Bahrain heating up for uprising?

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Some historical reflections on relations between Arabs of present day Saudi Arabia and the Qarmatians (approx. present day Bahrain) can be found here.
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Two killed in Bahrain violence despite martial law

Two killed in Bahrain violence despite martial law

15 March 2011; BBC News

Video: A doctor said hundreds had been injured and ambulances seized by troops

At least two people have been killed and as many as 200 injured in clashes between anti-government demonstrators and security forces in Bahrain.

A doctor told the BBC he was treating many people with head and gunshot wounds, and that soldiers and police were using ambulances to attack people.

The violence came as the government announced a state of emergency and called in Saudi troops to keep order.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has appealed for calm and restraint.

"The use of force and violence from any source will only worsen the situation," she told reporters during a visit to the Egyptian capital, Cairo.

"Our advice to all sides is that they must take steps now to negotiation towards a political resolution," she added.

Mrs Clinton also said she had told Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Saud al-Faisal that "they, along with everyone else, need to be promoting the dialogue".

A diplomatic row has also flared over the issue, with Bahrain recalling its ambassador in Tehran and complaining of "blatant interference" in its affair because Iran had condemned the arrival of foreign forces.

'Occupation'

Earlier, Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa decreed that there would be a three-month state of emergency to help restore order.

At the scene


Caroline Hawley
BBC News, Manama


This is tense and edgy city; a place of fear. All afternoon, young men have been setting up barricades of sticks, stones and rubbish bins to protect themselves after the declaration of the state of emergency and the arrival of Saudi troops.

In some areas, the trouble has already begun. There has been violence in Shia neighbourhoods on the island, and scenes of pandemonium at Salmaniya hospital, where many of the injured have been brought. We saw an ambulance that had been shot at as it tried to pick up the wounded. Doctors have appealed for international help to ensure access for medics. And at one checkpoint set up by the protesters, a young man said: "Pray for us."

The Bahraini authorities say they are taking measures to restore calm and order, but it is clear here that it will come at a price. In this country, where a Sunni minority rules a Shia majority that has been pushing for change, sectarian tensions have been running dangerously high.
The head of the armed forces had been authorised to take all measures to "protect the safety of the country and its citizens", the announcement said.

On Monday, more than 1,000 troops from the Gulf Co-operation Council rolled into the country at the king's request, flashing victory signs.

Thousands of Bahrainis marched on the Saudi embassy in the capital, Manama, on Tuesday to protest against the intervention.

"People are angry. We want this occupation to end. We don't want anybody to help the Al Khalifa or us," a protester called Salman told the Reuters news agency, referring to the Sunni Muslim ruling family.

After the declaration of the state of emergency, many protesters set up barricades to protect themselves against the security forces. Young men, some wearing masks and carrying sticks, stood guard.

Later, there were violent clashes in several mainly Shia areas. In the village of Sitra, 15km (10 miles) south of Manama, police officers armed with shotguns fired on residents, a witness told the BBC.

Medics said more than 200 people had been injured in the clashes, and that two men - one Bahraini and the other Bangladeshi - had been killed.

State television said a Bahraini policeman was among the dead, denying media reports that a Saudi soldier had been shot and killed.

Bullet wounds

There were chaotic scenes at the Salmaniya medical centre, where many of the injured were brought.

A doctor at the medical centre's accident and emergency department said there were "many, many casualties".

"People are coming in with bullet wounds and injuries caused by rubber bullets. There are hundreds of people," he told the BBC. "We received one major case - a man whose skull had been split open by something."

Two other men were in a serious condition after being shot in the eyes, while a third had been shot in the back of the head, the doctor said.

"We were at the health centre in Sitra, and they shot at us. The doctors and nurses were all scared because the windows were being broken and we could hear the shooting. This is a disaster," he added.


Doctors have appealed for international help to ensure access to the wounded

He said police and soldiers - both Bahraini and foreign - had seized six ambulances, and then used them to attack protesters.

"The paramedics were kicked out, and they took the ambulances. They went everywhere in them and they were shooting people."

Other doctors appealed for international help to ensure access to the wounded. The BBC saw an ambulance that had been shot at.

The main Shia Muslim opposition group, al-Wefaq, condemned the state of emergency, and appealed for international help.

On Monday, it said the arrival of Gulf states troops - the first time that any Arab government has called for outside military help during the current wave of protests sweeping the region - was tantamount to a declaration of war.

