It is becoming fashionable to ignite protests for “democratic reforms” in many West Asian countries. Now, Bahrain is afflicted with this fad and virus. However, Bahrain does not have grinding levels of poverty or unemployment that prevail in many African and Asian countries, or even some Arab countries like Yemen.
Bahrain is a rich country with outstanding infrastructure, and is one of the finest I have visited regularly for work. It is always clean, well-manicured, peaceful and well-organised. The locals are warm, hospitable and courteous. Bahrain has an excellent civic infrastructure, broad roads, excellent hotels, restaurants and hyper markets. It has a world-class airport. The bridge that connects Bahrain with Saudi Arabia, the King Fahd causeway, is a significant achievement for the country, fostering tourism, trade and business. The 25-km long bridge is the longest in West Asia.
I am, therefore, very sorry to read about the disturbances in Bahrain. The protests in Tunisia and Egypt had an economic base. But Bahrainis are not poor. The country’s per capita income is as high as $38,400.
The King of Bahrain, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has been a tireless champion of democratic reforms. He also facilitated Bahrain’s transformation from a hereditary emirate to a constitutional monarchy. He abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which permit the government to detain individuals without trial for up to three years. Also, the King is a practical ruler who has modernised the country where women are free to study, drive, work and dress as they deem fit.
Some TV news channels are sensationalising events, merely focusing on the demonstrations, without providing a complete picture of the country and its achievements. And many protestors are bring mesmerised by the new electronic toys of our times like Facebook.
Rajendra K Aneja, Dubai
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