Latest posts by Ayesha Saldanha from December, 2007
Bahrain: Reactions after the riots and arrests
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
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: Celebrations, commemorations, and demonstrations
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: A tenfold increase in population?!
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: Fikr 6 – Changing the World
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...
