‘No US serviceman involved’
Bonny Mascarenhas
Staff Reporter

The US Fifth Fleet yesterday refuted allegations that a US navy personnel was involved in the shooting of Bahraini hotel security guard Abbas Ali Salman Al Shakoori on Friday.
Media Officer, Lieutenant Denise Garcia and Lieutenant Commander Charles Brown, speaking to the Tribune, said: “There is nothing to indicate that a US service member was involved.”
Excerpts of the interview:
What is the reaction of the US Navy to the allegation?
The US Navy in Bahrain has been cooperating with the investigation by Bahraini authorities, and currently there is nothing to indicate that a US service member was involved.

New call to end workers' abuse
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 31 March 2007

SOME migrant workers in Bahrain are being employed in deplorable conditions, a senior US trade union official said yesterday. International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers president Gregory Junemann said the country was one of many that imports cheap labour and was guilty of exploiting them.

He called for international standards on migrant workers to be raised worldwide to stop the abuse of those who leave their homes behind in pursuit of a better life for them and their families.

"We know what is happening with private employees," he said.

Envoy vows justice for workers
Published: 31 March 2007

COMPANIES and individuals who violate Bahrain's labour laws will be brought to justice, Indian Ambassador Balkrishna Shetty pledged yesterday. "Indian lives are not cheap and we will ensure the safety of our workers," he said at an open house at the Indian Embassy, Adliya.

"We will advise workers not to join companies that do not follow Bahrain's safety laws.

"Bahraini authorities are very clear that these laws should be followed.

"We are confident we will catch wrong-doers and they will get what they deserve."

Mr Shetty said companies were now aware that the embassy and Bahraini authorities would not stand for labour law violations.

Who shot the Bahraini security guard?
Sandeep Singh Grewal
Staff Reporter

Many relevant questions remain unanswered following the alleged shooting of a Bahraini, Abbas Ali Salman Al Shakhoori, 28, early yesterday morning in Adliya.
According to the Ministry of Interior he ostensibly fell down at 2.20am when he was coming out of the nightclub where he worked as a security official.
However, the ‘victim’ had a suspicious injury on his temple and it is possible that he had been shot, an option that has not been ruled out, according to the authorities who are now awaiting the medical report.

Bahrain : Besiege of Sanabis, fire of intensive tear gas and confrontations until late

Prosecution of minors and others participants in protest activities

Early yesterday evening, the Bahraini special security forces besieged Sananbis village (2km west of the capital Manama) upon news of a protest march from the village center. At sunset, the heavily armed security forces flowed in large numbers into the open areas in the vicinity of the village, blocked main entrance, and started heavy firing of tear-gas canisters and rubber bullets from a distance to the participants in the march, which started at around 9pm near the cemetery, located in the center of Sanabis.

Bahrain : Continued imprisonment of protesters and postponement of prosecutions, including for Minors, to next Month

Detainees of the village of Karbabad, Sayed Ali Sayed Akbar (20 years), Jafar Sadiq Kadhem (21 years), Mahmood Ali Mahdi (22yrs) were summoned to Court this morning on charges of crowd and riot, and was postponed for one week (April 5, 2007) with extension of their custody since lat February 22 nd.

It also extended yesterday Criminal Court smaller solitary Jaafar Salman Yusuf (23 years) from Karranah, Radhi Ali Radhi (22 years) from Abu Saiba and Jassem Jaafar Madan (25 years) from Daih (resident of Hamad Town) who were arrested in the middle of last February. The judge postponed the trial until mid next month (April 15), after their lawyers explained to the court how the detainees were subjected to torture and abuse while in custody, which was evident on their bodies according to eye witnesses. The Court decided to have them examined by the coroner (doctor).

Promises must be followed by implementation -safe transportation methods for Migrants workers should be adopted by companies and ensured by government officials.

Bahrain Center for Human Rights

Just three months after the Labour Ministry promised a ban on companies transporting labourers in the back of open covered trucks, the BCHR is alarmed to note that yet another group of workers lives were endangered by this deplorable practice.

Crash horror for workers
By Mandeep singh
Published: 29 March 2007

FIVE Asian labourers were injured, two of them seriously, when the open truck they were travelling in to work overturned early yesterday.

