2014 has been an important and eventful year for Bahrain, culminating in the election of a Parliament made up of mostly new faces with a strong mandate for reform and change. On the negative side, as support for the opposition declined, its militant wing became increasingly inclined towards terrorist actions, resulting in the deaths of several policemen.
January
Arms from Iran: The year began with a foiled weapons smuggling operation. Several militants were arrested as they tried to bring in arms shipments from Iran. These events brought into relief the active role of Iran and the Iranian media in stirring up the violence in Bahrain.
Dialogue: CfB was among the most prominent voices in supporting the initiative for restarting the National Dialogue. This Dialogue continued behind the scenes throughout 2014, culminating in a five-point plan for reforming election boundaries, strengthening the elected parliament, making the Cabinet more representative and reforming the security and judicial sectors – which the opposition immediately rejected.
Women’s rights: Several CfB articles early on in the year looked at the progress that had been made in strengthening the role of women in Bahrain’s society and economy.
At the beginning of 2014 Citizens for Bahrain re-launched its website. Over the course of the year the site has had around 250,000 hits.
February
February 14th is both the anniversary of the 2011 unrest and the anniversary of the 2001 National Action Charter – King Hamad’s new constitution which was supported by over 98% of Bahrainis in a referendum.
CfB called on the opposition to avoid taking to the streets and instigating violence; stating that following the Crown Prince’s Dialogue initiative they should be demonstrating their commitment to the political process.
Reform & fighting corruption: Throughout 2014 CfB devoted attention to profiling reforms that had been implemented, as well as important initiatives to stamp out corruption.
March
Terrorism: During 2014 six policemen and one civilian were killed as a result of terrorist attacks by opposition militants, including three during a single incident in March. CfB analyzed the death toll and violence since 2011 to better understand the nature of the unrest.
When two young children were seriously injured while planting a bomb targeted to kill police, CfB analyzed the exploitation of children during the post-2011 unrest and the increasing militancy of elements of the opposition. During this period a number of Bahraini youths were killed while transporting homemade explosives.
During March CfB delivered an “Open Letter to President Obama” to the US Embassy, calling for greater international solidarity in preserving Bahrain’s tolerant heritage, opposing sectarianism and supporting reform.
April
Formula One: The Bahrain Grand Prix was a busy period for CfB. Articles and factsheets profiled the race itself and put this exciting event in context.
The opposition were far less successful this year in mobilizing their supporters against the Grand Prix, despite the restraint shown by police in managing security. Bizarrely the opposition spent much of the Grand Prix holding funeral processions for a convicted killer of a policeman who died when his own bomb exploded in his face while on the run.
May
Reconciliation: Throughout 2014 CfB issued several reports and commentaries highlighting the importance of reconciliation and national unity in Bahrain. Several CfB members travelled to a series of reconciliation-related events and workshops in Northern Ireland.
CfB analyzed the significance of Nabeel Rajab’s release.
June
ISIS: In June ISIS swept across much of central Iraq and expanded their powerbase in Syria. CfB analyzed the significance of these far-reaching events.
Origins of opposition: Over the Summer months CfB issued a series of features detailing the emergence of Bahrain’s opposition groupings, focusing on their growth during the 1970s and the role of some of these groups in the National Assembly, detailing the coup attempt by the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain, following the Islamic Revolution in Iran and looking at how segments of the opposition became increasingly radicalized.
July
Opposition & terrorism: When a policeman was killed during July, CfB examined the confusing responses from the opposition, looking at the opposition’s contradictory stances towards violence and involvement in the political process.
August
History: Over Ramadan CfB issued a series of articles looking at chapters from Bahrain’s history. We looked at the emergence of Islam in Bahrain, and the historical importance of “Greater Bahrain” as a major regional player.
Rights & reform: CfB over this period issued several articles promoting the importance of reform, tolerance, diversity and freedom of speech in Bahrain and encouraging a culture of human rights.
September
Radicalization & sectarianism: CfB spoke out several times against the rise of ISIS and attempts by extremists to recruit jihadists in Bahrain and the Gulf. CfB analyzed developments in Iraq, Syria and other parts of the region, noting Iran’s destabilizing role. CfB has consistently been outspoken against the spread of sectarianism in Bahrain and the Gulf.
CfB’s article: “Response to ISIS: The people of Bahrain despise and reject you” was widely circulated in the social media and covered by media outlets like the Guardian.
October
Elections: CfB spent October profiling the upcoming elections and the candidates; as well as explaining the complex, but highly-significant, constituency boundary changes.
CfB was outspoken in encouraging the opposition to participate in the parliamentary process.
November
November was the month for the first and second rounds of the parliamentary elections.
CfB was the only English-language site providing up to date details on the electoral contests in each of Bahrain’s 40 constituencies and analyzing the results.
December
During December CfB profiled the IISS Manama Dialogue and the new British naval base in Bahrain.
We take this opportunity to wish everyone a successful and prosperous 2015 and we hope that 2015 will be the year of reconciliation and national consensus in seeking a political way forward.