GCC troops arrive to Bahrain following weeks of protests

[beechguy]

Interesting that so many people are condemning Bahrain. Where were they last year, or the year before? Not a peep on the subject. All of a sudden, some shiites protest and the Baharain government is condemned.iran has been trying to absorb Bahrain since the turn of the last century, and again, not a peep from those condemning the Arabs of Bahrain. I find it odd that the main government opponents are led by clerics that wish to institute strict sharia law. I also find it odd that those who claim to believe in freedom are opposed to a government that has brought modernization and an attempt at civil rights. Here they are backing religious groups that wish to roll back those freedoms, and to put women back in their perceived position as chattel.

This thread is a demonstration of the hypocrisy and ignorance of the usual gang of sh*t disturbers spewing hate. It is incredible that for a group that bleats on about the need to respect Arabs sees fit to stab them in the back because the their Farsi led darlings want to create a nasty sharia run state and snuggle with the despotic nation of Iran.

The Arabs in the surrounding regions are going to give you a lesson on what happens when Iranians try to bully Arabs.

Well yes hypocrisy and ignorance about covers it. I would add that it is ironic that those up in arms over Israeli settlement building or who cry blue murder whenever Israel retaliates claiming human rights abuses are all to happy to cry colonialism when it's suggested by some that a no fly zone should be enforced over Libya, which could save literally thousands of lives. But this is an example of the hypocrisy of some posters. As for ignorance it is worth bearing in mind the likely ramifications of middle eastern regimes being toppled. Most are dictatorships true enough, but the left wing naively think democracy can supplant these despotic regimes, however as with the Shah of Iran's overthrow the odds are high that we get Islamic fundamentalist theocracies in their place. Both scenarios are a disaster for the human rights of a Country's populace, but at least a despot can be managed more effectively from outside and terrorism is less likely to spill over borders.

The above does contain elements of hindsight and the trouble is that after the mess that is Afghanistan and Iraq the U.S seems to be loath to intervene, however the domino theory applied to communism may have been replaced by a new domino theory of fundamental Islam and due to past experience the U.S may stand aside and in doing so embolden the fundamentalists.

Just for fun (and from an atheist) this is one view.

http://disasteremerg...ory/armageddon/

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Have you ever even been to Bahrain? The fact is they are being denied very little, and have seen a lot of improvements over the last decade. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to make progress, but the Shia fundamentalist are offering nothing constructive to the future of Bahrain.

[zzaa09]

Has "BO" called for "air strikes" in Libya?

Yeah, but you know he's thinking about and has been duly advised. You know that is....the contemporary American foreign policy: when it doubt, bomb the hell outta them.

[beechguy]

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Values You really don't have a clue do you. Values such as amputation of hands for theft, stoning to death for adultery, death for apostacy, no education for women, if the Islamo-fascist values are to be denied the people of Bahrain then so be it, you are welcome to go and live in Somalia or Iran if you want to have a love in with fundamentalist Islam.

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=bEDimxCPEAQ

Dan, the stupid part about some of these posts is that none of those things are happening now in Bahrain, but if they have their way, they probably will have in the future. Since this King has been in power, women have been given the right to vote, and encouraged to get an education, more representation by members of society. If the fundamentalist get their way, you can bet human rights will suffer a setback, and the things you mention could be the fuure.

[Steely Dan]

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Values You really don't have a clue do you. Values such as amputation of hands for theft, stoning to death for adultery, death for apostacy, no education for women, if the Islamo-fascist values are to be denied the people of Bahrain then so be it, you are welcome to go and live in Somalia or Iran if you want to have a love in with fundamentalist Islam.

http://www.youtube.c...h?v=bEDimxCPEAQ

Dan, the stupid part about some of these posts is that none of those things are happening now in Bahrain, but if they have their way, they probably will have in the future. Since this King has been in power, women have been given the right to vote, and encouraged to get an education, more representation by members of society. If the fundamentalist get their way, you can bet human rights will suffer a setback, and the things you mention could be the fuure.

Beechguy,

The trouble is you base your view on ten years of personal experience whereas your lefty islamofascist sympathiser takes his cue from Iranian Press TV. When will they ever learn, when will they ever learn?

