Talibanistan

Or should it be Bahrainestan? AlKhalifastan?

It's a miracle! Al-Menbar and Al-Asala are making change happen! Beginning with banning entertainment and alcohol in small hotels, and ending so far with a pledge to strengthen censorship in the media, the Islamists managed to make change happen without even having to propose it in parliament. It's as if they "think it", and it happens! A part of it can be explained by their strong lobbying efforts, and their PR advantage. As religious figures, they of course will be using their influence as religious preachers to mobilize popular support for their "cleansing Bahrain" actions.

Up to this point, it seems normal. But this is Bahrain. You don't just "lobby" and get your way. It seems the government is playing a dangerous game (the same game Egypt then Kuwait played and it bit them in the a**); they are strengthening Islamist (Sunnis) to counter other elements of the opposition. The Minister of Information, especially this one, will not be acting on his own initiative. There seems to be a government strategy to appease Islamists in parliament through social restrictions to ensure their neutrality in this divided parliament.. The liberals, on the other hand, have been strategically excluded, whereas Al-Wefaq is clearly (a) neutralized and (b) hesitant to speak against this campaign since they are an Islamic movement themselves.

So where will the line be drawn? Well, the problem is we don't know! If history is to teach us anything, this government will not stop at anything to strenghten its grip on power, regardless of the long term impact. For all we know, there may come a day when WE go to Saudi Arabia for the weekend..