The incident happened when the driver tried to avoid a Saudi-registered car, which allegedly changed lanes at high speed in the Seef District at around 6.15am, traffic sources told the GDN.

They said the driver was thought to be drunk and fled the scene.

Paramedics took five of the injured men to Salmaniya Medical Complex (SMC).

Three of them, who suffered from abrasions and concussions, were discharged after receiving treatment.

Court orders medical checks on suspects
By MOHAMMED ASLAM

TWO Bahrainis arrested in connection with an alleged militant training camp yesterday claimed they were beaten in police custody.

The allegation was made as they appeared in the Lower Criminal Court, charged with illegal gathering and rioting as well as intention to commit arson and sabotage.

Lawyer Ali Ayoubi, who is representing the two defendants, demanded an immediate medical examination, which he said would support their assault claims.

The court ordered an examination and a medical report to be submitted. Both defendants, aged 21 and 23, have been held in custody since the discovery of the alleged training camp in Bani Jamra last month.

Victims are asked to file complaints through the government-lead prosecution and judiciary!

March 20th 2007

Security rethink
By Geoffrey Bew
Published: 27th March 2007

AUTHORITIES have been urged to come up with a new strategy for policing a Bahrain trouble spot following another night of clashes between police and youths on Sunday.

The violence in Sanabis has raised serious concerns for innocent bystanders and families caught in the crossfire.

There were more incidents last night with youths burning tyres and rubbish bins.

Municipal Councillor Hameed Al Basri, who represents people in the area, said fighting breaks out up to three times a week and trouble seems to flare every weekend.

Violence mars memorial service
By ROBERT SMITH
Published: 26th March 2007

RIOT police surrounded youths in Sanabis last night and swapped tear gas for stones, following a memorial service for a man who died 11 years ago.

A large section of the Budaiya Highway was sealed off to traffic and the roads of Sanabis village were strewn with burning bins and tyres.

The clashes started at around 7.30pm, following the memorial service for Isa Qassim, at Sanabis cemetery.

Masked youths claimed that around 300 to 400 people attended the service, before it was broken up by police.

They said authorities were notified two weeks ago that the gathering would take place, which is why the crowd reacted angrily when it was dispersed.

Underage maids row spurs probe
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 26th March 2007

A MANPOWER agency is being investigated by the Philippine Embassy for allegedly bringing Filipina children as young as 15 to work as housemaids in Bahrain.

The Bahrain agency denied the allegation yesterday, saying it only brings in maids over the age of 30. Under Bahrain law, maids coming to work here from the Philippines must be at least 30 years old.

However, the embassy said maids had come forward and complained about the agency.

Officials found out that the majority of them were under the age of 23, with some being as young as 15.

New hope for the abused
By REBECCA TORR
Published: 23rd March 2007

A NEWLY opened refuge for battered women aims to break the cycle of domestic violence, through counselling, education and awareness campaigns, it was announced yesterday.

The Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre in Hamad Town, the first of its kind rehabilitation centre in the region, was opened on Wednesday by Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women chairwoman.

The BD330,000 facility has been established by the Bahrain Young Ladies Association (BYLA), in conjunction with the Social Development Ministry.

New push to release Bay detainees
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 22nd March 2007

LAWYERS of Bahrain's remaining two Guantanamo Bay detainees are set to meet government officials here to further step up efforts for their release.

The team, headed by Joshua Colangelo-Bryan, will arrive from the US for a three or four-day trip in May.

The dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR) vice-president Nabeel Rajab said yesterday that the lawyers would meet government representatives, human rights activists, non-governmental organisations and the detainees' families.

"They are coming to speak about latest developments and see how they can push things forward and to develop plans and strategies to bring the men home," he told the GDN.

New centre to help abused women
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 22nd March 2007

A NEW rehabilitation centre, which aims to aid battered women and protect families from social, psychological and legal problems, was opened in Hamad Town yesterday. Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and Supreme Council for Women chairwoman, opened the Aisha Yateem Family Counselling Centre, the first of its kind in the region. A large gathering of VIPs, the majority of who were women, attended the event, including Health Minister Dr Nada Haffadh and Social Development Minister Dr Fatima Al Balooshi.

