Several years ago, the thought of a revolution in the Middle East and other states occupied by Arabs was unimaginable. This is because of the tough and dictatorial rule that the incumbents exercised over their subjects. Consequently, public protests and demonstrations were illegalized, making it impossible for people to air out their grievances explicitly. A majority of these people waited silently for a revolution that would liberate them from the unjust rule and subsequent oppression they suffered under these leaders. It is noteworthy that these protests were perpetrated differently in various nations, since they arose from different circumstances. As a result, this paper examines the difference between protests in Bahrain and other nations, with respect to the influence and role of Shiite Muslims.
Tunisia
All protests originated from Tunisia. Several issues encouraged the protestors, with unemployment being the most prominent. This was occasioned by extensive corruption perpetrated by government officials. In addition, the state issued several decrees that were oppressive to the populace (BBC News). For example, banning prayers in public places within the major cities did not please the citizens. Secondly, the state decided to ban women from wearing the Hijab in the places of work. This amounted to oppression, since many citizens felt their culture was being suppressed.
Lastly, high poverty levels among the citizens and poor living conditions served as another motivator for these protests. This led to numerous political and social conflicts that later resulted in the deaths of many civilians in the hands of police officers and other law enforcement agencies. Surprisingly, police officers later joined the protestors after the president left office. Ordinary citizens derived many benefits from these protests, including empowerment and expanded liberties. They also motivated other Arab nations to take to the streets and air their grievances publicly.
Egypt
Egyptians followed the precedence of the Tunisians. Initially, most of the government leaders spoke against such activities. For example, the Egyptian foreign minister termed the actions as stupid. It is noteworthy, that the protests in Egypt and those in Tunisia took place due to a host of similar reasons. Just like their neighbors, Egyptians bemoaned poor management of public resources by the country’s leadership (The Guardian). They also complained about the restrictions hindering free communication. Most importantly, they lamented restricted democratic space and soaring poverty levels among most of the citizens. This came as a surprise, since the nation upholds democratic ideals.
The protestors were mobilized using social networks and other channels of informal communication. It is noteworthy that oppressive strategies employed by the government, including a ban on these networks and police brutality served to increase the zeal of the protestors. They invaded the streets in major cities and chanted anti government slogans. Online activists and youthful persons, who were later joined by people of other age groups, organized most of these marches.
Libya
The citizens of Libya also joined in the protests after observing the success achieved by Egyptians and Tunisians. They had crucial areas in which they felt the state had let them down. Foremost, Libyans opposed the exorbitant cost of housing in a number of the major cities. The state responded by investing extensively in housing projects. This noble gesture was later undone by the state’s decision to employ several mercenaries to combat the dissents. Consequently, several native tribes joined forces against state forces and engaged them in combat using heavy weapons. It is notable that the protests have claimed numerous lives even though the protests have not ceased. This is because state loyalists use all means at their disposal to fight off civilian protesters who are determined to overthrow the incumbent.
Yemen
The case of protests in Yemen closely resembles those in the previously discussed nations. This is because Yemen is an impoverished state; hence, most persons lack basic amenities and other essential facilities necessary for their daily lives. These remonstrations happened simultaneously with those in Egypt. Most activities took place in the south, most of the impoverished nationals reside. In addition, a majority of the residents live on limited resources, while the rest experience unremitting hunger. Among the demands of the protestors were a change in the constitutional dispensation and a change of guard in the presidential office. They bore fruit, since the president gave in to their demands to leave office and set a date for leaving office (Carey & Hatem). In addition, he shelved plans to pass over presidency to his son and halted proposed constitutional amendments that would make him president for life. A number of high profile persons also resigned from the ruling party and the government at large in order to accommodate the changes instituted by the government in response to civilian demands.
Bahrain
The Shiite Muslims
Shiite Islam constitutes the second largest denomination Muslim adherents. Their brand of Islam relies on the Quran and they perceive Imams as spiritual and political leaders. Consequently, they differ from Sunnis, since they recognize Muhammad’s immediate family and close relatives as his rightful heirs. This implies that they support Hadith’s featuring the prophet’s associates and immediate family. This is opposed to Sunni conventions, which recognize cohorts as the principal narrators of the Sunnah.
Why their loyalty goes to Iran
In Iran, the Shiite’s assumed national control after the revolution in 1979, that oversaw the advancement of clerical influence in public matters. Shiite activism in Iran emphasized the pan-Islamic aspects of their philosophy, which includes non-sectarianism. Shiite’s interpret Islam as a forum that empowers the oppressed, in addition, to a set of devotional procedures.
