Protest gathers strength in Bahrain
Source: Agencies |
February 17, 2011, Thursday
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PROTESTERS demanding sweeping political reforms from Bahrain's rulers held their ground yesterday in an Egypt-style occupation of the capital's landmark square, staging a third day of demonstrations that have brought unprecedented pressure in one of Washington's most strategic allies in the Gulf.
Security forces have pulled back sharply - apparently on orders to ease tensions - after clashes that left at least two people dead and dozens injured. Police helicopters, however, flew low over a major funeral procession for one of the victims in which mourners called him a "martyr" and pledged more protests in the island nation - where the US Navy's 5th Fleet is based.
Thousands of people spent the night in a makeshift tent camp in Manama's Pearl Square, which was swarmed by demonstrators a day earlier.
The protests began on Monday as a cry for the country's Sunni monarchy to loosen its grip, including hand-picking most top government posts, and open more opportunities for the country's majority Shiites. Shiites have long complained of being blocked from decision-making roles in the country.
But the uprising's demands have steadily reached further. Many protesters are calling for the government to provide more jobs and better housing and free all political detainees. Increasingly, protesters are also chanting slogans to wipe away the entire ruling dynasty that has led Bahrain for more than 200 years.
Social networking websites were abuzz with calls to press ahead with the protests as well as insults from presumed government backers calling the demonstrators traitors and agents of Shiite powerhouse Iran.
The head of the largest Shiite political bloc, Sheik Ali Salman, said there are no demands for an Islamic role in politics.
"We are not looking for a religious government like Iran's, but we demand a civil government" that represents Shiites and Sunnis, he said.
The group, Al Wefaq, has 18 seats in the 40-member parliament, but is boycotting the chamber to protest the violence against demonstrators.
Bahrain is a linchpin to the US military framework in the Gulf.
The 5th Fleet base is considered one of the Pentagon's major counterweights against Iran's growing military reach in the region.
Although Bahrain is sandwiched between two of OPEC's heavyweights, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, it has limited oil resources and depends heavily on its role as a regional financial hub and playground for Saudis, who can drive over a causeway to enjoy Bahrain's Western-style bars, hotels and beaches.
On Tuesday, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made a rare nationwide TV address to offer condolences for the deaths, pledge an investigation into the killings and promise to push ahead with reforms.
Security forces have pulled back sharply - apparently on orders to ease tensions - after clashes that left at least two people dead and dozens injured. Police helicopters, however, flew low over a major funeral procession for one of the victims in which mourners called him a "martyr" and pledged more protests in the island nation - where the US Navy's 5th Fleet is based.
Thousands of people spent the night in a makeshift tent camp in Manama's Pearl Square, which was swarmed by demonstrators a day earlier.
The protests began on Monday as a cry for the country's Sunni monarchy to loosen its grip, including hand-picking most top government posts, and open more opportunities for the country's majority Shiites. Shiites have long complained of being blocked from decision-making roles in the country.
But the uprising's demands have steadily reached further. Many protesters are calling for the government to provide more jobs and better housing and free all political detainees. Increasingly, protesters are also chanting slogans to wipe away the entire ruling dynasty that has led Bahrain for more than 200 years.
Social networking websites were abuzz with calls to press ahead with the protests as well as insults from presumed government backers calling the demonstrators traitors and agents of Shiite powerhouse Iran.
The head of the largest Shiite political bloc, Sheik Ali Salman, said there are no demands for an Islamic role in politics.
"We are not looking for a religious government like Iran's, but we demand a civil government" that represents Shiites and Sunnis, he said.
The group, Al Wefaq, has 18 seats in the 40-member parliament, but is boycotting the chamber to protest the violence against demonstrators.
Bahrain is a linchpin to the US military framework in the Gulf.
The 5th Fleet base is considered one of the Pentagon's major counterweights against Iran's growing military reach in the region.
Although Bahrain is sandwiched between two of OPEC's heavyweights, Saudi Arabia and Qatar, it has limited oil resources and depends heavily on its role as a regional financial hub and playground for Saudis, who can drive over a causeway to enjoy Bahrain's Western-style bars, hotels and beaches.
On Tuesday, Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa made a rare nationwide TV address to offer condolences for the deaths, pledge an investigation into the killings and promise to push ahead with reforms.
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