Bahrain Crackdown and the Media

While most of the world is concentrating on the devastation in Japan, many analysts have been worried that the divergence of attention will allow governments where the uprisings have begun to crack on protesters. This is extremely important because media coverage dictates the success of these uprisings.

In previous posts I have discussed the similarities between all these uprisings (and eventual revolutions). One that I have only briefly mentioned, but just as important, is media coverage of the movements. I strongly believe that without the world's eye fixed on a protest, they will be swept away by government forces. I remember watching a TED talk by an Al Jazeera correspondent that you can see here:

In it, he says that he was contacted by protesters in Egypt who told him, "Please keep the cameras on" because if they were shut off, they would all be killed. Thankfully the cameras weren't turned off, instead, Al Jazeera started a live 24/7 feed of the Square. Weeks later the protesters were successful. 

With the world's eyes watching Japan, this is what we see in Bahrain: 

This a day after the Kingdom declared a state of emergency as the armies of Saudi Arabia as well as neighboring states moved into the tiny kingdom to help "stabilize" the nation.

We must all keep this in mind: It is much harder for a government to crackdown on its people when a crowd is watching; with the millions around the world, it could be almost impossible. Japan is certainly in a state of crisis and needs it's attention, however, the future of these people and the people around them are heavily reliant on our attention (lets never forget that!).

Bahrain is a Kingdom ruled by a Sunni family with a population of majority Shia Muslims. This is a similar sectarian structure  that existed in pre- US invasion Iraq. The nation is filled with the circumstances for strife as Saudi troops in the country are seen as invading forces there to help support a Sunni government. The demands of the protesters are similar to other protests in the region: proper representation in government (some call for a constitutional monarchy, others for its complete abolition). Either way, the Sunni ruled nation would become a (rightfully) Shia represented one; with a natural ally to Iran. Which could cause problems for the United States, foreign policy wise. But for those pondering the decision and whom to support, is it really right to help support a government that restricts people's rights in the name of U.S. "interests?" (expect a blog post on that one!)

The primary concern has been in Libya as the dictator's army pushes through the country while forcing rebels back to the east of the country. Meanwhile, proponents of a no-fly zone are pointing out, that more than ever, a no fly zone is necessary to give the rebels a fighting chance. A strong push has begun for a vote at the highly biased UN Security Council to enforce the no-fly zone with countries like Russia and China the usual resistance demanding more questions about the policy be answered.

Meanwhile, the once described "freedom protest" have turned into "civil war." The United Nation is calling for an end to violence and the beginning of work toward reconciliation. Now, more than ever, it seems a crackdown of the protests are the solutions that these governments are resorting for. The world's reactions will determine if this will become the standard policy of all dictators to get by. If the world stands by and does nothing, the protesters will loose. If support is given, the lives of these people will change forever, and for the better. Fresh and unseen protests have just begun in Syria, so for the Syrians, past, current and future protesters, Let's hope countries chose the latter.

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