Most members of Bahrain's majority Shia community majority community, which has long complained of discrimination and repression by the Sunni elite, say they want a constitutional monarchy and other democratic reforms. However, some have said they want a republic.


Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12751464
 

anoop_mig25

Senior Member
Joined
Aug 17, 2009
Messages
5,804
Likes
3,151
Country flag
Iran objects to foreign troops in Bahrain


(Reuters) - Iran called the arrival of Saudi troops in Bahrain unacceptable on Tuesday and urged the island kingdom to respond to pro-democracy demonstrators peacefully and without foreign intervention.

About 1,000 Saudi soldiers entered Bahrain on Monday to protect government facilities, a Saudi official source said, as part of an effort by the six-nation Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to help the government cope with protests.

"The presence of foreign forces and interference in Bahrain's internal affairs is unacceptable and will further complicate the issue," Foreign Ministry spokesman Ramin Mehmanparast said at his weekly news conference.

The arrival of the Saudi forces came after mostly Shi'ite demonstrators overwhelmed Bahraini police on Sunday and blocked the highway to the main financial district in the most violent confrontations since troops killed seven protesters last month.

Most Gulf Arab ruling families are Sunni and non-Arab Iran is the main Shi'ite power in the region. Accusations abound of Iranian backing for activists among the Shi'ite majority in Bahrain, a charge Tehran has denied.

Iran, which is facing down opposition protests at home, has welcomed uprisings across the Arab Middle East as an "Islamic awakening" against despotic rulers.

"People have some legitimate demands and they are expressing them peacefully. It should not be responded to violently ... and we expect their demands be fulfilled through correct means," Mehmanparast said on the situation in Bahrain.

Bahrain's Shi'ites have complained of discrimination by the Sunni ruling family.
if iran thinks its foreign intervention then i must use its link/resources from HAMAS to help bahrains shi`ites
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
^^ It is not clear what role Iran is playing. Iran did have contacts with Iraqi Shias when Saddam was ruling, but Saudi Royals are US allies and Iran, if at all it does anything, will try to keep it as covert as possible.
 

civfanatic

Retired
Ambassador
Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
4,562
Likes
2,570
Iran should send weapons to Bahraini rebels and help them fight off the Saudis.

Those people have been oppressed long enough.

In the best-case scenario, a successful revolution in Bahrain (in the mold of Egypt) will spread to the other Gulf countries, and cause a complete political reshuffling. I have my fingers crossed.
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Iran should send weapons to Bahraini rebels and help them fight off the Saudis.

Those people have been oppressed long enough.

In the best-case scenario, a successful revolution in Bahrain (in the mold of Egypt) will spread to the other Gulf countries, and cause a complete political reshuffling. I have my fingers crossed.
I agree. Bahrainins have been oppressed for way too long. However, they do not stand a chance against the joint Saudi and UAE forces. Moreover, Gulf Co-operation Council will typically have a pro-Sunni stand due to the demographics of the member countries. A big power, like Russia or PRC has to come to their aid if King Hamad is to be dislodged from his throne.
 
Last edited:

Virendra

Ambassador
Joined
Oct 16, 2010
Messages
4,697
Likes
3,041
Country flag
I can see Gaddafi's troops retaking the towns one after the other. Makes me a little pessimistic about the uprisings, for whether people would achieve what they want :(

Regards,
Virendra
 

KS

Bye bye DFI
Senior Member
Joined
Aug 3, 2010
Messages
8,005
Likes
5,758
Iran should send weapons to Bahraini rebels and help them fight off the Saudis.

Those people have been oppressed long enough.

In the best-case scenario, a successful revolution in Bahrain (in the mold of Egypt) will spread to the other Gulf countries, and cause a complete political reshuffling. I have my fingers crossed.
Are we getting a little too optimistic ? Democratic Arab governments are never in the interests of India.

The normal Arabs hate the sub-continentals and especially Indians and Sri Lankans more because of our idealogy. It will be good if the Middle East remains in the hand of 'Sheikhs' and 'Emirs' until oil runs out.
 

Ray

The Chairman
Professional
Joined
Apr 17, 2009
Messages
43,132
Likes
23,834
Saudis, who are Sunnis, could have allow the Shia majority of Bahrain to take over the country, which they could have taken over.

If Bahrain became Shia, then the whole of East Arabia including East Saudi Arabia (less other Gulf Sultanates) would have become Shia! All then all the oil would be Shia controlled and the Sunnis would become irrelevant!

It also would be in the interest of the US.