[chuckd]

Interesting that so many people are condemning Bahrain. Where were they last year, or the year before? Not a peep on the subject. All of a sudden, some shiites protest and the Baharain government is condemned.iran has been trying to absorb Bahrain since the turn of the last century, and again, not a peep from those condemning the Arabs of Bahrain. I find it odd that the main government opponents are led by clerics that wish to institute strict sharia law. I also find it odd that those who claim to believe in freedom are opposed to a government that has brought modernization and an attempt at civil rights. Here they are backing religious groups that wish to roll back those freedoms, and to put women back in their perceived position as chattel.

This thread is a demonstration of the hypocrisy and ignorance of the usual gang of sh*t disturbers spewing hate. It is incredible that for a group that bleats on about the need to respect Arabs sees fit to stab them in the back because the their Farsi led darlings want to create a nasty sharia run state and snuggle with the despotic nation of Iran.

The Arabs in the surrounding regions are going to give you a lesson on what happens when Iranians try to bully Arabs.

Well yes hypocrisy and ignorance about covers it. I would add that it is ironic that those up in arms over Israeli settlement building or who cry blue murder whenever Israel retaliates claiming human rights abuses are all to happy to cry colonialism when it's suggested by some that a no fly zone should be enforced over Libya, which could save literally thousands of lives. But this is an example of the hypocrisy of some posters. As for ignorance it is worth bearing in mind the likely ramifications of middle eastern regimes being toppled. Most are dictatorships true enough, but the left wing naively think democracy can supplant these despotic regimes, however as with the Shah of Iran's overthrow the odds are high that we get Islamic fundamentalist theocracies in their place. Both scenarios are a disaster for the human rights of a Country's populace, but at least a despot can be managed more effectively from outside and terrorism is less likely to spill over borders.

The above does contain elements of hindsight and the trouble is that after the mess that is Afghanistan and Iraq the U.S seems to be loath to intervene, however the domino theory applied to communism may have been replaced by a new domino theory of fundamental Islam and due to past experience the U.S may stand aside and in doing so embolden the fundamentalists.

Just for fun (and from an atheist) this is one view.

http://disasteremerg...ory/armageddon/

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Have you ever even been to Bahrain? The fact is they are being denied very little, and have seen a lot of improvements over the last decade. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to make progress, but the Shia fundamentalist are offering nothing constructive to the future of Bahrain.

I spent some years in Iran before and during the revolution. I spent over 20 years in Saudi Arabia with quite a bit of time in Bahrain on weekends and short trips.

Iran is behind all of this and, if they can gain control, the freedom of Bahrain will simply become just another Islamic Republic with complete and total Sharia law, ala the Taliban and Iran.

I agree with Geriatrickid, Steely Dan, Hammered and Beechguy completely.

If you ain't been there, how do you know?

[bangkokeddy]

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Have you ever even been to Bahrain? The fact is they are being denied very little, and have seen a lot of improvements over the last decade. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to make progress, but the Shia fundamentalist are offering nothing constructive to the future of Bahrain.

I spent some years in Iran before and during the revolution. I spent over 20 years in Saudi Arabia with quite a bit of time in Bahrain on weekends and short trips.

Iran is behind all of this and, if they can gain control, the freedom of Bahrain will simply become just another Islamic Republic with complete and total Sharia law, ala the Taliban and Iran.

I agree with Geriatrickid, Steely Dan, Hammered and Beechguy completely.

If you ain't been there, how do you know?

I agree with Hammered, only, completely.

Sharia law they have also in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

They will have a republic without a monarch. A parliament and a government with people they vote for.

The Taliban and the dudes in Iran are totally different. And Iran never had the Taliban, sunni extremists on their list of friends. The only States that ever recognized the Taliban Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan were Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and there was that trip to Texas.

Taleban in Texas for talks on gas pipeline

BBC Thursday, December 4, 1997 Published at 19:27 GMT

A senior delegation from the Taleban movement in Afghanistan is in the United States for talks with an international energy company that wants to construct a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan across Afghanistan to Pakistan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/west_asia/37021.stm

[mark45y]

Nice to know imperialism is alive and well and values we take for granted are to be denied others just because what they chose may not be to our liking.

Have you ever even been to Bahrain? The fact is they are being denied very little, and have seen a lot of improvements over the last decade. That doesn't mean they shouldn't try to make progress, but the Shia fundamentalist are offering nothing constructive to the future of Bahrain.

I spent some years in Iran before and during the revolution. I spent over 20 years in Saudi Arabia with quite a bit of time in Bahrain on weekends and short trips.

