Angry Arab's chief correspondent on Bahrain sent me this: "A few updates:
- Bahrain's first political detainee of the uprising was released finally
released last week. He issued an apology to the King which was published in
Alayam newspaper (pro-government newspaper). He is hated by the regime because
he is a non-secular sunni from an arab background who is part of the military -
thus their natural ally due to the sectarian game they play.
- The regime continues going crazy with their teargas. 60 year old Isa
Al-Taweel died on sunday from inhalation. Apparently they will investigate - how
cute:
- Ebrahim Sharif's (secretary general of Waad) account of his
arrest and torture as passed onto his family members while visiting him in
prison:
- Doctor's Without Borders office attacked (they have apparently been
operating secretly):
and here:
- King issues pardon for 100+ prisoners. None of the political leaders or
the remaining medics or doctors were released. Some criminals were apparently
released
- Oh King gave a speech. Giving everyone a 15% salary hike. This is of
course after thousands got fired. So I guess this is his way of awarding those
who are loyal to the regime.
- Attacks in villages continue as do protests. Bassiouni and the team are
apparently not in Bahrain but people working underneath them are.
- You already heard about Lilian Khalil. She used to write for the
Bahrain Independent a quasi-government website most probably linked to the
ministry of interior. The website is now gone. Saqar Al Khalifa also used to
write for the website. He also had a blog which he would slander the protestors
and their cause, link them to iran etc. The blog is also gone. Saqar has now
been appointed media attache in the US. He has since changed his tone. Has
become very polite and talks about unity (between the sects), peace,
understanding etc.
The uprising has not been crushed as some newspapers like to claim. The
protestors have simply retreated. Anyone who knows the history of Bahrain knows
that there are major protests every 10 years and then smaller protests in
between."