It must be remembered that Iran is the Shia theological centre and a Shia beacon.
 

amoy

Senior Member
Joined
Jan 17, 2010
Messages
5,982
Likes
1,849
I can see Gaddafi's troops retaking the towns one after the other. Makes me a little pessimistic about the uprisings, for whether people would achieve what they want
IMO the fact that Qaddafi is regaining ground quickly may have given Saudi / Bahrain monarchs an inspiration that they can crack down on the opposition if they have guts, while big powers would just do some lip service at best. Or most likely it's been endorsed by the US already. What democracy? It's in the best interest of the US those "friendly" Gulf Sheikhs/Emirs stay in power

IMO Russia and China now shall show hands to back Qaddafi the winner for a nice cut in Libya's post-war reconstruction.
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Bahrain crackdown on protests in Manama's Pearl Square

Bahrain crackdown on protests in Manama's Pearl Square

16 March 2011; BBC News

Video: Watch: The BBC's Caroline Hawley: "The city is in complete lockdown"

Security forces with tanks have overrun a square in the centre of Bahrain's capital Manama where anti-government protesters have been camped for weeks.

At least three civilians were reportedly killed after police fired on mainly Shia protesters. Officials said three police also died.

Troops have taken over a hospital treating the wounded. Officials have imposed a curfew and banned protests.

The country's Sunni rulers on Tuesday called in Saudi troops to keep order.

US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton said that Gulf states were on the "wrong track" in sending in troops to Bahrain.

"We find what's happening in Bahrain alarming. We think that there is no security answer to the aspirations and demands of the demonstrators," she said in an interview with CBS.

They are all around Salmaniya medical complex with their guns and they are shooting anybody"

Doctor
Salmaniya hospital
Bahrain's health minister, himself a Shia, has resigned in protest against the government's use of force, and the BBC's Caroline Hawley in Manama says Shia judges have resigned en masse.

Bahrain - which has a population of 800,000 and is home to the US Navy's Fifth Fleet - is the first Gulf country to be thrown into turmoil by the wave of unrest sweeping the Arab world. Protests there began last month.

In other developments:

  • The largest Shia opposition group, Wefaq, has urged followers to avoid confrontation with authorities, and said it had not organised any protests, Reuters news agency reports
  • Senior Bahrain opposition MP Abdul Jalil Khalil, quoted by Reuters, described the crackdown as a "war of annihilation"
  • President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad of Iran, the major Shia power in the region, said the crackdown was unjustifiable and irreparable, and blamed the US
  • The country's stock market said it had closed until further notice. Two of Bahrain's main banks - Standard Chartered and HSBC Holdings - said they had closed all their branches

It is not clear whether soldiers from other Gulf states are taking part in the crackdown, but there are indications that the Saudi troops are being kept in reserve.

Analysis


Jonathan Marcus
BBC Diplomatic Correspondent


The Saudis appear terrified that the unrest could spread to the Shia areas in the eastern part of their country. Hence the decision to despatch elements of the Saudi National Guard, across the causeway into Bahrain.

Saudi Arabia has a history of intervening militarily to quell Shia unrest around its borders. Saudi forces, for example, crossed into Yemen in 2009.

The Saudis also have wider regional concerns, fearing an Iranian hand in promoting the Shia unrest. Some analysts fear that seeing events simply through this Iranian/Shia-Sunni prism has prompted a policy that may stifle unrest, but will not deal with its fundamental causes.


The Obama administration has been urging reform on Bahrain's rulers. The US and the Saudis are clearly not on the same page in this crisis. And for now it is Riyadh rather than Washington that has the ear of Bahrain's royal family.
After security forces moved in on Wednesday, plumes of black smoke rose as tents burned in Pearl Square, the centre of the protests.

There was a call for further protests mid-afternoon. But shortly afterwards a military officer announced a 1600 (1300 GMT) - 0400 curfew live on TV, to start just a half hour later, and there were no reports of further demonstrations.

The crackdown comes a day after King Hamad Bin Isa al-Khalifa declared a three-month state of emergency. At least two people died in clashes on Tuesday and more than 200 were injured.

On Wednesday, protesters had set up barricades in the square but they were no match for the military, our correspondent says.

An eyewitness, Dalal, told the BBC that police were firing rubber bullets at tents in the square, and set fire to cooking oil.

"People began retreating," she said. "When the police saw that we were moving they ran towards us."

Video: Manama doctor claims security forces are preventing the injured from receiving treatment

The security forces then moved into Manama's financial district, reopening roads which had been blocked by protesters.