Iran is behind all of this and, if they can gain control, the freedom of Bahrain will simply become just another Islamic Republic with complete and total Sharia law, ala the Taliban and Iran.

I agree with Geriatrickid, Steely Dan, Hammered and Beechguy completely.

If you ain't been there, how do you know?

I agree with Hammered, only, completely.

Sharia law they have also in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia.

They will have a republic without a monarch. A parliament and a government with people they vote for.

The Taliban and the dudes in Iran are totally different. And Iran never had the Taliban, sunni extremists on their list of friends. The only States that ever recognized the Taliban Islamic Emirate of Afghanistan were Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates and there was that trip to Texas.

Taleban in Texas for talks on gas pipeline

BBC Thursday, December 4, 1997 Published at 19:27 GMT

A senior delegation from the Taleban movement in Afghanistan is in the United States for talks with an international energy company that wants to construct a gas pipeline from Turkmenistan across Afghanistan to Pakistan.

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/world/west_asia/37021.stm

You have responded to the post without answering the question. Quote, "If you ain't been there, how do you know?" Have you ever lived there? I think it is a fair question.

[bangkokeddy]

Bigger role for Imams and preachers urged

Manama, March 16 (BNA)—Following a statement by the Justice and Islamic Affairs Ministry, Sunni Endowments Board Chairman Shaikh Salman bin Isa bin Khalifa Al Khalifa stressed today the key role played by Imams and preachers in helping to overcome crises and safeguard the country's security and stability.

He also underlined the importance of security as a pre-requisite for any society to achieve growth and prosperity.

"The incidents Bahrain is going through, with which it is unfamiliar, magnify the responsibility of Imams and religious clerics to ensure security prevails again, spread a sense of psychological and spiritual relaxation and promote love and unity among all sects," he said.

Shaikh Salman called on Imams and preachers to exert every possible effort to help the kingdom surmount the crisis, prevent more bloodshed, foster national unity, ensure safety of people and properties and boost initiatives calling for peace and stability.

Date : 2011/03/16

http://bna.bh/portal/en/news/450044

[bangkokeddy]

^^ Thats the Sunni Govt plan, not what the people want.

in relation:

Cleric issues 48-page fatwa against democracy

Muslims told to ignore calls for change because 'democracy goes against Islam'

Published: 00:00 March 16, 2011

Algiers: The spiritual leader of Algeria's influential Salafist movement has issued a 48-page fatwa, or religious decree, urging Muslims to ignore calls for change because he says that democracy goes against Islam.

The fatwa by Shaikh Abdul Malek Ramdani, who lives in Saudi Arabia, comes at an opportune time for President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika as Algerians watching protests in other Arab states have begun pushing their own political and economic demands.

"As long as the commander of the nation is a Muslim, you must obey and listen to him. Those who are against him are just seeking to replace him, and this is not licit," Ramdani wrote in the fatwa obtained by Reuters.

...

Ramdani, who moved to Saudi Arabia after threats from Islamists, wrote in his ‘fatwa on unrest' that an observant Muslim can only "pray and be patient" when faced with an unwanted ruler. "Unrest is a tool created by democratic systems which are against Islam."

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/cleric-issues-48-page-fatwa-against-democracy-1.777811

[bangkokeddy]

Bahraini Protesters: 'Please, Please Help'

2:46pm UK, Wednesday March 16, 2011

Alex Crawford, special correspondent

"Please, please help us! Are we not human in Bahrain? A foreign army has come to Bahrain and is attacking people everywhere. The international community has to do something."

This is just one of dozens and dozens of emails and texts I have been (and still am) receiving from distraught people in Bahrain. And that's just me. One person. One reporter.

How many more have been sent to other Westerners, to other reporters, to other individuals who they don't even know but who they think might, just might, be able to help?

The communications tell a story of a city - at least one city - which is terrified and which now seems to be under attack.

...

http://news.sky.com/skynews/Home/World-News/Bahrain-Protesters-Send-Texts-And-Emails-Pleading-For-Help-After-Security-Forces-Move-In-On-Them/Article/201103315953542?lpos=World_News_First_Home_Page_Feature_Teaser_Region_0&lid=ARTICLE_15953542_Bahrain%3A_Protesters_Send_Texts_And_Emails_Pleading_For_Help_After_Security_Forces_Move_In_On_Them

[Steely Dan]

^^ Thats the Sunni Govt plan, not what the people want.

in relation:

Cleric issues 48-page fatwa against democracy

Muslims told to ignore calls for change because 'democracy goes against Islam'Published: 00:00 March 16, 2011

Algiers: The spiritual leader of Algeria's influential Salafist movement has issued a 48-page fatwa, or religious decree, urging Muslims to ignore calls for change because he says that democracy goes against Islam.

