Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
UNDERSTAND BAHRAIN
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Bahrain Today
Until the Arab Spring of 2011, the red-and-white flag of Bahrain fluttered along the main
thoroughfares of the country's tree-lined highways as a symbol of a seemingly contented
nation - a nation confident of its place as an offshore banking centre and commercial hub
and a valued member of the UN, Arab League and Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). But
dissatisfaction has simmered resolutely under the surface of this apparent quiet for more
than a decade, partly based on the slow pace of political development but also largely due
to sectarian differences.
On 14 February 2002, Bahrain was declared a constitutional monarchy where both men
and women are eligible to vote and stand for office in a fully elected parliament. But the
fact remains that a Sunni monarch, Sheikh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, is at the helm of a
country where Shiites form the majority of the population. In 2006 Al-Wifaq, a Shia polit-
ical party, won the largest number of seats in parliamentary and municipal elections. This
helped pacify the political aspirations of the Shia majority until 2011, when tension erupted
in street demonstrations and major disturbances. After Eid Al-Adha in November 2012, the
government banned public gatherings in an attempt to quell the rising tensions, but at the
time of writing there is a real fear that the prolonged period of civil unrest may spiral out of
control. The death of an Indian expat in November 2012 in roadside bombs, and regular at-
tacks on schools, has added to the growing sense of unease.
The continuing unrest threatens to destabilise Bahrain's diversified economy, with de-
bate as to whether the Grand Prix should take place in the current climate, and a further
slump experienced in international tourism. Regional tourism continues to play a signific-
ant role in the economy with many visitors, from Saudi Arabia in particular, intent on en-
joying Bahrain's relative tolerance of 'liberal behaviour' regardless. Bahrain's role as an
offshore banking centre and commercial hub is more fragile, however, and some comment-
ators suggest it won't take much to threaten international investment - much-needed to
complete the ambitious projects started in the pre-2008 building frenzy.
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History
