Clinton, an once of “rhetoric” with a boat load of weapons to further misery in Bahrain

Al-Wefaq Responds to Clinton’s Statement on Bahrain Rights

Principal Bahraini opposition party Al-Wefaq released a statement in response to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton‘s call for “meaningful institutional and political reforms that take into account the interests and aspirations.” The party welcomed Clinton’s statement, saying the “interests and aspirations” to which Clinton referred “have been clearly demonstrated […] through the persistent calls for democracy” and that a majority of Bahrainis have “continuously demanded an inclusive democracy, starting with an elected government that represents the will of the people.” The release says that Bahraini authorities have yet to take “any meaningful steps” towards meeting the wishes of its people, adding that any reforms done until now have been “purely cosmetic.”

Meanwhile, reports have emerged of overnight clashes between police and protesters in the villages surrounding Manama, with forces firing bird shot and tear gas at the demonstrators. According to witnesses, several civilians were wounded, and many of the protesters were reportedly carrying photographs of detained human rights activist Nabeel Rajab.

Finally, Elliot Abrams writes that the deteriorating situation in Bahrain is owed largely to a severe lack of leadership from both the Bahraini royal family and the Obama Administration. He suggests that since the publication of the BICI report, King Hamad “has provided no leadership,” while he contends that, aside from a few statements, the United States has done “nothing” to alleviate the building tension between the royal family and the opposition. According to Abrams, real efforts need to made to reach an agreement, such as bringing “key Bahraini leaders to Washington and [having] the President and Secretary or a high-level designee work with them day after day until something is hammered out; [and sending] a top-level empowered emissary to Manama for the same purpose.” …more