1st June 2012

BAHRAIN MEDIA ROUNDUP

In Bahrain, life in prison just for protesting
Of course we have free speech in Bahrain, the official told me. But you cannot ask to change the government thats a crime. While it was striking to hear a government representative speak so candidly, it wasnt exactly news. Having extensively researched criminal trials in Bahrain, the island nation off Saudi Arabias coast, I knew this perverse understanding of free speech has been the basis for hundreds of prosecutions against peaceful protesters and activists, often leading to lengthy prison sentences. to testify about Bahrain's dreadful human rights record. "We reject such allegations," says an indignant Salah bin Ali Mohammed Abdulrahman. "We have entered a new phase in the history of our country." Saudi Arabia, Yemen, and Belarus, those champions of human rights, leap to his defense, and administer a dressing-down to the council president. And Dupuy Lasserre stands her ground. "I wish to renew my expression of confidence that there will be no kind of problem involved with this," she concludes. Read More in its response to the Arab uprisings, but performing terribly on Bahrain and the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. They are largely against military intervention in Syria, don't expect war between Egypt and Israel in the next two years, and don't expect a negotiated two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians in the next decade. And they are perfectly divided over who they think will win the upcoming Egyptian Presidential run-off election. Read More

U.N. Human Rights Council Condemns On May 16, authorities initiated the latest such Actual Human Rights prosecution, opening the trial Abusers! of Nabeel Rajab, a
prominent human rights defender, on charges of offending an official body. The relevant offense, according to the government, was caused when Rajab criticized authorities via Twitter for not prosecuting attacks by armed groups against civilians. Read More Advisor Khalifa bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa and Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al-Khalifa and held a roundtable discussion with civil society leaders. In these meetings, Mr. McDonough stressed the importance of the U.S.Bahraini partnership as well as the importance the United States places on reconciliation and reform in Bahrain. In Qatar, Mr. McDonough gave a keynote address at the U.S.-Islamic World Forum on May 30, and met with Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Hamad bin Jasim Al-Thani to discuss regional issues, including the ongoing crisis in Syria. Read More If you're inclined to think that "U.N. Human Rights Council" is a contradiction in terms -and really, who isn't? -- you should look at a clip of council president Laura Dupuy Lasserre, a Uruguayan, warning a senior Bahraini official not to retaliate against activists who came to Geneva

What middle east academic experts think

Political scientists specializing on the Middle East see Jordan as the Arab country most likely to experience major new mobilization during the coming year, but see Bashar al-Assad as the Arab leader most likely to lose power. They see the Obama administration as doing a pretty good job overall

Statement by NSC Spokesman Tommy Vietor on Deputy National Security Advisor McDonoughs Travel
Deputy National Security Advisor Denis McDonough concluded a productive trip to Bahrain, Qatar, and Afghanistan, during which he consulted with key counterparts on a range of issues of mutual concern. During his visit to Bahrain May 29-30, Mr. McDonough met with National Security