The fatwa by Shaikh Abdul Malek Ramdani, who lives in Saudi Arabia, comes at an opportune time for President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika as Algerians watching protests in other Arab states have begun pushing their own political and economic demands.

"As long as the commander of the nation is a Muslim, you must obey and listen to him. Those who are against him are just seeking to replace him, and this is not licit," Ramdani wrote in the fatwa obtained by Reuters.

...

Ramdani, who moved to Saudi Arabia after threats from Islamists, wrote in his ‘fatwa on unrest' that an observant Muslim can only "pray and be patient" when faced with an unwanted ruler. "Unrest is a tool created by democratic systems which are against Islam."

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/cleric-issues-48-page-fatwa-against-democracy-1.777811

Muslims told to ignore calls for change because 'democracy goes against Islam'

-

Well there you have it in a nutshell, the liberal left's human rights ideals and democracy are incompatable with Sharia law, always were and always will be. To reiterate my earlier point the choice is a stark one between ruling despots or fundamentalist Islam - Human rights lose in both cases but with the former the fallout is localised and therefore preferable.

You may even get a benevolent dictator like Attaturk at best.

[beechguy]

Bahraini Protesters: 'Please, Please Help'

2:46pm UK, Wednesday March 16, 2011

Alex Crawford, special correspondent

"Please, please help us! Are we not human in Bahrain? A foreign army has come to Bahrain and is attacking people everywhere. The international community has to do something."

This is just one of dozens and dozens of emails and texts I have been (and still am) receiving from distraught people in Bahrain. And that's just me. One person. One reporter.

How many more have been sent to other Westerners, to other reporters, to other individuals who they don't even know but who they think might, just might, be able to help?

The communications tell a story of a city - at least one city - which is terrified and which now seems to be under attack.

...

http://news.sky.com/...Move_In_On_Them

I have very little sympathy for the protetsers in Bahrain. Does there need to be some improvements there? Yes, but their situatuion wasn't that bad, and now they are going about it the wrong way, and these kind of incidents(See Link) are far too common.

http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=301892

[coma]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

[beechguy]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

All well and good except for the fact that they(The Bahrainis) weren't being terribly oppressed. I guess they will be now for awhile though, especially if the Shia fundamentalist gain traction.

[chuckd]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

The security agreement was already in place. It is called the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is similar to NATO where it involves military assistance from other member nations when requested. Bahrain requested, Saudi Arabia and one other member country responded.

Who are the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia?

It may all fall apart in the Middle East but if it does, it will be due to a lack of leadership from the US sitting President.

[bangkokeddy]

^^ Thats the Sunni Govt plan, not what the people want.

in relation:

Cleric issues 48-page fatwa against democracy

Muslims told to ignore calls for change because 'democracy goes against Islam'Published: 00:00 March 16, 2011

Algiers: The spiritual leader of Algeria's influential Salafist movement has issued a 48-page fatwa, or religious decree, urging Muslims to ignore calls for change because he says that democracy goes against Islam.

The fatwa by Shaikh Abdul Malek Ramdani, who lives in Saudi Arabia, comes at an opportune time for President Abdul Aziz Bouteflika as Algerians watching protests in other Arab states have begun pushing their own political and economic demands.

"As long as the commander of the nation is a Muslim, you must obey and listen to him. Those who are against him are just seeking to replace him, and this is not licit," Ramdani wrote in the fatwa obtained by Reuters.

...

Ramdani, who moved to Saudi Arabia after threats from Islamists, wrote in his ‘fatwa on unrest' that an observant Muslim can only "pray and be patient" when faced with an unwanted ruler. "Unrest is a tool created by democratic systems which are against Islam."

http://gulfnews.com/news/gulf/saudi-arabia/cleric-issues-48-page-fatwa-against-democracy-1.777811

Muslims told to ignore calls for change because 'democracy goes against Islam'

-

Well there you have it in a nutshell, the liberal left's human rights ideals and democracy are incompatable with Sharia law, always were and always will be. To reiterate my earlier point the choice is a stark one between ruling despots or fundamentalist Islam - Human rights lose in both cases but with the former the fallout is localised and therefore preferable.

