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.

Judge Bahrain on its own terms. Not by the standards of other dysfunctional dictatorships in the region.

• We have a constitutional monarchy committed to reform.
• We have a liberal, pluralist and open society.
• We can criticize our Government openly, but we love our King and trust his vision for reform and a prosperous Bahrain.

Bahrain is a tiny island of tolerance, democratic values and progressive aspirations, in a region submerged in dictatorship, religious extremism and intolerance. If you listen to the opposition’s calls to boycott and stigmatize Bahrain, then you risk stifling this vibrant country and letting loose the forces of anarchy, backwardness and extremism in our beautiful country.

His Royal Highness the King has once again shown that he is wiser and more courageous than all of us.

In the hours after the large March 9^th demonstration, the majority of us Bahrainis who remain loyal to our political system were nursing a sense of anger and resentment towards the protesters who had once again hijacked our streets and brought our country to a standstill. We had once again endured Molotovs, attacks on the police, burning tires and a dozen other means of violently and aggressively asserting their demands.

However, instead of giving voice to our anger and frustration, the Royal Court issued a statement welcoming Bahrainis exercising their right to freedom expression within the confines of the law, describing this as “a source of pride for Bahrain”.