Persian Gulf Madness: Iran Phobia, Shi’a Phobia, Salafi Watermelon Phobia………..
“Given their paralysis on external policy, the Gulf states have turned inward, seeing the hidden hand of Iran behind a broad spectrum of local dissent, political opposition, and insurgency. Whether justified or not, the climate of fear has had a toxic effect on domestic politics, particularly with regard to the integration of local Shiites and political reform more broadly. It has provided grist to hard-line voices, particularly in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain, who oppose concessions to Shiite identity and have used the specter of Iranian influence to cast doubt on the nationalist bona fides of local Shiites. In Bahrain, for example, Salafi parliamentarians recently attacked the main Shiite bloc for clandestinely supporting the Huthis of Yemen and being agents of Iran. In Saudi Arabia, this atmosphere has put the Shiite community on the defensive, forcing Shiite leaders to once again "prove" their loyalty to the kingdom and fend off accusations about their divided loyalties. …..”
Interesting this part: “has put the Shiite community on the defensive, forcing Shiite leaders to once again "prove" their loyalty to the kingdom and fend off accusations about their divided loyalties. ….”
In the case of Bahrain: how can a small minority of a minority cast doubts on the loyalty of the overwhelming majority (70%+) of the population who are Shi’as? And loyalty to what in this case? Only in some watermelon logic of some of my fellow Gulfies.
Cheers
mhg
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