You may even get a benevolent dictator like Attaturk at best.

Well, that is whats going on in Sunni Saudi Arabia and Bahrain and what the pipeline welder and wannabe SOFs here support for the sake of friendship with the US.

And despite that some cleric declares something for unlawful according to Sharia, people will continue to protest and your little racist opinions about them is mostly alarmist nonsense.

[Steely Dan]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

All well and good except for the fact that they(The Bahrainis) weren't being terribly oppressed. I guess they will be now for awhile though, especially if the Shia fundamentalist gain traction.

Hands in the air if you want them chopping off.

[coma]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

All well and good except for the fact that they(The Bahrainis) weren't being terribly oppressed. I guess they will be now for awhile though, especially if the Shia fundamentalist gain traction.

Well if they aren't being oppressed then it sure does seem like they are well pissed off at the governement and the way they have been treated. Maybe you could shed some light on why they have decided to revolt. In my limited experience, happy people don't kick off against thier own royal family.

[coma]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

The security agreement was already in place. It is called the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is similar to NATO where it involves military assistance from other member nations when requested. Bahrain requested, Saudi Arabia and one other member country responded.

Who are the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia?

It may all fall apart in the Middle East but if it does, it will be due to a lack of leadership from the US sitting President.

Sunni. 85-90%

[beechguy]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

All well and good except for the fact that they(The Bahrainis) weren't being terribly oppressed. I guess they will be now for awhile though, especially if the Shia fundamentalist gain traction.

Well if they aren't being oppressed then it sure does seem like they are well pissed off at the governement and the way they have been treated. Maybe you could shed some light on why they have decided to revolt. In my limited experience, happy people don't kick off against thier own royal family.

The same kind of people that blew up the electrical transformers in their own neighborhood, then bitched that the government wasn't providing utilities, etc. I think some are just interested in causing problems no matter what the government does.

As I said before, the government probably could have been doing more, but since the Emir died in 1999, there have been what I would call, considerable reforms. Women allowed to vote, encouraged to get an education, public housing areas for the lower income, more representation by the citizens,(to include the Shia).

[chuckd]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

The security agreement was already in place. It is called the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is similar to NATO where it involves military assistance from other member nations when requested. Bahrain requested, Saudi Arabia and one other member country responded.

Who are the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia?

It may all fall apart in the Middle East but if it does, it will be due to a lack of leadership from the US sitting President.

Sunni. 85-90%

Sunni...oppressed???

You haven't spent a lot of time there have you.

[coma]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

The security agreement was already in place. It is called the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council) and is similar to NATO where it involves military assistance from other member nations when requested. Bahrain requested, Saudi Arabia and one other member country responded.

Who are the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia?

It may all fall apart in the Middle East but if it does, it will be due to a lack of leadership from the US sitting President.

Sunni. 85-90%

Sunni...oppressed???

You haven't spent a lot of time there have you.

according to The Economist's 2010 Democracy Index, the Saudi government is the seventh most authoritarian regime from among the 167 countries rated.

[chuckd]

Yes. Once again it seems that a People are being opressed by a minority government. In this case being the puppet US backed Bahrain King and his cronies.The majority rise up against them so they enact, admitingly legally, a security agreement between Bahrain and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia only too willing steps in to help as a successful revolution and overturn of the present day Bahrain government would almost certainly lead to the oppressed majority in Saudi Arabia itself rising up against the US puppet Monarchy there. You can see a pattern emerging here where the USA is on the verge of losing alot of influence in the Middle East. Basically if Bahrain falls then chances are it will be a knock on effect to Saudi Arabia. With Mubarak, another US puppet already gone it is looking quite a precarious situation in the Middle East for US and a certain other cocky little piece of earth in the region. Watch this space.

All well and good except for the fact that they(The Bahrainis) weren't being terribly oppressed. I guess they will be now for awhile though, especially if the Shia fundamentalist gain traction.

Well if they aren't being oppressed then it sure does seem like they are well pissed off at the governement and the way they have been treated. Maybe you could shed some light on why they have decided to revolt. In my limited experience, happy people don't kick off against thier own royal family.

The same kind of people that blew up the electrical transformers in their own neighborhood, then bitched that the government wasn't providing utilities, etc. I think some are just interested in causing problems no matter what the government does.

