Across the middle east the successful protests by Tunisia and Egypt had served as an inspiration for other countries to follow. In the latest development, Bahrainis had came out and voiced their concerns over full democracy. They are not calling for the end of monarchy in Bahrain but they want real change by having an elected Prime Minister.
Demonstrators in Bahrain was led by opposition parties who are calling for Khalifa regime to served as ceremonial head of state but the power of the people will be voiced out by an elected parliament. His Highness Sheikh Khalifa ibn Salman Khalifa had served as Prime Minister of Bahrain for 40 years.
The reigning King of Bahrain His Highness Sheikh Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa had served as King of Bahrain from 2002 up to the present times. His Highness had instituted several reforms in the Kingdom including the elected parliament but the power still resides within the Khalifas.
Bahrain is a Sunni led Arab States but majority of it’s people belongs to the Shiite Muslims which originates from Iran. Iran still claimed that Bahrain is part of Iran and it was just one of its renegade province. Bahrain was once under British protectorate, not until August 15, 1971 when it was considered as an independet state through the recommendation of the United Nations.
Bahrain is one of the countries which is vital for the economic stability not only in the Gulf States but in the world. It is the headquarters of United States Fifth Naval Fleet which served as guardian for the oil shipping lanes that p(–foul word(s) removed–)ed through the Strait of Hormuz. Almost 40% of world’s oil tankers have p(–foul word(s) removed–)ed through Bahrain and Iran’s Strait of Hormuz. Bahrain is one of the major U.S. ally in the middle east.
Another concerns by the protesters in Bahrain was the inhumane treatment against the opposition. Police brutality is rampant and the protesters wanted democratic reforms and improvement of living conditons of Shiite majority. The United States were closely monitoring the developments in Bahrain protests which already took the lives of 5 people.