US urged to repatriate Bahraini prisoners
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: Bahrain's upper house, the Shura Council, yesterday urged the US authorities to repatriate the two Bahrainis held at the Guantanamo prison or put them on trial.

"The current situation of the detainees cannot continue and the Americans have to put an end to it. They must either give them a fair trial and abide by the court verdict or send them home," the Council's bureau said yesterday.

Six Bahrainis were seized by the Americans in Pakistan in 2001 shortly after the start of the global war on terror launched by the US following the attacks on New York and Washington.

'Spring of Sex' revolt
By MOHAMMED AL A'ALI
Published: 20 March 2007

PARLIAMENT was yesterday warned against taking Bahrain "back to the Middle Ages" following its decision to investigate the Spring of Culture festival for allegedly contradicting Islam.

Fifty-three Bahraini societies issued a joint statement yesterday condemning any probe into the event.

Twenty-five Shura Councillors, out of 30 present at their meeting yesterday, also signed a petition against parliament's decision and called for MPs to back down.

"We support and back Bahraini poet Qassim Haddad and well-known Lebanese musician Marcel Khalifa, who are great achievers in their fields," said the statement issued by the societies.

New warning over illegal maids
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 20 March 2007

A GROWING number of teenage Filipinas being flown to Bahrain illegally to work as housemaids has prompted a new call for employers to be vigilant.

The call was issued by the Philippine Embassy, which says illegal recruiters are continually ignoring and breaking the laws of both the Philippines and Bahrain.

According to the law, Filipina maids coming to work here must be at least 30 years old.

"The agreement between the Philippines and Bahrain is that housemaids must be at least of 30 years to work in the kingdom," explained embassy assistance-to-nationals officer-in-charge and consular attaché Ramon Nerida.

New warning over illegal maids
By EUNICE del ROSARIO
Published: 20 March 2007

A GROWING number of teenage Filipinas being flown to Bahrain illegally to work as housemaids has prompted a new call for employers to be vigilant.

The call was issued by the Philippine Embassy, which says illegal recruiters are continually ignoring and breaking the laws of both the Philippines and Bahrain.

According to the law, Filipina maids coming to work here must be at least 30 years old.

"The agreement between the Philippines and Bahrain is that housemaids must be at least of 30 years to work in the kingdom," explained embassy assistance-to-nationals officer-in-charge and consular attaché Ramon Nerida.

Gulf states can respond to any Iran attack: Bahrain Sun Mar 18, 8:44 AM ET

Arab states in the Gulf have the capability to respond to any attack from neighbouring Iran, Bahrain's defence minister said in an interview published on Sunday.

"Gulf countries are able to defend themselves against Iran... we have the military strength and capability," Khalifa bin Ahmad Al-Khalifa told the pan-Arab Al-Hayat newspaper.

He added that any conflict between Western powers and Iran over its controversial nuclear programme would impact other states in the region, including Bahrain.

Washington fears Iran is secretly developing an atomic weapon, a charge Iran strongly denies insisting its nuclear programme is for peaceful energy production only.

‘Gitmo prison’s mental health unit in bad shape’
From our correspondent

18 March 2007

MANAMA — One of Bahrain’s three detainees at Guantanamo Bay has expressed a deep concern to his lawyer about the random and punitive measures that are applied at the prison’s Mental Health Unit.

According to a communique with vice-president of the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights (BCHR), Nabeel Rajab and the BCHR-appointed lawyer Joshua Colangelo-Bryan from the New York-based Dorsey and Whitney law firm, who is fighting the case of Juma Al-Dossary "there are always new rules in the Unit".

Hopes for expanded Mideast democracy badly disappointed
(Mar 17, 2007)
Two years ago, President Hosni Mubarak of Egypt declared he would allow rivals to run against him in the most populous Arab country's first open presidential election.

This was hailed as another sign that political sands were shifting across the Middle East, with power in the world's least democratic region at last beginning to pass from long ensconced rulers to their restive subjects. Some even talked of a democratic revolution.

Other signals included the holding of elections in Iraq and Palestine, the "Cedar Revolution" that shook Lebanon from Syrian control, fairer than usual presidential polls in Tunisia, Algeria and Yemen and a widening of the political franchise in several Gulf monarchies.

