UNWELCOME: Iran's support for Bahrain's Shia

Iran is and has always been a Shia country with a majority of 95%. Bahrain is also classified as having a Shia majority, however their Sunni government insist that the consensus published with population statistics is biased and inaccurate. Over the last several months of Shia demonstrations, (mainly taking place in Pearl Square) 27 people have been killed and hundreds wounded in the fight for a constitutional monarchy instead of the existing system where policy remains the preserve of a ruling elite centred on the Sunni al-Khalifa dynasty. After the State of Emergency was lifted, Bahrain faced scrutiny from the West and human rights monitors: the heavy handed, brutal and violent approach of the security forces in handling (the initially peaceful) demonstrators was abhorred internationally. The Bahrain Ministry of Interior has recently asserted that all Shia-related claims of abuse within the custodial system will be investigated thoroughly, yet with their lack of an established and fair judicial system; their claim falls on deaf and certainly unpacified ears. The Sunnis will never allow Shia power to develop, as it would undoubtedly mean the demise of the currently favoured and well-employed minority.

There have been many claims from Bahrain governmental officials that Iran has systemically funded and coordinated the Shia protests - indirect evidence has apparently been witnessed including bank transactions and telephone conversations between the two parties. An unavoidable truth backing the Sunni government's accusations is that PRESS TV - a Tehran based television station - has aired nothing else but Bahrain Shiite propaganda during the protests and seems to be trying very hard to incite anger toward the Sunni government. Bahrain is admittedly a strategically perfect country in to which Iran could expand its influence and eventually occupy; therefore taking advantage of Bahrain's current destabilised situation would compliment this ambition. There is also another incentive for Iran to involve itself in Bahrain's protests: Bahrain is an emerging liberal democracy that is paving the way by example for other Gulf States to follow suit. With its comparatively relaxed laws and thriving economy (see BAPCO), Bahrain is in an enviable but perhaps scorned upon position. This idea of progressive, more Westernised Muslim countries does not suit Iran or its agendas one bit; therefore it would be in their interests to encourage unrest within Bahrain. On the other hand, it is quite convenient for Bahrain to account its extreme damage control methods to an effort of protecting its nation from Iran. The Northern Irish "Popish Plot" comes to mind.

Whether Iran is involved in Bahrain's unrest or not, turbulence and violence has occurred because of the unjust and biased methods of rule. Bahrain is a fanastic country with a friendly nation, but the brute force executed by the Sunni government upon fellow Bahrain (although Shiite) civilians is unforgivable in many eyes.