NO sound minded person can ignore norms in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries, including the fact that the system of governance is based on the outcome of agreement between various segments of the society and the ruling families. The ruling families did not come to power through the use of arms or military coups; hence, a minority group’s attempt to depose the Bahraini government is totally ridiculous and has been condemned by the majority. All Bahraini political blocs have dissociated themselves from the agitation which is a manifestation of a foreign agenda, rather than reform demands that could be discussed. Everybody agrees that all segments of the society should be involved in roundtable discussions on important issues. This is exactly what the Bahraini leadership did when King Hamad Bin Essa Al-Khalifa mandated Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa to initiate comprehensive national dialogue. The political groups welcomed the idea as it allows them to present national issues in a calm manner.

The incidents taking place in Bahrain have been blown out of proportion by some people who are under the wrong impression that the Kingdom is on the brink of civil war due to the attack on the government. This has been proved by the pro-government marches in which citizens affirmed their national loyalty and readiness for dialogue. The Crown Prince has admitted in the Arab and international media that a few mistakes in performance led to the uprising we have been witnessing for some days. With this, he has put the issue in the right perspective and prevented misinterpretations as well as foreign interference. The government has withdrawn the military, while all stakeholders have agreed to a roundtable discussion to take the country to the next level through steady democracy and developmental activities that began ten years ago.

The crisis will end with the dialogue which will require answering some questions. Do we need revolution in the Gulf countries, or do we need to first block those trying to destabilize the region? The brains behind the crisis want to exploit some administrative and political lapses. Hence, there is a need to encourage administrative and institutional reforms, in addition to reducing bureaucratic procedures, and listen to the new generation to know their dreams and wishes which in turn will help in modernizing these countries and eventually block the attempts of adventurers.

The wisdom shown by King Hamad Bin Essa and the Crown Prince in handling these issues and the quick political reforms initiated are not new to the kingdom although some political blocs do not want to hear the truth. This reality has proved that the government wants to ensure development in Bahrain. The initiative taken by the Crown Prince under the direct supervision of the King will prove to be a turning point which will benefit the country. The youth should play their expected role since they have been using contemporary language to describe how things should be in the future. However, everything must happen under supervision and guidance of the wise men who have been active in the state administration, and this is exactly what is taking place now.

Email:ahmed@aljarallah.com