The opposition’s logic is simple but effective: Bahrain’s leaders are bad and incapable of getting better; therefore they should go

Our King gave the lie to these claims yesterday by demonstrating his Government’s ability to implement substantial reforms, with implementation of all the Independent Commission of Inquiry’s recommendations being well on the way towards completion after a mere four months. What’s more, he reiterated the need for immediate dialogue to resolve the remaining outstanding issues.

Over the last couple of months we have seen the security forces’ increased capacity to manage substantial demonstrations peaceably and effectively following retraining and strict guidelines, including an absolute prohibition of torture.

The logic of lazy journalism dictates that there is a bloodthirsty dictatorship in Syria; therefore the authorities in Bahrain must be just as nasty – after all; aren’t all these Arab and Muslim leaders just as bad as each other?

Bahrain is giving the lie to such racist and ignorant attitudes. Bahrain requires reform, not bloodshed and revolution. Bahrain’s institutions of state need to be attuned to the country’s social heritage. Burning everything to the ground and starting from scratch will only bring chaos and economic misery.

If a constitutional monarchy is good enough for Great Britain, then it is good enough for Bahrain. Continued reform will allow our system of government to be more accountable, more effective and more democratic; without rushing towards the shambolic, divisive and sectarian experiments we have seen in Iraq, Egypt and elsewhere in the wider region.