Alkhalifa
3 out of 4 deputy Prime Ministers are from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Defense is from Alkhalifa family
State minister of Defense is from alkhalifa family
Minister of Interior is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Foreign Affairs is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Justice and Islamic affairs is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Finance is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Culture is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Media is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Cabinet Affairs is from Alkhalifa family
Minister of Royal Court is from Alkhalifa family
14 out of 14 of the Defense Board are from Alkhalifa family
Most of the highest judges are from Alkhalifa family
Out of 21 sport societies, 17 are headed by members of Alkhalifa family
Most of Bahrain including islands are owned by members of Alkhalifa family
WE WANT DEMOCRACY!!!! WE NEED DEMOCRACY!!!!
I believe that without answering the Bahraini people demand for democracy and full legitimate rights for proper representation, Bahrain is never going to settle down. This could lead to dis-stable the entire Gulf region. I doubt that when Alkhalifa have invited Saudi forces to assist them will be able to control. Simply and morally they have fallen down weak in the eyes of their own people. It is exactly like you bring your neighbors to discipline your kids. What will be left for you in their eyes and mind. (Not only your kids that you lost your legitimacy with but also your neighbors) Did any one thought about this? And asked…’After all, what is left for the Al-khalifa Clan in the eyes of Bahraini people after the Saudi interference? Did that was not a proof that they are really weak and not capable to control their tiny nation? THUS How much legitimacy left to them?
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