Strife across the Gulf in Iran makes Bahrainis nervous but also hopeful
Save time by listening to our audio articles as you multitaskSince the Islamic revolution of 1979 that convulsed Iran and threatened the thrones of Sunni Arab monarchs across the Gulf, Bahrain has been on the fault line of the Sunni-Shia division. It is the only country in the six-member Gulf Co-operation Council where the indigenous majority is Shia; most of the people in the other five are staunchly Sunni.
Yet sectarian feeling may be softening. Saudi Arabia has muzzled its more extreme Islamists and embarked on a more secular drive. The United Arab Emirates, Bahrain’s other big patron, has banned Sunni Islamist parties and encouraged other Gulf governments to follow suit. Sunni Islamist parties did badly in Bahrain’s recent election to choose members of an assembly that advises the all-powerful monarch, Hamad al-Khalifa. Bahrain’s Sunni clergy may be shedding its sectarianism too.
Younger Shias may want their own clergy to reciprocate. The cries of protesters seeking to topple the Shia theocracy in Iran are being heard in Bahrain. Some Bahraini Shias are annoyed by the support their theologians are giving to the Iranian ayatollahs. “It’s hypocrisy,” says a Shia activist. “They have slogans for human rights here, but they’re very conservative and don’t want women to have better chances.
Social harmony between Shias and Sunnis in Bahrain would be enhanced still more if the ruling family bestowed equal political rights on the Shia majority. The main Shia party, al-Wefaq, is banned, so the recent election took place without its participation. Moreover, the ruling family grants most of the top army and security posts to Sunnis. Radio and television are broadcast in a Sunni dialect. The Sunni version of Islam is the one taught in schools.
Maryam wants Sunnis and Shias to worship together at the island shrine. That may not be to the taste of the Khalifas. If the sects co-operated in politics as well as in religion, the people of Bahrain would find it easier to hold their ruling family to account. They might even demand a constitutional monarchy. The recent election is a long way from allowing that.
Danmark Seneste Nyt, Danmark Overskrifter
Similar News:Du kan også læse nyheder, der ligner denne, som vi har indsamlet fra andre nyhedskilder.
Whole Foods to Pause Selling Gulf of Maine LobsterAnother major retailer is saying it will soon stop offering Gulf of Maine lobster after a second major seafood sustainability group says fishing for the New England staple may pose a serious safety risk to endangered North Atlantic right whales. Following an announcement from the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) that there will be a suspension of its certificate labeling the…
Læs mere »
Turkey/Egypt: fresh Gulf funding would tell investors to steer clear\n\t\t\tLet our global subject matter experts broaden your perspective with timely insights and opinions you\n\t\t\tcan’t find anywhere else.\n\t\t
Læs mere »
Ireland’s millionaire homeowners belie a stark inequality gulf\n\t\t\tLet our global subject matter experts broaden your perspective with timely insights and opinions you\n\t\t\tcan’t find anywhere else.\n\t\t
Læs mere »
Iran Claims Oil, Petrochem Exports Hit Highest Since 2018 | OilPrice.comIran’s exports of crude oil, condensates, and petrochemical products hit their highest level in the Iranian month of November since 2018, when the U.S. reimposed sanctions on the Islamic Republic’s oil industry, Petroleum Minister Javad Owji said.
Læs mere »
Murphy pinpoints 'bigger issue' for England than Maguire as he names unsung hero vs IranDanny Murphy insists England have a 'bigger issue' than Gareth Southgate's loyalty to Manchester United centre-back Harry Maguire.
Læs mere »
Iran boss Carlos Queiroz confronts BBC journalist after question about protests'Why do you ask these questions? Why? I’m talking with you.' Iran manager Carlos Queiroz has confronted a female BBC journalist regarding a question she asked about ongoing protests in the country.
Læs mere »