HRW response to delusional letter to editor at WP from Bahrain’s Ambassador in Washington – Ambassador is disconnected from reality or it’s he is a pretentious, cynical apologist for the al Khalifa regime
Tad Stahnk Response to Bahrain’s Ambassador to Washington, letter to Washington Post editor – original letter follows
The Post’s Sept. 9 editorial on Bahrain wisely warned that “the administration should use its influence now — before the crisis resumes.” In fact, the crisis hasn’t ever gone away for Bahrainis, even though the U.S. government has conveniently forgotten it.
Bahraini doctors and other civilians are still tried in military courts, protesters have been shot and killed, and accounts of torture continue to emerge from released detainees. Despite this, the United States has said nothing about the situation for months. On the flip side, the Bahrain government has hired D.C.-based public relations and law firms to try to shift attention from its appalling human rights record.
At the end of September, verdicts are expected in the trial of Bahraini medics and in the appeal of 21 prominent dissidents already sentenced in a sham trial. The U.S. government should rouse itself from its paralysis on Bahrain and take a stand for democracy and human rights.
Tad Stahnke, Washington
The writer is director of policy and programs at Human Rights First.
Letter to the Editor
Bahrain’s progress — or not
Published: September 16 – Washington Post
Regarding the Sept. 9 editorial “Bahrain’s brewing crisis”:
We agree that thoughtful dialogue on events in Bahrain is crucial. But this editorial wrongly criticized our peaceful reconciliation process and failed to provide a comprehensive picture of what we have accomplished for all Bahrainis.
Moreover, the editorial asserted that the United States has played a passive role as we work to unify our nation. Bahrain’s government has appreciated support from our ally the United States as we strive to peaceably overcome challenges. We are proud to be home to the Navy’s 5th Fleet, and we stand with the United States in its fight against terrorism.
The decision of opposition groups to remove themselves from our peaceful dialogue reinforces an active trend of trying to hinder Bahrain’s democratic process. Bahrain’s 300 National Dialogue participants represented all political parties, including opposition groups. We cannot force a rational, measured process on those who would rather settle disputes in the streets.
The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry will detail the actions of the government and protest movement. The U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights welcomed the creation of the group, which has already demonstrated an impartial approach to investigating events in Bahrain. We are prepared to live with whatever hard truths are revealed.
Houda Nonoo, Washington
The writer is Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States.
