How about You Return to Your Place in “Al-Zubara” and We Remain in Ours?

2019-08-01 - 10:20 p

Bahrain Mirror (Exclusive): What is new about the statements of Sawsan Al-Shaer, writer in "Al-Watan" newspaper- the mouthpiece of the Bahraini Royal Court- and her calls for the displacement of Bahrain's Shia? There's nothing new. They are a mere reiteration of what her "Master", Royal Court Minister Sheikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, literally wrote in 1999 at the beginning of his provocative poem in which he responded to one of his cousins, who is a poet as well. He spoke of deporting Shiites to Hawar, Janan and Noon Islands and make them food for fish.

Hence, Sawsan Al-Shaer hasn't said something new; as she expresses the views of a large influential party in the ruling family. Deporting Shiites to Hawar, Iran and now Qatar is the only available solution at the hands of the ruling family. It's the only solution to get rid of everyone who seeks equality and participation in the decision-making process. Bahraini sociology teacher Dr. Abdulhadi Khalaf says "this is the final solution that the Al Khalifa extremist members see".

The calls raised in the face of anyone who criticizes the situation in the country are always: "Go to Iran, Go to the Wilayat-Faqih state, Go to Qatar..." This only reflect what this party that is full of hatred sees, believes in and promotes.

It's a powerful elocutionary institution. Al-Watan writer and before her, Bahrain Defense Force spokesman, Khalid Al Buainain and "Mnarfezhom" account managed by Mohammad bin Salman bin Saqr Al Khalifa and the son of Royal Court Minister Nasser bin Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa are all singers in one choir whose goals and affiliations are known.

They are the cry of the reactionary system of privileges in the face of those who call for the abolition of privileges and the establishment of citizenship. They are the exhalation of hatred and racial superiority in the face of those who advocate laws that criminalize hatred and racial discrimination.

The 2011 civilian peaceful movement was distorted after a number of participants raised a slogan that said "the visit has ended/ return to Al-Zubara", in reference to the Bahraini Al Khalifa ruling family domicile in Qatar before conquering Bahrain in 1783, which it called "The Conquest". This slogan was exploited by state media to incite sectarianism and as a wall built in the face of the legitimate rights the people were demanding. Days went by and now we see that the same state media is promoting that the Bahraini ruling family has the better claim in regaining Qatar, as mentioned in a recent book by Dr. Mohammed Ahmed Abdullah, president of the Bahrain Studies Center at the University of Bahrain entitled, "Al Khalifa in the Qatar Peninsula: A Study in Geopolitics".

The Al Khalifa family, if they wish, have the right to demand Al-Zubara area in Qatar, where they hailed from. However, they alone have to pay for their return and in the way that suits them, just as the families of Al Shubbar, Marhoun and other indigenous Sunni and Shia families have the right to enjoy the riches of their country and participate in its governance and protection of its affairs, as they aren't conquerors but the inheritors of the land. They are the ones paying the price daily and they will regain this right one day.

 

Arabic Version