Bahrain: A Country Of Oppression And Lost Opportunities

There are many reasons why someone might think that Bahrain sucks. One common complaint is that there is a lack of interesting things to do in the country, with some people finding it boring. This could be a factor for expats living in Bahrain, who may struggle to find ways to spend their time after work.

Political opinion and censorship

Bahrain has been criticised for its censorship of the media and lack of freedom of speech. This has been particularly evident in the country's response to political protests. In 2011, what began as a movement for equality and transparency was quickly labelled as a riot, with protesters being referred to as terrorists. This led to a state of emergency being declared, and human rights violations were reported. The evolution from an apolitical existence to one filled with political opinion caused division and conflict.

The media, particularly BTV, has been accused of spreading propaganda and fuelling the fire of hatred and confusion. This has resulted in a climate of fear and repression, with bullets being used to silence words and people being afraid to speak out.

Censorship in Bahrain extends beyond politics and into various aspects of life, including humour and translation. Jokes are often deemed illegal, and the internet is heavily censored. This has led to a situation where opinion itself is considered illegal, and the populace is protected from politics, porn, and prognostication.

The refusal of Bahrain to accept and manage divergent political opinions has led to social cracks that have grown into an abyss.

Lack of unity

Bahrain has long been a country of political and social divides, with little unity among its people. The country's evolution from an apolitical existence to one flooded with political opinion has only served to highlight these divisions, with people taking sides and clinging to their beliefs without truly understanding the complexities of the situation. This has resulted in a society characterised by conflict and a lack of collective action towards a common goal.

The people of Bahrain have a history of allowing idealism to get in the way of progress. When the country was granted the gift of freedom of speech, instead of seizing the moment to unite and bring about positive change, they allowed their differences to polarise them further. Those demanding change became clouded by hatred, while those afraid of change responded with more hate. Rather than engaging in constructive dialogue, they allowed propaganda and media outlets to fuel the fire, labelling protesters as rioters and terrorists. This us-versus-them mentality has only served to deepen the cracks in Bahraini society.

The refusal of Bahrain and its people to understand, manage, and thrive in a world of divergent opinion has been their undoing. Instead of working together to find common ground and compromise, they have allowed arrogance, idiocy, and a refusal to engage with conflicting opinions to drive them further apart. This lack of unity has led to a breakdown of trust, understanding, and cooperation, hindering any efforts to create a better future for all.

The consequences of this disunity are far-reaching. It has resulted in a breakdown of human rights, repression of freedom of speech, and a general atmosphere of fear, confusion, and hatred. Foreign armies, live ammunition, and a state of emergency have become the new norm, replacing what could have been a promising future of equality and democracy. The people of Bahrain have allowed their differences to override their shared goals, and in doing so, they have lost sight of what truly matters.

To move forward, Bahrain must find a way to bridge the divides that exist within its society. It must encourage open and honest dialogue, embrace diverse opinions, and work towards finding common ground. Only then can it hope to heal the cracks and build a stronger, more united nation.

Poor infrastructure

Bahrain's infrastructure is lacking in many ways. One of the most significant issues is the country's poor transportation system. The roads are often congested, and there is a lack of efficient public transport options. This leads to long commute times and difficulties in getting around, especially for those who cannot afford private vehicles.

The country's internet infrastructure is also subpar, with slow speeds and frequent connectivity issues. This can be particularly frustrating for those working or studying remotely, as well as for businesses that rely on stable internet access. The lack of reliable internet also contributes to a sense of isolation and disconnection from the wider world.

In addition, Bahrain's airport and airlines have been described as "the worst in the world." The airport facilities are inadequate, with limited seating and dining options, and the quality of service from the local airlines is subpar. This can be a significant deterrent for tourists and business travellers, impacting the country's economy and reputation.

The poor infrastructure extends to other areas as well. For example, the education system in Bahrain has been criticised for its low quality and lack of innovation. This can hinder the potential of young people and limit their opportunities, both within the country and internationally.

The country also struggles with reliable access to basic utilities such as water and electricity. Power outages and water shortages are not uncommon, impacting daily life and causing frustration among residents.

Overall, Bahrain's poor infrastructure significantly impacts the quality of life for its residents and can deter visitors and potential investors. The country would benefit from significant investments and improvements in these areas to enhance its reputation and attract more people to live, work, and visit.

Religious intolerance

Bahrain's constitution declaressection=2,4> declares Islam as the official religion and Sharia as the principal source for legislation. While the constitution provides for freedom of conscience, the inviolability of places of worship, and the freedom to perform religious rites, these rights are not always respected in practice.

The constitution also guarantees the right to express and publish opinions, but only if these do not infringe on the "fundamental beliefs of Islamic doctrine". The law prohibits anti-Islamic publications and mandates imprisonment for "exposing the state's official religion to offence and criticism". It is a crime to mock or disdain a religious group, and individuals can be imprisoned for encouraging contempt for a different religious denomination or sect.

The government has been known to question, detain, and arrest Shia clerics and community members, often over the content of their sermons. In 2019, the Ministry of the Interior banned Majeed al-Meshaal, the head of the Shia Scholar's Council, from delivering Friday sermons on the grounds that he was inciting hatred. In 2023, the government charged an Indian doctor with posting anti-Islamic publications on social media after he described Islam as a "barbaric religion".

The government also regulates the content of sermons of both Sunni and Shia religious leaders, and the collection of funds by religious organisations. Islamic religious groups must register with the Ministry of Justice, Islamic Affairs, and Endowments to operate, while non-Islamic groups must register with the Ministry of Social Development as a civil society organisation.

While non-Muslim religious groups, mainly composed of non-citizens, have reported freedom to openly practice their religion without government interference, there is societal pressure on individuals not to convert from Islam. Those who do convert are often unwilling to speak about their conversion out of fear of harassment or discrimination.

Bahrain's Sunni-Shia tensions have also been exacerbated by the government's preference for Sunnis in hiring for senior positions in the Ministry of Interior and the military, as well as for other government jobs. Shia community members have also reported inferior educational, social, and municipal services in their neighbourhoods compared to Sunni communities.

Lack of career opportunities

Bahrain is a small country with limited career opportunities. This is especially true for young Bahrainis who are starting their careers and trying to find their footing in the job market. The country's economy is not as strong as some of its neighbouring countries, and there is a lack of diversity in the types of industries and sectors available.

The Bahraini government has recognised this issue and is taking steps to involve young Bahrainis in various areas of public policy and investment management. However, there is still a long way to go, and many young people feel frustrated by the lack of opportunities and the difficulty of moving up the career ladder. This is partly due to the "wasta" system, where personal connections and influence play a significant role in career advancement.

Expatriates living in Bahrain may also face challenges when it comes to career opportunities. While Bahrain is known for its acceptance of other cultures and has a rich heritage, expatriates may find that their career options are limited, especially if they do not have the right connections or are not fluent in the local language.

The lack of career opportunities in Bahrain can lead to feelings of depression and frustration among both locals and expatriates. It can also contribute to a brain drain, where talented and ambitious individuals choose to leave the country in search of better career prospects and a higher quality of life.

To address this issue, the Bahraini government needs to continue its efforts to diversify the economy, create more jobs, and provide support for young people starting their careers. Additionally, steps should be taken to reduce the influence of the "wasta" system and create a more merit-based career advancement culture.

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