Yalla Bahrain!

I have been living in Bahrain for the past 10 years. I came to this beautiful island country on 19/Mar/2001.

I was very apprehensive when I came here. I had heard all kinds of negative tales about life in Middle East and how people from sub-continent are mistreated in Middle East.

First thing that struck me were the people and their humility. I am from a different culture but I find Bahrainis very adjusting and quite aware of Indian culture. It never strikes my mind that there are two sects of people - sunnis and shias. To me, all of them seem to represent Bahrain. To me all of them think of the country before they think about their religion or sect. Ofcourse, now having stayed here for 10 years, I'm quite aware that there are extremes to both the sect. But the people with moderate mindset outnumber these and have always defined the texture of this country.

For the past one month, I have gone through a lot of emotions like fear, despair, anger, pity, affection and hate. And I have felt the same emotions in others too - expats as well as locals. For the past one month, I have seen a different Bahrain. This Bahrain looks alien to me. I have never seen so much of negativity in air. People here are known to be kind and peace loving. But now I see them baying for each other's blood. The fine line between moderates and extremists seems to be lost and all are bordering extreme thoughts.

The Government of Bahrain takes good care of people here. Ofcourse, this being a very small country, gives the rulers its own sets of pros and cons. HRM Sh. Hamad, HRH Sh. Khalifa and HRH Sh. Salman are doing a stupendous job of uplifting the country and its people. If you consider only the last couple of years, '2030', LMRA, Tamkeen, etc. have benefited all citizens of Bahrain irrespective of their sect, religion or belief.

Thats why I think that the protests were totally uncalled for. Just because people revolted against Governments of Egypt, Tunisia, Libya, etc, does not endorse the cause for people here to stand against the Government. Any Government in the world is not perfect. Governments which are pro-people are the ones who take care of the people needs more than they neglect. And I feel Bahrain Government does more than its share of pleasing people. But then you can't please everybody!!!

I feel the youth of this land have been misguided. They have been brainwashed and now after the past month's events, they must be extremely lost, angry and hurt. It is absolutely necessary for the Government and the Royal family to understand that and start the Healing process as soon as possible. Forget the leaders who are losers, concentrate on the people. People are hurt and angry!!! They are mis-guided at the moment. You all can guide them and show them the right way.

We, expats, fully support the Government and the Royal family. Expats form a very important fabric of Bahraini society, its economy and its culture. We have full faith on the Government of this land. And we trust that you will never fail us. Let us "rebuild and undo" the damage done to this beautiful island in the last one month. May God bless us all in that!!!

We all love you - the Bahrainis and are ourselves proud to be a part of Bahrain.