Governance, Human Rights and American Interests in Bahrain

Middle East Policy Council

Remarks by H.E. Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Alkhalifa, international media advisor, Information Affairs Authority for the Kingdom of Bahrain, Dr. Kristin Smith Diwan, assistant professor of comparative and regional studies at the School of International Service at American University and Professor Stephen King, associate professor and comparative field chair at Georgetown University, presented at the Middle East Policy Council’s round table discussion, “Governance, Human Rights and American Interests in Bahrain,” on Thursday, March 31st, 2011. The discussion was moderated by Dr. Thomas Mattair, executive director at the Middle East Policy Council, and was attended by thirty Washington based Middle East experts and journalists.

Statement by H.E. Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Alkhalifa

H.E. Shaikh Abdulaziz bin Mubarak Alkhalifa

International media advisor, Information Affairs Authority for the Kingdom of Bahrain

I fully recognise the importance of these events to help clarify situations, understand the complexities of global events and share thoughts and experience. It is through such events that policy can be forged that is fully reflective of the needs, pressures and demands inherent in state politics and international affairs.

I hope that I will be able to give you a fresh perspective on current events in Bahrain and, perhaps, a more insightful look at where my country is at the present time than you may have seen from the international media in recent weeks.

What is not in doubt is that Bahrain has gone through a challenging period, which we are emerging from gradually.

> Keep Reading

The Failed Revolution

Kristin Smith Diwan

Assistant Professor, American University School of International Service

Unlike the successful or ongoing revolutions in North Africa, Bahrain’s revolt has been successfully repressed. Still the repercussion in reform deferred and sectarianism unleashed may be just as consequential for the Gulf and for America’s standing there.

In February the wave of Arab rebellions hit the shores of the Gulf in the tiny island nation of Bahrain. For several weeks pro-democracy activists took to the streets in overwhelmingly peaceful protests that brought the spirit of the Arab Spring to this critical oil-exporting subregion of the Middle East. Six weeks later the movement is in shambles with dozens of protestors killed, hundreds jailed, and many others in hiding. Saudi National Guard troops, part of a GCC Peninsula Shield Force invited into the country by the Bahraini ruling family to help put down the rebellion, remain in the country which is now officially under martial law.

> Keep Reading

The Constitutional Monarchy Option in Bahrain

Stephen Juan King

Associate Professor of Government at Georgetown University

Both republics and monarchies are threatened by the popular protests currently engulfing the Middle East and North Africa. However, the monarchies have an additional option not available to the region’s republics. Once challenged by large and mounting popular protests, the republics can harshly repress, killing thousands, or breakdown completely, as in the cases of Egypt and Tunisia. Monarchies, on the other hand, have the additional option of a transition to constitutional monarchies, in which they fade away in terms of the exercise of power while maintaining considerable prestige, popularity and relevance. In the turmoil of the times, the king of Morocco, Muhammad VI, and King Hamad of Bahrain have both responded to protests by promising a transition to constitutional monarchy. Muhammad VI has done this by announcing plans for comprehensive constitutional changes to implement the transition.

> Keep Reading