While Bahrain, under the leadership of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, strives to open up to various countries worldwide, particularly the Islamic Republic of Iran, and prepares to host an international conference for peace in the Middle East, the country's ongoing internal crisis, which has persisted for over a decade, remains a pressing issue.

The Bahraini opposition does not oppose these royal endeavors; in fact, they emphasize the importance of maintaining good relations with neighboring countries. However, they prioritize resolving the country's internal crises through consensus between the people and the regime.

Rejecting accusations of external funding and maintaining their commitment to nationalism and peaceful methods, the Bahraini opposition insists that their demands are focused on justice, rights, and ending the oppression of the people, who are seeking political, constitutional, human rights, and economic reforms, which have been highlighted since the February 14 uprising in 2011.

Managing External Crises and Dedicating Efforts to Internal Ones

In an interview with former opposition MP Ali Al-Aswad from the Al-Wefaq bloc, he asserted that international peace is unattainable without internal peace in Bahrain. He hopes that the king's efforts to hold an international peace conference will pave the way for internal reforms that respect rights and freedoms, achieve justice, and end political isolation.

According to Al-Aswad, the prelude to national reconciliation starts with accelerating the release of all prisoners of conscience, including opposition leaders, to cool the heated political and human rights atmosphere in Bahrain. He pointed out that the opposition has always called for dialogue without preconditions, and hopes that the authorities will respond to the people's demands to resolve the ongoing crises.

Challenges Face the Opposition Internally and Externally

The Bahraini opposition faces challenges and pressures due to their adherence to the demands that ignited the 2011 uprising, insisting on achieving full political rights for the people of Bahrain. The opposition also rejects all forms of external dominance (especially from the US and UK), normalization with Israel, and the regime's involvement in aggressive international alliances targeting the issues and peoples of the region, particularly in occupied Palestine and Yemen.

The opposition hopes that the authorities will reconsider the people's demands for a comprehensive national project, opening the door for citizens to hold high positions based on competence rather than allegiance.

What's the Solution?

It is well understood that peace is a necessity both internally and internationally, a matter of interest to all peoples. When peace becomes an internal issue, it becomes a central matter to which efforts should be dedicated in any country for the sake of future generations.

According to the United Nations, a culture of peace comprises values, attitudes, behaviors, and ways of life that reject violence, prevent conflicts before they arise, and address their root causes through dialogue and negotiation among individuals, groups, and nations.

For Bahrain, establishing the principle of internal peace is urgent and beneficial for the country, affecting its external relations. National peace should start with the release of all prisoners of conscience and opposition leaders, followed by reviewing decisions that dissolved political parties and ensuring their members are allowed to participate in political life, leading to a democratic and just country where the people are the source of authority.

In summary, the political crisis in Bahrain can only be resolved by the authorities recognizing the people's rights, respecting dissenting opinions, addressing opposition demands, ending oppression, discrimination, and marginalization, and improving social and economic conditions,

Translated by Bahrain Mirror

Original Article