Posted on 02/14/2011 7:51:30 AM PST by SomeCallMeTim
Anti-government activists are reported to be planning to stage nationwide demonstrations against the ruling al-Khalifa family on 13 -14 February. The protests are reportedly referred to on social networking websites as The 14 February Revolution in Bahrain', and organisers claim they are not associated with any pre-existing political group or movement.
The gatherings are likely to focus on government buildings in the capital Manama, such as the interior ministry in the west of the city. Other potential rally venues are Exhibition Road, the Ras Ruman mosque near the Diplomatic Area in the north of the city, the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Juffair and the Bahrain Mall area. Outside Manama, demonstrations may be held on Sitra island, as well as in the mainly Shia towns and villages of Samaheej, Sanabis, Tubli, Sar, Sitra, Maameer, Malkiya and Karzakan. While tight security is likely to contain any disturbances during the rally, there is a credible risk of scuffles between participants and the security forces which could pose incidental risks to bystanders.
The calls for the 14 February protests come in the wake of a wave of popular protests in North Africa and the Middle East, inspired by the dramatic ousting of Tunisian president Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali on 14 January. Opposition activity has since been most significant in Egypt, with that country's president Hosni Mubarak currently facing major demonstrations and repeated calls for his immediate resignation. The organisers of the 14 February gatherings have reportedly juxtaposed the image of head of state King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa with those of Ben Ali and Mubarak on promotional web pages, illustrating how opponents of the ruling regime have been emboldened to act by recent events abroad.
This note for forwarded to me from our sales agent who works in Bahrain. All internet has been shut down in Bahrain today... he had to email from his home in Saudi.
it is coming here soon.
We have a naval base in Bahrain. It is one of the more liberal countries in the Gulf allowing women to drive and the sale of alcohol. The Saudis built a causeway to Bahrain so they could drive there and party. Bahrain has a large Shi’a population (about 2/3). The ruling family is Sunni. I would be very concerned about an Iranian influence in these demonstrations.
Yep.. just as soon as 43 Million people get their food stamp payments reduced...
No question... the Iranians are also PO'd at Bahrain because they are developing the gas fields that sit between them... and, Iran can get it's act together to do so.
As the more enlightened nations like Bahrain and Saudi Arabia see unrest on their streets, it will be interesting to watch Obama and our press rejoice at the upheaval.
This guy’s true colors are more clear each and every day.
And of course, even ten protesters will be deemed to be speaking for the nation.
The “Day of rage” was coined by the Weathermen and SDS and first used in 1969 Chicago.
“Days of Rage in Chicago - Dohrn & Ayers 1969 Weathermen (Obama’s buddies)”
http://www.freerepublic.com/focus/f-chat/2065681/posts
“it is coming here soon.”
Muslims, the parasitic enttilement class or Tea Party?
entitlement
leftists, parasites, Muslims. Stupid gullible twentysomethings too.
Sure hope so. Elections don't do jack.
it is coming here soon.
Yep.. just as soon as 43 Million people get their food stamp payments reduced...
>>>>>>>>>>>>
And that’s only the beginning of the coming “austerity”.
It was very liberal back in ‘92 when I was there as well..Fond memories of Bahrain.
Bahrain, yes. The Kingdom, not so much. In MANY regards, Saudi Arabia is even more backwards than Iran. Iran has a flourishing, though underground, hipster culture. That is to say, that there is a HUGE student population that is much less inclined to theocracy than their counterparts in Saudi. Iran, especially Tehran, is remarkably cosmopolitan (relative to the region). There is nothing cosmopolitan in The Kingdom.
The only thing enlightened about Saudi (and this may have been your point), is that they aren't waging open war on Israel, although the wahhabism that dominates the Sunnis in Saudi, probably is the most virulent and violent form of Muslim extremism.
I've been there several times in the last 10-years. I liked it too. It the entire Middle East was like Bahrain, the world would be in a much better place.
They have slowly embraced democratic reforms over the last decade or longer, which has allowed them to more carefully manage the process. Minority voices are given actual voice in their parliamentary system, which really helps to reduce the "heat" of their political climate.
In many ways, they're a great model for others in the region to follow.
Okay, then you think that Bahrain and Saudi Arabia are two of the most repressive governments in the region. Okay, good to know. I don’t share your views on that.
It makes me wonder if Iran (or others) have been planning this for a while and setting up organizational infrastructure, as a way to reduce/isolate US influence in the region.
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