Chan'ad Bahraini

Why are things going backwards in this country?? On June 9 I was happy to post about the report that our Parliament had "approved a draft law aiming to Bahrainise the Interior Ministry, Defence Ministry and National Guard and end discrimination among different segments of the population." This decision has however been reversed, as the GDN reports today:

MANAMA: Parliament has withdrawn a proposal to Bahrainise jobs at the BDF, Interior Ministry and National Guard, it was announced last night. A parliament statement said the foreign affairs, defence and public security committee had taken the decision following a request from the unnamed MP who had first submitted the proposal. The statement gave no reason for the decision. The committee has also decided to postpone discussion of a proposal that Bahrainis be given priority when job vacancies arise at the BDF, Interior Ministry and National Guard. (Continued)

The reason why I support the initial draft law is because (i) it might provide a few extra jobs for Bahrainis, (ii) most Bahrainis dislike the overbearing presence of the foreign mercenaries, (iii) it makes sense that the security of the country is in the hands of citizens, not foreigners, and (iv) it is a strong gesture to indicate that the past policy of state discrimination against Shias is no longer acceptable. It is therefore a shame that the ruling regime still does not trust Bahrainis with the safety of their own country, and that it still requires the service of foreign mercenaries. I don't know what led to the withdrawal of the draft law, but I would guess that it be in response to the anti-AlKhalifa sentiments being aroused by the Al-Khawaja affair. I hope the government realizes that this decision will only further anti-government feelings.

This entry was posted on Monday, October 18, 2004 at 10/18/2004 08:00:00 am. Permalink