· December, 2007

Stories about Bahrain from December, 2007

Arabeyes: Sad for Bhutto

  31 December 2007

News of the murder of former Pakistani Prime Minister Benazir Bhutto was received with shock across the Middle East. Bloggers reacted in awe, shock, anger and submission to the hopelessness of the human race.

Bahrain: Reactions after the riots and arrests

  31 December 2007

In another special roundup, we have the reactions of Bahrain's bloggers to the events of the last few weeks, when rioting took place after the death of a demonstrator during a commemoration of 'Martyrs' Day', and many were subsequently arrested.

Bahrain: The debt owed to the Indians of the Gulf

  23 December 2007

This is the second post from Bahrain this week; the first covered various celebrations, and demonstrations. In this post we'll be examining the official population statistics, hearing about a frustrating experience in Saudi Arabia, seeing what role graffiti can play in political mobilisation, and acknowledging the debt owed to South Asians in the Gulf.

Bahrain: Riot Police Burn House

  22 December 2007

Bahraini blogger Hayathoo (Ar) was at the heart of riots in Bahrain. This video shows youth being attacked by riot police, who also burned a house in the area.

Bahrain: Celebrations, commemorations, and demonstrations

  21 December 2007

Bahrain is approaching the end of a ten-day holiday to celebrate both its National Day and Eid Al Adha, which has seen tragedy as well as joy. December 16 is Bahrain’s National Day, and the following day celebrates the King’s accession to the throne (عيد الجلوس), but it is also a day on which the opposition mark ‘Martyrs’ Day’, commemorating the people who died during the 1990s while fighting for political reform. During demonstrations this year one man died, creating another 'martyr', and increasing tension on the streets of the kingdom.

Bahrain: Demonstrator Dies

  18 December 2007

A Bahraini taking part in a demonstration to mark Martyr's Day has died, reports Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif. Reports say that the deceased died due to tear gas exposure, while the Ministry on Interior says he died of a heart attack. Rioting continues in Bahrain.

Bahrain: A tenfold increase in population?!

  15 December 2007

This time the roundup from Bahrain covers three weeks. We have frustration on every front, unfortunately: frustration with being surrounded by apathy and ignorance, with being a teenager, and with a ludicrous criminal charge. One blogger is considering leaving the Gulf for a better life back in India, another admits he rarely reads, and a number of others are debating the merits of secularism.

Bahrain: Country on Holiday

  13 December 2007

Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif announced that the country officially on holiday for 10 days – to mark National Day and Eid al Adha.

Bahrain: Human Rights Activists Faces Trial

  13 December 2007

A Bahraini human rights activist is being prosecuted in Bahrain for illegally setting up a society, reports the Free Kareem website. Mohammed Al Maskati is a supporter of jailed Egyptian blogger Kareem Nabeel Sulaiman.

Bahrain: Fikr 6 – Changing the World

  11 December 2007

Last week I was privileged to attend Fikr 6, a conference organised by the Arab Thought Foundation: In keeping with the mission of the Arab Thought Foundation to promote the unique culture and values of the Arab people, Fikr 6: Arab Strategies For the Global Era will assemble the smartest...

Bahrain: Iran's Uranium Enrichment

  5 December 2007

Bahraini blogger Mahmood Al Yousif shares his thoughts on Iran's nuclear programme, in the light of a new document which says that Iran has shelved its programme in 2003 and is only pursuing uranium enrichment for peaceful purposes.

Bahrain: Petition for Human Rights Activist

  5 December 2007

The Arab Program for Human Rights has launched a petition in solidarity with Bahraini human rights activist Mohammed Al Maskati, who is facing trial for operating the Bahrain Youth Society Human Rights without a government permit. Mideast Youth hosts it here.