As I said before, the government probably could have been doing more, but since the Emir died in 1999, there have been what I would call, considerable reforms. Women allowed to vote, encouraged to get an education, public housing areas for the lower income, more representation by the citizens,(to include the Shia).

Beechguy:

Coma hasn't tried to walk through a shopping mall crowded with families on Thursday night or find a parking place near TGIF's. Maybe he doesn't watch Formula 1 or follow the Race to Dubai on the European PGA tour. Perhaps he thinks women can't drive or hold down jobs in Bahrain. I guess he doesn't realize the problem with young men being unemployed is much the same in Bahrain as it is in Saudi. The young men want to start in management and work up, rather than start at the bottom and do the same.

Bahrain has been and still is one of the better run countries in the Middle East. Iran needs to leave it alone...but they won't.

[chuckd]

Sunni...oppressed???

You haven't spent a lot of time there have you.

according to The Economist's 2010 Democracy Index, the Saudi government is the seventh most authoritarian regime from among the 167 countries rated.

It would hardly be ranked much higher since the list ranks them in order of their Democratic principles.

Saudi Arabia is a Monarchy.

I couldn't get the list to download but will try tomorrow and see if any more needs to be added.

Cheers

[bangkokeddy]

Bahrain has been and still is one of the better run countries in the Middle East. Iran needs to leave it alone...but they won't.

Saudi Arabia has to leave it alone (and the US probably have to leave, would be good for a laugh)

The people don't protest to become some radical Islam ayatollah satellite state and oppressed again. thats BS and doesn't explains their uprising.

[coma]

That is a great statement. Doesn't put stop to the fact that there is indeed and uprising going on now, Right now as we speak. And people are being shot dead on the streets of Bahrain. Regardless of whether they are the hosts to F1 or PGA tour events. Apart from that I guess we will all just have to wait and see what happens then. Won't we ?

[Ulysses G.]

The people don't protest to become some radical Islam ayatollah satellite state and oppressed again.

Some do and in that part of the world they usually take control after the revolution.

[geriatrickid]

Ahh I see it now. Only Arabs that are openly hostile to the west are good arabs. Arabs that try to modernize, albeit at a pace respectful of their local customs, and that do not resort to rhetoric that involves comparing other nations to satan or the uttering of psychotic threats involving wiping countries off the earth are "bad". Good Arabs worthy of support and praise have hostile political regimes and embark on crazy wars as was the case with Ghaddaffi and the now very dead Hussein of Iraq. There are many faults associated with the Bahraini leadership, just as there was with Egypt's Mubarek, but at least they didn't start wars with anyone and at least the quality of life improved under their rule. The groups trying to overthrow the Bahrain government have not offered an alternative have they? They just want to be in charge and be rid of the Sunnis. Thing is, The Sunnis are a major part of the Arab world and have no use for Shiites. Who do you think a Sunni nation like Turkey or Syria is going to side with, even though they make kissie kissie sounds with Iran?

[LaoPo]

The groups trying to overthrow the Bahrain government have not offered an alternative have they?

They just want to be in charge and be rid of the Sunnis.

Thing is, The Sunnis are a major part of the Arab world and have no use for Shiites. Who do you think a Sunni nation like Turkey or Syria is going to side with, even though they make kissie kissie sounds with Iran?

Tell me Geriatrick:

Which "groups" are you talking about, trying to overthrow the Bahrain Government.??..in other words: trying to overthrow a King's household/family and his minority "group" in a country with less than 1 million native born Bahraini of which the minority is Sunni and the majority Shiite...but with support of opportunistic Governments..?

..and which King's Family/Household is now supported by another Kingdom, The Saudi Family...a Kingdom, ruled by just ONE family ?

And, isn't it a bloody shame that "we" are talking about Islamic sectarian discrimination between 2 groups, Sunni and Shiite ?

And here we are, a majority of Farang, most of us white, sitting behind our computers, discussing fighting Islamic groups out of a firm believe that WE know best?

Isn't that just unbelievable ?

Don't take it personal; it's just too absurd for words that, thinking of it, we were raised and educated in a believe that there was just discrimination between whites and blacks.

Until we learnt that there was discrimination also between blacks and blacks, Muslims and Muslims, whites and whites...I could go on.

Absurd world it is, realizing at the same time there are hundreds of thousands of people sleeping in the cold in Japan because of a horrible Earthquake and Tsunami with Nuclear dangers around the corner.

Absurd world.

LaoPo

[Ulysses G.]

Absurd world.

THAT we agree on.