An uprising that fizzled out?
Unfortunately for the people of Bahrain, democracy remains a distant pasture. The nation did get inspired by what was going on in the rest of the Arab world, and prolonged protests were seen since February 2011.
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Life is back to normal, if the latest reports are to be believed.
But one has to wonder: Have the people of Bahrain given up for good?
Back to normal once more?
23/3/2011 : Manama, Wednesday 06:50 (PST, Tuesday 19:50 - GMT, Wednesday 03:50)
Now that the opposition has been crushed and people are back to work, Bahrain is out to woo the international community. Analysts believe that there was no criticism of Bahrain's crackdown because of the oil interests involved. But things are not back to normal yet; security remains tight in many parts of the country in the anticipation of another uprising.
Developing News: Bahrain, Tuesday 07:07 (PST, 20:07 - GMT, Tuesday 04:07)
King Hamad of Bahrain said that the country has successfully foiled a foreign plot to destabilize the sovereignty of Bahrain. This allegation is clearly aimed at Iran, who has been known for encouraging pro-Shia sentiments. However, there is bitterness in the international community about how this was handled in terms of human rights. The use of security forces from the Gulf Cooperation Council does not appear to be a humanitarian move.
Developing News: Bahrain, Monday 07:02 (PST, Sunday 20:02 - GMT, Monday 04:02)
In a retaliatory move, Iran expelled a Bahraini diplomats from the country earlier today. This was clearly done in response to a similar move by Bahrain, wherein they had expelled an Iranian diplomat. Iran also condemned the ongoing crackdown of peaceful protests in Bahrain, terming it "illogical and incomprehensible". Although Iran hasn't directly interfered in this so far, there is every chance the situation might heat up.
Bahrain, Sunday 12:00 (PST, Sunday 00:59 - GMT, Sunday 08:59)
Bahrain seems to be making some progress. The government has eased the curfew, urging the people to return to work and normal life. The opposition too has said that they are ready for a political talks, but the crackdown must come to an end and the outside security forces must leave the country.
Bahrain, Saturday 11:53 (PST, Saturday 00:53 - GMT, Saturday 08:53)
Enraged by the death of a protestor, the Bahraini people stepped up the protests further against the security forces. In Iraq too, the Shiites are demonstrating against the ongoing oppression in Bahrain.
Bahrain, Saturday 05:36 (PST, Friday 18: 34 - GMT, Saturday 02:34)
The United States has severely criticized the ongoing crackdown in Bahrain, terming it a brutal display of civil rights oppression. Meanwhile, Bahrain is in talks with the Gulf Cooperation Council to receive more troops and silence the opposition.
Bahrain, Friday 15:22 (PST, Friday 04:19 - GMT, Friday 12:19)
Iran seems to be supporting the ongoing unrest in Bahrain. A senior cleric from Iran urged the people of Bahrain to stand ground and fight the oppressive government. Meanwhile, a British airplane that left Bahrain to evacuate the British citizens there has returned empty, which has been a source of panic.
Bahrain, Friday 07:50 (PST, Thursday 20:41 - GMT, Friday 04:41)
The opposition has said that the government is using intensive force against the rebels in various parts of the country. Six opposition members were earlier arrested. It was reported that the Bahrain troops had stormed hospitals and attacked doctors, but this was denied by the government sources. Meanwhile, Iraqis are protesting against the ongoing crackdown and staged a street demonstration.
Bahrain, Thursday 15:51 (PST, Thursday 04:45 - GMT, Thursday 12:45)
The security forces pushed the rebels out of the capital city of Manama and imposed an emergency there. 6 of the opposition leaders have also been arrested, for whom only the worst can be feared. In this clash, three policemen and three rebels have died. This offensive has evoked the support of Shiite community, and all eyes are now set on Iran's response.
Bahrain, Thursday 07:45 (PST, Wednesday 20:32 - GMT, Thursday 04:32)
The United States has criticized the ongoing use of military force in the Bahrain protests, saying that the country is following the wrong way of handling the situation. This statement comes in the wake of the protests, which have intensified in the last days and are now turning violent. People are out in the streets hurling stones and debris at the security forces, while the security forces are using heavy weapons against them.
Bahrain, Wednesday 16:31 (PST, Wednesday 05:31 - GMT, Wednesday 13:31)
The security forces have stepped up the retaliation in Manama. They reportedly entered the main hospital and beat doctors. At the Pearl Roundabout, the protestors were also attacked. Some witnesses heard Gunfire from the area earlier today. The security forces have also blocked many of the main highways. Mobile networks have been disrupted.
Bahrain, Wednesday 08:23 (PST, Tuesday 21:22 - GMT, Wednesday 05:22)
The situation is heating up in Bahrain. The security forces fired rubber bullets and used tear gas against the crowd, killing at least two. Almost 150 demonstrators also got injured in this. All this has been going on in the city of Sitra.
As of now, there has been no news of the involvement of Gulf Cooperation Council forces in curbing the protests.
Bahrain protests 2011
The wave of protests that gripped the Arab and north African countries in 2011 caught up with Bahrain during the mid of February 2011. The protestors are demanding the end of monarchy and more political freedom for the Shia section of the population. On 14 March 2011, military forces of the Gulf Cooperation Council entered Bahrain to put an end to the protests.Early developments
The population of Bahrain is divided into the Shia and Sunni sects, with the former maintaining that the elite latter don't let them enjoy same political freedom and rights. While Bahrain has an elected government, it actually has very little power and is not able to do much in this matter. The 2010 elections were followed by a controversy, which many people claim laid the ground for the protests.Timeline
4 FebruarySeveral hundred people gathered outside the Egyptian embassy in Manama and expressed their support for the Egyptian protests. The protests in Bahrain were scheduled for 14 February.
14-17 February
Heavy police security was deployed in the city of Manama, and Shia villages were also under the scanner. As the protest marches started, the police fired rubber bullets and used tear gas to disperse the crowd. One person was killed in these clashes.
18-25 February
The crackdown intensified in Manama, and there were multiple casualties reported. Under pressure of the 100,000 protestors in the streets, King Hamad released 308 political prisoners of the protest.
26 February - 5 March
To pacify the opposition, the king dismissed several of his ministers. But this failed to convince the protestors, who said that this was not among their demands. The police retreated from Manama and the protestors once more took control Pearl Roundabout in the capital city of Manama.
6-14 March
The protestors gathered outside the office of the prime minister, demanding his resignation. The unrest spread to other parts also, including the towns of Saar and Isa.
On 14 March, troops from Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates entered Bahrain to protect vital interests. This caused much anguish among the Shiite population, and evoked angry responses from Iran.
