Interview with Bahrain’s Coalition of February 14th Youth

Bahrain’s Revolutionaries Speak: An Exclusive Interview with Bahrain’s Coalition of February 14th Youth
by Toby C. Jones – 22 March, 2012 – Jadahliyya

In spite of claims that Bahrain’s revolution has failed, the reality is that peaceful protests, a campaign of civil disobedience, and anti-Al Khalifa energy is at an all-time high. The regime’s reliance on heavy-handed violence has failed to quell the country’s revolutionary spirit or stamp out the opposition. If anything, the yearlong brutal siege against its own citizens has strengthened the resolve of anti-regime critics and their determination to carry on. Among the most determined to keep the revolution alive is the Coalition of February 14th Youth, an anonymous and decentralized political network that has coordinated months of activism and protest. While Bahrain’s older and more visible political societies, including al-Wefaq and Wa’ad, have sought and failed to negotiate with the government over the last year, the Coalition of February 14th Youth has steadily earned popular legitimacy for its commitment to revolutionary principles and action. Out of fear of arrest, the Coalition has coordinated its efforts primarily through social media, most notably on Twitter and Facebook. Until now they have cautiously avoided speaking directly with the media.

Toby C. Jones (TJ): How would you describe the February 14 Youth Coalition? Who is represented in the coalition? How representative is it?

Coalition of February 14 Youth (CFY): February 14 Youth are all those revolutionaries that stood firm on the streets ever since they lit the spark of a popular revolution on 14 February 2011. The coalition is merely a byproduct of this revolution and was formed out of a few of its active revolutionary groups. The February 14 Coalition derives its legitimacy from the popularity of the revolution and its goals.

TJ: What is the coalition’s relationship with the other opposition movements, most notably Al-Wefaq?

CFY: The coalition’s relationship with other opposition groups is based on the principle of respect and considers them integral in the struggle. It values all efforts that are made by them to protect the rights of the people including their right to self-determination as legislated in international law and conventions.

TJ: What is your relationship with non-registered opposition movements such as Haq, Al-Wafa, the Bahrain Freedom Movement, and others?

CFY: Our objective in the coalition with regards to all other opposition groups is to deal with them positively in a manner that serves the revolution and its goals, taking advantage of all expertise and opinions, while emphasizing the need to close ranks amongst revolutionary groups against the common enemy, the bloody Al-Khalifa regime.

TJ: What are the coalition’s objectives? Is the coalition committed to the fall of the Al-Khalifa or is there the possibility of a negotiated resolution with the regime?

CFY: The first and foremost goal that revolutionaries are struggling for is the liberation of our land from Saudi occupation and the overthrow of the Al-Khalifa regime, which has lost its popular and constitutional legitimacy. Once that is achieved, the people can choose their own destiny and choose the political and economic system that meets their ambitions and aspirations. We will not under any circumstance accept a compromise with this bloody regime that continues to violate our human rights. We are determined to liberate our precious homeland from dictatorship, and build a nation of justice, dignity, and equality for all its citizens. …more