Sources at the Salmaniya hospital said it had been surrounded by troops, and no-one was being allowed in or out. The wounded are now reportedly being treated in mosques or at home.

'Terrified'

A doctor there told the BBC that she and her colleagues were hiding from troops who had taken over the building and were shooting at people inside the hospital, threatening the doctors with live ammunition.

"They are all around Salmaniya medical complex with their guns and they are shooting anybody," she said.

Mid-East unrest: Bahrain


Map of the Region

King Hamad, 61, has been in power since 1999
Population 800,000; land area 717 sq km, or 100 times smaller than Irish Republic
A population with a median age of 30.4 years, and a literacy rate of 91%
Youth unemployment at 19.6%
Gross national income per head: $25,420 (World Bank 2009)
Protests: Country by country
Country profile: Bahrain
Meanwhile a surgeon told the BBC's Bill Law that he had been called to a private hospital to operate on a man with gunshot wounds but was forced to turn back.

He said government claims that protesters were not being denied treatment were false.

"I am terrified," he added. "This is a genocide directed against the Shia."

Human rights groups said live rounds had been used in some parts of the city.

There are reports of dozens injured but our correspondent says it is difficult to get any sense of casualty numbers.

Seven people had been killed during a month of protests prior to Tuesday's clashes.

The Shia majority complain of economic hardship, lack of political freedom and discrimination in jobs in favour of Sunnis.

The king has reshuffled his cabinet but has not replaced the prime minister of more than 40 years, Sheikh Khalifah ibn Salman al-Khalifah.

The protesters were inspired by the recent uprisings in Tunisia and Egypt, whose long-serving presidents were forced from power after weeks of demonstrations.


Manama, capital of Bahrain.

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-middle-east-12755852
 
Last edited:

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Obama calls Saudi, Bahraini kings to discuss crackdown

Obama calls Saudi, Bahraini kings to discuss crackdown

PTI | Mar 17, 2011; BBC News

WASHINGTON: US President Barack Obama has called King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia and King Hamad of Bahrain to discuss the current situation in Bahrain after a cracked down on anti-government protesters.

"The President expressed his deep concern over the violence in Bahrain and stressed the need for maximum restraint," White House Press Secretary Jay Carney said.

During the telephonic conversation, Obama also stressed the importance of a political process as the only way to peacefully address the legitimate grievances of Bahrainis and to lead to a Bahrain that is stable, just, more unified and responsive to its people, Carney said.

Obama held the telephone conversation after Bahraini authorities launched a crackdown on opposition demonstrators in Manama, killing six people.

Also, Obama reiterated his support for the national dialogue initiative led by Bahraini Crown Prince Salman.

Obama, during the telephonic conversation, expressed his concern directly to the King of Bahrain and called on the government there to follow the national dialogue initiative that is being led by the Bahraini Crown Prince.

"He believes and expressed this to those two leaders, as he has to others in the region that there is no military solution to the problems in Bahrain," Carney said.

"There is no means of violence that will solve the unrest in the region, in any country; and that the future of those countries will be immeasurably brighter if the governments there engage in a political dialogue with the people, allow for a democratic transition, precisely in order to answer the legitimate aspirations and grievances of their people so that those countries can thrive politically and economically in the future," Carney said.

Carney said Obama believes that the government of Bahrain needs to show restraint in its dealing with the people there, and that all sides need to show restraint, to refrain from violence, and to engage in a dialogue.

"He believes that that is the right course for the government of Bahrain and it's the right course for the governments in the region," he said.

Army and riot police in Baharin yesterday cracked down on anti-government protesters driving them out from the Pearl square in the heart of Bahrain capital leaving six people dead in firing and clashes, days after a Saudi-led force marched into the nation to bolster the Baharinian government.

Source: http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/...-to-discuss-crackdown/articleshow/7724028.cms
 

Tronic

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 30, 2009
Messages
1,915
Likes
1,282
Are we getting a little too optimistic ? Democratic Arab governments are never in the interests of India.

The normal Arabs hate the sub-continentals and especially Indians and Sri Lankans more because of our idealogy. It will be good if the Middle East remains in the hand of 'Sheikhs' and 'Emirs' until oil runs out.
India has had excellent relations with all Arab countries which have not been ruled by Sheikhs and Emirs. Egypt and Syria are two such examples. Iraq was another one, though that can be argued that it was due to Saddam. History has shown that Arabs who are not ruled by Sheikhs and Emirs have been leftists and socialists, making good friends with India.
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Bangladeshis complain of Bahrain rally 'coercion'

Bangladeshis complain of Bahrain rally 'coercion'

17 March 2011; BBC News


The Bangladeshi community says that parts of Bahrain are "danger areas"

Some Bangladeshi expatriates in Bahrain say they have been forced to take part in pro-government rallies.

