Saudi backed troops Bahraini regime turns Manama into a terror zone
27 January, 2013 – SHAFAQNA

SHAFAQNA (Shia International News Association) — On Friday, the regime in Bahrain conducted mass arrests amidst its brutal crackdown on citizens who gathered in the heart of the Capital Manama to protest for democracy demanding an end to the dictatorial tyrannical rule. The regime deployed civil militias backed by security forces and mercenaries, in large numbers, and set military roadblocks imposing a strict security cordon on the Capital on Friday morning ahead of a scheduled protest for 3:30pm. The regime forces chased the citizens in Manama alleys and attacked them with different grenades terrorizing citizens and the residents in the area. Among the big number of arrests was a religious figure and member of the central body of the Olamaa Islamic Council, Sheik Fadhil al-Zaki. Al-Zaki wa handcuffed and held arrested in a humiliating manner during the protests. Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society stated that this reflects the regime’s hostility against religious figures. Al-Wefaq demanded his immediate release along with the tens of citizens who were arrested at the Manama protests last Friday. …source

Ayatollah Isa Qassim: Two years since the beginning of the revolution in Bahrain & nor a step toward reform
27 January, 2013 – ABNA.co

The second part of Friday Prayers Sermon for Senior Bahraini cleric Ayatollah Shaikh Isa Ahmed Qassim Imam of the Grand Mosque in Duraz (Imam Al-Sadiq Garand Mosque).

Ayatollah Isa Qassim: Two years since the beginning of the revolution in Bahrain & nor a step toward reform
Laudable Stance..

The politics in Bahrain worked on fueling the spirit of sectarianism and creating sectarian divide as well as sectarian clashes especially when the movement for demands and reform began – and this led to turn the conflict from its political nature to sectarian nature. The dispute which was between government and people turned to a popular conflict between two sects as the authority begs the support from one sect at the expanse of the another sect.

There have been voices which benefit from this situation and therefore they supported the authority’s trend which is based on creating hatreds and igniting the fire of sedition and sectarianism as much as it is possible. This trend serves the sectarian divide in more than one Islamic and Arab country and helps the success of this divide which leads these poor countries to devastation.

However, the opposition here was and still is smart, thanks to its laudable, honorable, and blessed stance as it stood stubbornly against this approach and initially maintained the objective of the national Islamic unity. The opposition did not respond to the provocations of the authority and its followers – who were trying to ignite the fire of sedition and turn the course of events from the political track to the sectarian track. The opposition stepped away from everything that serves this destructive goal or any initiative which is about to burn this beloved homeland.

On the other hand, the provocations of the government and its followers tried to target that street of opposition – however, this street was smarter and did not meet any effort made on the path of that destructive goal. The opposition is pious and devout in a way that it does not accept to start a battle with their brothers in religion and homeland – a battle which the two parties will lose for the interest of the third party which wants to harm both of them – while this third party knows that God does not accept this division and this strife.

The stance of this street which was wanted from it to confront their brothers – was honorable, blessed, and deserves appreciation from each one fair monitor. …more

Bahrainis Protest Dialogue, Dispersed By Police
26 January, 2013 – POMED

Police used tear gas and stun grenades in Manama yesterday to break up protests organized by Shi’ite opposition groups. The Interior Ministry had previously refused to give permission for the demonstration, claiming it was illegal and promising punishment for participants. The groups called for protests in spite of their decision to participate in reconciliation talks proposed by the government. A spokesman for al Wefaq, the main opposition party, said, “Agreeing to dialogue doesn’t mean that we stop our protests.” Friday’s protests called for rejection of these government-proposed talks.

Opposition groups have voiced concerns about the talks since the government issued the invitation. Some have objected to the talks due to the government’s role as a moderator rather than a participant in them, claiming the government is the only entity that can implement any agreements regarding the parties’ demands for social and political reform. Wefaq leader Khalil al-Marzook also expressed caution regarding the credibility of the process.

A government official stated on Saturday that talks will begin next week or early in February. …source

Bahraini Opposition Leader: Time Ripe for Al-Khalifa’s Collapse
29 January, 2013 – FARS

TEHRAN (FNA)- A senior leader of the February 14 Coalition opposition group in Bahrain said people are resolved to continue protests against the al-Khalifa rulers and the regime is on the brink of collapse.

“It is now the time that the idol of Bahrain and al-Khalifa dictatorship as the US puppet in the Persian Gulf gets shattered and Bahrain’s future government be formed and established again with the presence of all political and religious spectrums in the election,” Sheikh Issa bin Ali al-Jamri told FNA on Saturday.

He said that despite all the medieval-like tortures and suppression of protestors by the al-Khalifa regime, the Bahraini people are steadfast in their move for changing their country’s ruling system and materializing all their goals.

Anti-government protesters have been holding peaceful demonstrations across Bahrain since mid-February 2011, calling for an end to the Al Khalifa dynasty’s over-40-year rule.

Violence against the defenseless people escalated after a Saudi-led conglomerate of police, security and military forces from the Persian Gulf Cooperation Council (PGCC) member states – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates, Oman and Qatar – were dispatched to the tiny Persian Gulf kingdom on March 13 to help Manama crack down on peaceful protestors.

So far, tens of people have been killed, hundreds have gone missing and more than 1,000 others have been injured. …source

Bahrain clashes show divides over proposed talks
By REEM KHALIFA – Associated Press – 24 January, 2013

MANAMA, Bahrain (AP) — Riot police in Bahrain fired tear gas and stun grenades at anti-government protesters whose chants included calls to reject proposed talks aimed at easing nearly two years of unrest in the Gulf nation.

Thursday’s clashes were relatively small, with several hundred protesters demonstrating near Sitra, south of the capital Manama. But they highlight the divides among Bahrain’s Shiite-led opposition over whether to accept the Sunni monarchy’s offers for dialogue.

Appeals to open talks have received a cautious endorsement from main Shiite opposition groups in the strategic nation, which is home to the U.S. Navy’s 5th Fleet. Other anti-government factions, including youth groups, appear to oppose dialogue, claiming the Sunni leadership is unwilling to give up power.

More than 55 people have been killed in the unrest. …more

Bahrain’s Police Use South African Tear Gas From German-Controlled Company
29 January, 2013 – by Bill Marczak – Bahrain Watch

This type of canister is manufactured by Rheinmetall Denel Munition (Pty) Ltd, or one of its predecessor companies. Rheinmetall Denel is 51%-owned by Germany company Rheinmetall Waffe Munition GmbH, and 49%-owned by South African company Denel (Pty) Ltd. Despite the joint ownership, all of Rheinmetall Denel’s operations seem to be located in South Africa. Rheinmetall Denel was formed in 2008 when Rheinmetall acquired a 51% stake in Denel Munitions, a Denel subsidiary. Before Rheinmetall Denel, Bahrain Watch understands that this type of canister was manufactured by Swartklip Products, part of Denel Munitions. Rheinmetall Denel now operates the Swartklip plant. A division of Rheinmetall is also the manufacturer of the MK-13 flashbangs used by police.

Protesters claim that police fire this type of tear gas canister from their six-shot semiautomatic tear gas launchers (referred to as “C4″ or “Y2 MK1″ weapons by protesters). Visual evidence also appears to support this claim. The weapon appears to be visually identical to the 40mm Multiple Anti Riot (MAR), manufactured by South African-based Milkor. …source