After the wave of negative feedback to the Crown Prince’s meeting with opposition leaders urging them back to the Dialogue table, it seems appropriate to discuss why it is so important to have an all-inclusive Dialogue.
Needless to say that if a Dialogue is to take place, it would be rather pointless to strictly include loyalist and pro-government groups at the table – or in other words groups that are hoping to maintain the status quo. It is also necessary for all sides to have a constructive role in agreeing on the format of these talks, without anyone trying to force their agenda on everyone else.
The entire point of the Dialogue is to create a comprehensive mandate for reform that is created through collective participation and input from the various factions of Bahraini society. We will never make progress if we only talk to those who we agree with.
The fact that Al Wefaq has compromised the security and stability of our nation for the past three years does not change the fact that they still represent a large constituency of Bahrain’s population.
Therefore, regardless of the damage they have caused, they and the other significant segments of the opposition must be part of the National Dialogue whether we agree with them or not. Otherwise this continuous cycle of rioting and arrests will not come to an end anytime soon.
Having said this, Al-Wefaq must do more to actively distance themselves from acts of terrorism and violence; and they should recognize the obligation of the security forces to pursue those trying to harm Bahraini citizens and foreign residents.
Dialogue is not an easy process. Although we have been going through two years of sporadic Dialogue sessions without even an agreed agenda to show for it; other nations going through similar traumas will tell you that two years is too short of a time to achieve anything in terms of reformation, reconciliation and peace.
Take Northern Ireland for example. Months of peace negotiations known as the “Haass Talks” recently failed to reach any agreement on the many of the divisive issues affecting Northern Ireland. The situation prompted interventions from US President Barack Obama and UK Prime Minister David Cameron. Despite not reaching any agreements, Mr. Cameron described the talks as having “a lot of merit”; Peter Robinson, the First Minister of Northern Ireland, described them as “providing the architecture for future agreement and discussion”.
Dialogue with your opponents is difficult and requires political courage; especially when the process does not deliver quick and easy results. Bahrainis should take note of such examples and acknowledge the patience and perseverance required before any results are achieved.
We might not be able to come to an agreement immediately, but we must continue and strive to build the basis and architecture for future agreements and the future of Bahrain. We should also be supportive of figures like the Crown Prince who are outspokenly pursuing talks and reconciliation, and not be too quick to attack them when their efforts don’t bear immediate fruits.
The current situation is not sustainable. We cannot progress as a divided nation and we cannot unite until we are all willing to compromise. We should all keep an open mind and not obstruct any efforts by the Government or any other party, loyalist or opposition, to get the National Dialogue back on track.
We are hopeful that Bahrainis will do what is in our nation’s best interest, and we also wish the people of Northern Ireland the best of luck in their efforts to attain peace and unity.