They have told the BBC that their enforced participation has provoked retaliatory attacks from the country's majority Shia population.

A Bangladeshi community leader said that two expatriate workers had been killed on Tuesday and shops owned by Bangladeshis were attacked.

The authorities in Bahrain have not commented on the claims.

There are 100,000 Bangladeshi expatriate workers in Bahrain, more than 300,000 Indian expatriate workers, 60,000 Pakistanis and about 30,000 Nepalis.

India and Nepal both say that their citizens are safe, but advised them to keep a low profile.

Pakistan says there are no plans to repatriate its nationals despite reports that a Pakistani was killed and four others were injured by protesters in the capital city, Manama, on Sunday.

Correspondents say that the position of Bangladeshis and Pakistanis in Bahrain is especially dangerous because they are Sunni Muslims caught up in what is partly a sectarian conflict.

'Worried'

Bangladeshi expatriates estimate that about 50,000 Bangladeshis are living in the "danger area" in and around Manama.

They say that many of these people are shopkeepers who have not been able to leave their houses for three days.

Fazlul Karim, president of the Society for Bangladeshi Workers in Bahrain, told the BBC Bengali service that some expatriates in the capital had recently been forced to take part in pro-government rallies and had afterwards been attacked by Shia protesters.

He said the only thing that all expatriates wanted was better security so that they could leave their homes in safety and return to their jobs.

The authorities in the island state have not commented on the claims, although they have repeatedly stressed that they will do their utmost to protect innocent expatriates caught up in the violence.

But Bangladeshi community leaders say that the security forces are nowhere to be seen in many parts of Manama.

"We are a little worried," Mohammed Sayeed, President of the Bahrain Bangladesh Society said.

"If the situation gets any worse thousands of people will want to leave."

Source: http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/world-south-asia-12773696
 

ejazr

Ambassador
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
4,523
Likes
1,388
Powered By Ahimsa
Bahrainis look to Gandhi's non-violent means in the face of mounting repression

Before Saudi Arabian troops swarmed into Bahrain on March 14-15, the Pearl Roundabout in the capital city of Manama offered a sight familiar to most Indians—thousands of people, sitting under flags, placards and banners, demanding political reforms. Amidst the banners could be glimpsed more than a handful of portraits of Mahatma Gandhi, whose model of non-violent protest and dogged determination are fast catching the imagination of the Arab youth clamouring for freedom and democracy in their respective countries.

It won't be hyperbole to say, Gandhi has arrived in Bahrain, inspiring its populace to challenge the might of Bahrain's authoritarian regime.

It's the spirit of Gandhi that seems to have taken possession of Mohammed Al-Maskati, who's the president of the Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights, which is among the organisations spearheading the demonstrations in Bahrain. Al-Maskati's voice betrays neither anxiety nor fear as he watches from the window of his house Saudi tanks rumble on the streets of Manama and white-helmeted security personnel toss teargas canisters, fire rubber bullets and wield batons to drive out protesters from the Pearl Roundabout. He told Outlook over the telephone, "Was Gandhi scared then? He wasn't, nor will we be till we achieve our goal through non-violent means." India, observers say, is seen as a role model in Bahrain, as also in the larger Arab world, for its vibrant democracy, pluralistic society and increasing economic power.

It was, therefore, incongruous for many protesters in Bahrain to discover hundreds of people from the land of the Mahatma joining the rally organised to show solidarity with the ruling family. A commentator on a local Indian FM radio even extolled the virtues of remaining on the right side of King Al-Khalifa. A light rap on the knuckles of Indian community leaders by ambassador Mohan Kumar quickly brought about a course correction. As one of them told Outlook, "It was a mistake on the part of those who joined the rally. We are guests here, we have come here to work, we should not get involved in local politics."

Prolonged instability is inimical to Indians, who fear it could deprive them of their jobs and adversely impact their businesses. In a situation changing rapidly every two hours, the demonstration of loyalty to the king could incur the Indians the wrath of the local populace. And though martial law has been clamped down on Bahrain and activists are being hounded, the contours of the future political arrangement aren't clear yet. Saudi Arabia's intervention, for sure, has diminished the chances of a negotiated settlement between the king and the opposition. In fact, those Bahrainis who earlier favoured a constitutional monarchy now reportedly want King Khalifa's ouster.

