Yacoub Al-Slaise

Currently covering the Bahrain protests for Global Voices. Currently based in Nagoya, Japan. Fascinated by the field of Social Informatics

Email Yacoub Al-Slaise

Latest posts by Yacoub Al-Slaise

Bahrain: Expats’ Part to Play

Like all GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) member states, Bahrain depends greatly on foreign workforce especially from South Asian countries in both high and low level jobs. According to the Bahrain 2010 census, the expat community makes a slight majority with 51 per cent of Bahrain's 1.2 million strong population. An Indian expatriate shares her thoughts in this post.

21 March 2011

Bahrain: Bloody Crackdowns on Villages

On Tuesday, before King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa announced a State of National Security giving powers to the army and other forces to secure the country, police carried out crackdowns across a number of villages in the central area in Bahrain.

16 March 2011

Bahrain: State of National Security Called

On Tuesday March 15, 2011, one month after protests started on the February 14 in Bahraini capital Manama, His Highness King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa announced a State of National Security, giving full power to the army to protect national security.

15 March 2011

Bahrain: Hit and Run at Protest

During Monday afternoon's protest at the Bahrain Financial Harbour, a hit and run incident occurred in which three protesters were injured. On Twitter, the discussion continued well into the night on what happened, with different people suggesting various scenarios. Later at night, videos were circulated showing how the accident happened.

7 March 2011

Bahrain: When Geeks Protest

On Saturday a group of IT specialists held a anti government rally raising “geeky” signs and slogans. Tweep Jalal Al-Jazeeri @JTheIslander, an IT geek himself, was on location and tweeted these photos showing some of the most creative signs.

5 March 2011

Bahrain: Hamad Town Fight Sparks Rumours and Sectarianism

On Thursday night, a fight broke out in Hamad Town, southwest of Manama, between youths which later escalated to larger numbers with reports saying over 200 joined the fight using wood blocks, metal bars, knives and even swords. Here is how the incident played out on social media platforms.

4 March 2011

Bahrain: Schools Break Out in Protest (Videos)

A number of secondary (high) schools broke out into anti-government protests across Bahrain on Tuesday March 1. Both boys' and girls' schools in Isa Town, Hamad Town and Jidhafs marched out of their schools in the middle of the school day in support of protesters camping at Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout.

2 March 2011

Bahrain: Two Separate Rallies for National Unity

Peaceful protesting continued in Bahrain on Tuesday as seven of the main opposition groups organized a National Unity rally towards Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout. On Wednesday, a different rally is planned by another group called the Gathering of National Unity, with their own demands.

1 March 2011

Bahrain: Protests Block National Assembly Building

Anti government protesters on Monday morning blocked the National Council building where both Parliament and the Shura (Consultative) Councils hold their weekly sessions. The reason for the protest in front of the National Assembly is to topple the bicameral system in addition to the protesters' other demands for a new constitution and the toppling of the regime.

28 February 2011

Oman: Protests Continue in Sohar

The waves of Arab revolt have reached the shores of Oman as hundreds of Omanis take to the streets in calls for reform and the end of corruption in different areas across the Sultanate. The killing of protesters by riot police sparked more anger - as protesters burned property in retaliation.

28 February 2011

Bahrain: Minor Ministerial Changes

Ministerial changes were announced in Bahrain last night to appease protesters calling for reforms since February 14. Here are reactions to the changes, which are yet to be officially announced.

26 February 2011

Bahrain: Day of Mourning Observed

Friday (Feb 25) was officially announced as a 'Day of Mourning' for all the martyrs who have fallen since Bahrain's Day of Wrath protests, which started on February 14th 2011. Netizens reflect on the day.

26 February 2011

Bahrain: The TAKBEER Guy Meme

In an unexpected result of Bahrain's ongoing Day of Wrath protests, the social media community came together and created Bahrain's first bonafide internet meme: TAKBEEER Guy.

25 February 2011

Bahrain: Loyalty to the Martyrs

Since Saturday, anti government protesters have been protesting peacefully and freely at Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout. Today marked the eighth day of Bahrain's Day of Wrath protests, as Bahrain's opposition parties organized a mass march from Bahrain Mall to Pearl (Lulu) Roundabout as a sign of loyalty to the eight fallen martyrs from the protests.

22 February 2011

Bahrain: Coming Out in Numbers in Search for Unity

A week has passed since protests broke in the capital Manama on February 14, 2011, calling for real democracy in the Kingdom. Seven men have lost their lives, with the latest martyr Abdulredha Mohammed passing away on Monday in Salmaniya Hospital after being shot by military forces on Friday.

21 February 2011