It is noteworthy that a majority of the Bahraini nationals are Shiite’s, while the ruling elite comprises minority Sunnis. This unique situation depicts the situation in the Middle East, where majority of the political leaders are Sunnis. Most of these nationals draw inspiration from the state of Iran, where Shiite clerics wield considerable power in spite of an existing functional executive.
Several Iranian leaders contend that Bahrain is a part of their nation. This allegation attracted extensive criticism from a majority of the Arab nations. Some protested by severing their diplomatic relationship with the state. Summarily, similar religious ideologies draw most of the oppressed Shiite majority to Iran. In addition, they view Iran as the guiding light of Islam and chief defender of the Shiite Muslims worldwide.
Iran’s support for Bahraini Shiites
The 1979 revolution that took place in Iran drew massive protests from Bahraini citizens in support of the state. Shiite leaders also demanded that the state be pronounced an Islamic republic, just like Iran. Most Iranian leaders also view Bahrain as a constituent province of their nation, hence their continued desire to export a revolution to that country. These ties explain Iran’s pronounced involvement and public support for the protesters.
Foremost, Iranian clerics called for public protests and condemned the state for its involvement in perpetrating the chaos. Ayatollah Jannati, a prominent ecclesiastic called for widespread support for Bahraini Shiites as they endeavored to claim their rights. The state also used diplomatic channels to register their support for the dissidents. They summoned diplomatic officials from Saudi Arabia and Bahrain stationed in Tehran to complain about the state of affairs in the nation. Most notably, the nation withdrew its diplomatic representatives from the country after the detention of several lead protesters (CBSNEWS).
Summarily, Iran stands to benefit tremendously if the Sunni elite is overthrown on Bahrain. This will give them dependable ally and alter the balance of power in the region. In addition, most of Bahrain’s neighbors have restless Shiite minorities. Harnessing these masses and uniting them to speak in a common voice will boost Iran’s case for supremacy within the region. This explains their interest in the continuing unrest.
Reaction of the Gulf countries
The response by regional leaders predictably varied, depending on the sectarian inclination of power brokers in the region. Radical clerics in the Shiite Majority Iraq called for unending protests in support of Bahraini residents. It is noteworthy that several cities, including Basra witnessed peaceful protests several hours after these calls. In addition, the premier of this nation questioned the rationale of inviting foreign forces to assault civilians.
The state of Iran also spoke out against these occurrences. President Ahmadinejad termed the containment measures as atrocious and inexplicable acts, which could not be justified (Yong). He also questioned the logic behind using weapons on a people one is supposed to govern. Most importantly, he sees the hand of the American state, since Bahrain is their key ally and hosts their navy.
Opinions are divided in Kuwait. Political representatives of the minority Shiite populace strongly oppose this intervention by the Gulf Cooperation Council. On the other hand, Sunni politicians expressed their strong support for the move, calling on the state to expedite the commissioning of their forces into Bahrain. Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are other Sunni led countries that have weighed into the controversy. These Sunni led nations displayed their support for the state by sending their forces to help the government in controlling protesters. They were involved extensively in the operations that included firing mortars, shelling and heavy gunfire in order to disperse civilians.
The effect of the Gulf Cooperation Council on the Shiite-Sunni conflict
The events in Bahrain can be summarized as a power struggle Shiite majority and the Sunni ruling class. The decision by other Sunni led states to support the government crackdown on civilians using military force further aggravated the situation. On the other hand, Shiite hardliners fuelled the revolt by publicly backing the demonstrators and other diplomatic methods (Karimi). It is notable that citizens have legitimate concerns, which include improper dismissal of Shiites from work, poor living conditions and rampant corruption. Observers note that Bahraini nationals enjoy relative stability and greater political freedom in comparison to other nations within the region. This informs the notion that the case of Bahrain has degenerated into a battle between the ideologies that characterize the Islamic religion.
References
BBC News. Tunisia Protests Against Ben Ali Left 200 Dead Says UN. BBC Africa. 2011. Web.
Carey, Glen & Mohammed Hatem. Bahrain’s Shiite Protesters Gather as Unrest Spreads. Business Week. 2011. Web.
CBSNEWS. Iran recalls ambassador from Bahrain in protest. CBS NEWS. 2011. Web.
Karimi, Nasser. Iran cleric tells Bahraini Shiites to protest on. Yahoo News. 2011. Web.
The Guardian. Egypt protests – Thursday 3 February. The Guardian. 2011. Web.
Yong, William. Students in Iran demonstrate in support of Bahrain’s Shiites. New York Times. 2011. Web.