Saudi Arabia's sudden presence in Bahrain has complicated the scenario in the Arab world, as it has for the Indians there. True, a provision in the charter of the Gulf Cooperation Council allows member-states to come to the assistance of each other, but this is the first time Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have sent troops to a GCC country, ostensibly to protect Bahrain's oil installations. Yet, this rhetoric can't conceal Saudi Arabia's real intent—an armed intervention to ensure the growing democratic storm doesn't blow away a friendly regime. This could well become a precedent for 'cooperation' in a region witnessing its own version of the Spring Revolution.

Saudi Arabia claims Iran has been fanning the democratic upsurge in Shia-dominated Bahrain, which Riyadh views as its own sphere of influence. Similarly, Tehran used to consider Bahrain as the 14th province of Iran. Despite Riyadh's attempt to raise the bogey of Iran, there's no evidence to suggest it's really Tehran's hand that's rocking Bahrain.

Observers feel that the Saudis, through their intervention, are drawing a definite 'red line'—that it will not allow regime change under popular pressure in the Gulf. Says an observer in the region, "It is a desperate attempt by the Saudis to stem the flow of history in the Gulf." Agrees a senior diplomat based in Riyadh, "It is clear that the Saudis do not want a Tahrir Square in the Gulf."

From the time Bahrain erupted, Saudi Arabia has been nervous. For one, Bahrain is joined by a causeway with Saudi Arabia's oil-rich province of Dammam, which too has a sizeable Shia population. Unrest in Bahrain could well reverberate in Dammam and gradually have effects across Saudi Arabia, challenging the legitimacy of the House of Sauds, which has been ruling the country from its inception in 1932. The Saudis look upon Bahrain as their recreational retreat, driving every weekend to enjoy its relatively more liberal atmosphere. It's in Bahrain again that many expats working in Saudi Arabia's oil installations Arabia station their families, availing the excellent educational facilities there.

Does this armed Saudi intervention dash the hope of political reforms that many Gulf monarchies were contemplating? No, insist diplomats, arguing that it is impossible to suppress the popular will without satisfying the demand for political reforms in some measure. As such, indications are that the region will remain on the boil, posing serious challenges for India, which has some 5.5 million expats living in the region, including over four lakh in Bahrain. Add to this the fact that the region meets 90 per cent of India's energy needs. "Some say the situation will be under control in the next two days, others warn it will deteriorate further," a senior Indian diplomat in Bahrain told Outlook. Among the measures thought of is to send families back home once the schools close down for summer vacation.

Considering India's dependence on the region, New Delhi won't condemn the Saudi intervention in Bahrain, nor issue statements in support of pro-democracy forces a la Egypt and Libya. Nor has the United States and other western powers, which had sung paeans to democracy at the time a million people converged on Cairo's Tahrir Square.

It's a globally valid truism: oil tastes sweeter than freedom. Only, the Gandhis of the world don't think so.
 

ejazr

Ambassador
Joined
Oct 8, 2009
Messages
4,523
Likes
1,388
Its a difficult situation,

On the one hand Liberalism would dictate that a move towards a more democratic society, alongwith economic interdependance and inter-governmental co-operation will be a net positive for India and the Arab people in general. On the other hand, realism would dictate that instability would result in another unnecessary worry for Indian interests espicially keeping in mind trade and oil linkages as well as the fact that we have about 6-7 million Indians in the GCC region.

The best thing would probably be to not get military involved on either side citing the issue as an internal matter, but privately urge the GCC govt. to bring about democratic reforms. For example the UAE will hold its second parlimentary elections in September. The same can be done in SA and Bahrain as part of resolving the crisis.
 

pmaitra

Senior Member
Joined
Mar 10, 2009
Messages
33,262
Likes
19,593
Quick question: Qatar is an Indian protectorate. India has promised to help Qatar if they require it. What if something similar happens there? Will India back the government or the people?
 
Last edited:

civfanatic

Retired
Ambassador
Joined
Sep 8, 2009
Messages
4,562
Likes
2,570
Quick question: Qatar is an Indian protectorate. India has promised to help Qatar if they require it. What is something similar happens there? Will India back the government or the people?
I believe India is obligated to protect Qatar from external threats only.
 

Latest Replies

Global Defence

New threads

Articles

Top