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Iraq in Turmoil Iraq, the cradle of civilizations and the land of knowledge, has passed through the most critical of times over the last three decades. Absolute tyranny and repression have resulted in the annihilation of total villages, tens of thousands of extrajudicial killings and executions, continued deprivation of people of the country’s wealth and three wars that lead to hundreds of thousands of deaths and destruction of three countries in unprecedented proportions. The Iraqi people have given limitless sacrifices and suffered years or decades in exile. The totalitarian Ba’ath regime in Bagdhad was backed by Western countries and Arab States, at least in its war with Iran and the oppression of its people. The military occupation has left many hundreds dead and inflicted tremendous destruction of the country’s infrastructure, thus requiring many billions of dollars in reconstruction work. The country is left without power, drinking water or medicine in many of its parts. Security is another major issue which concerns both the citizens of Iraq and human rights organizations alike. It also makes it difficult for relief and humanitarian work to start in the country. The rapid deterioration of events in Iraq has moved the country from total ruthlessness under the old regime into total anarchy and lawlessness under the invading military. The implications and damage of this lawlessness are ramified. It is surprising that this happens in the presence of the occupying military force, whose only concern was to protect the oil fields. Looters have not spared banks, government buildings, museums and educational establishments, all of which contain important contents and historical artifacts. The present situation, more than two weeks after the cessation of fighting, does not bring about enough hope of security. The occupying force has begun reinstating a number of figures that have track records of dealings with the deposed regime and the intentions have been made clear that a transitional government lead and administered by key American figures is to be established. In the meantime, the American forces have arrested and interrogated a number of figures from Iraq who have entered Iraq recently. America has also expressed its intention to maintain long term military presence in the country, thereby reinforcing the view that the Anglo-American forces have come as an occupation force rather than a liberation army. Bahrain Freedom Movement

29 April 2003

Freedom of speech under siege The most apparent indicator of the degree of democratisation in any society is the ability of individuals in that society to express their opinions without fear of being intimidated. Since freedom of speech is the essence of democracy, it has thus been the slogan that most pro-democracy movements around the world adopted and fought for. Recognising this fact, the government of Bahrain used this term to market its political programmes in an attempt to gain popularity and acceptability both amongst its own population and around the world. However, this policy of mis-information soon lost its credibility when all the promises the ruler gave to his people were broken. Freedom of speech has suffered turmoil when the people of Bahrain were forced to retreat in the scope of coverage of critical issues. This retreat took many forms. The selective interviewing of pro-reforms figures, the closure of many Internet sites and legislat ions that curtail freedom of speech are stark examples that many have witnessed over the past year. The recent interrogation of leading journalists from Al Wasat newspaper comes as a climax of curbing freedom in Bahrain. Many have expressed their astonishment at the event, but many others viewed it as a natural and expected move that is the result of a prolonged, synchronized and systematic repression within the country, especially amongst writers and journalists. The people of Bahrain remain steadfast in their fight for freedom and democracy, as they believe that these are values that should prevail in society as prerequisites for progress and prosperity. With such noble values and peaceful means, the people of Bahrain once again demonstrate that they have a better and more civilized attitude than that of their government. Bahrain Freedom Movement

21 April 2003