BCHR calls for end to use of 'dirty tactics' against activists

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
17 March 2007
Ref: 07031701

The Bahrain Center for Human Rights is alarmed at allegations that the Bahraini government is employing 'dirty' tactics, including espionage, in its campaign to subdue local activists.

A Bahraini man was offered a large sum of money by Public Security official in exchange for information on, and access to, the home of Women's Petition Committee head Ghada Jamsheer.

• Ref: 07031700

• Ref: 07031700

• Arbitrary arrest, abuse in custody, Ref: 07031700, 17 March 2007

Rapidly deteriorating human rights conditions in Bahrain

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
17 March 2007
Ref: 07031700

Assault on Jaffar Ahmed - March 2007

A Bahraini father of three was allegedly attacked and arrested in his neighbourhood by a group of plainclothes security officials wearing masks.

On March 1st, Jaffar Ahmad, 35, was reportedly kicked, punched, and beaten with batons by the men, who then put him in a civilian car and transferred him to the Manama Interior Ministry fort.

Official support for migrant women workers yet scanty
Munima Sultana
3/17/2007

A few years ago when Taslima of Narayanganj district was to leave Dhaka city for Bahrain, she was told to memorise always an address of Manikganj as her own address. That time, she did not know the reason. But after her forced return home from that country, she has come to realise it.
Taslima was sent to Bahrain with a fake passport, which the middlemen handed over to her after pasting the photo of her face over that of a genuine passport holder and she was told not to forget the said address. As the entire process was illegal, she also realised that she even could not get police support after her employment because of the false passport.

Housemaids 'need more protection'
By Geoffrey bew
Published: 16 March 2007

BAHRAIN was criticised by a United Nations body yesterday for failing to adequately specify what action is being taken to protect migrant workers from prejudice.

The UN Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD) is calling for legislation to be introduced in Bahrain to protect female domestic workers - particularly relating to debt bondage, withholding their passports, rape and physical assault.

The committee also expressed concern about the arrest of human rights activists this year and wants women to have equal rights to work, housing and social security.

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
15 March 2007
Ref: 07031501

In recent months the Bahraini government has increasingly been exercising its judicial system in order to pressure local activists and journalists into silence. Yesterday (March 14) BCHR vice-president Nabeel Rajab was called before the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) for interrogation.

COMMITTEE ON THE ELIMINATION
OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
Seventieth session
19 February-9 March 2007
CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS SUBMITTED BY STATES PARTIES
UNDER ARTICLE 9 OF THE CONVENTION
COMMENTS BY THE GOVERNMENT OF BAHRAIN ON THE
CONCLUDING OBSERVATIONS OF THE COMMITTEE ON
THE ELIMINATION OF RACIAL DISCRIMINATION
[19 October 2006]
CERD/C/BHR/CO/7/Add.1 (FUTURE)
GE.07-40406 (E) 130207 140207
Legal Department
19 October 2006
Response of the Government of Bahrain to the concluding observations
of the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination
At its 1700th meeting held on 11 March 2005, the Committee adopted its concluding observations, after considering the Kingdom’s sixth and seventh periodic reports. The Committee asked the Kingdom to provide, within one year, information on the way that it had followed up on the Committee’s recommendations as contained in paragraphs 12, 13, 15 and 16 of document CERD/C/BHR/CO/7, dated 14 April 2005. What follows is some basic information concerning the above-mentioned recommendations. The Government of the Kingdom hopes to include additional information on this subject in its eighth and ninth periodic reports.

Based on Government reply and Comments from the Bahrain Center for Human Rights :

The UN (CERD) Committee Criticizes Bahrain[i]

The Committee on Elimination of Racial Discrimination (CERD):

Calls for Establishing a national human rights institution, finds the Political Associations act of 2005 unduly restrictive, asks about the arrest of human rights activists in 2007, and requests steps to ensure protecting female domestic workers

Activist quizzed
By TARIQ KHONJI
Published: 15th March 2007

HUMAN rights activist Nabeel Rajab was yesterday questioned for an hour and later released by the Public Prosecution. He was summoned following a complaint brought against him by one of the people named in the controversial Bandargate report.

Mr Rajab said he was not informed of any formal charges filed against him and he was never told the name of the person who had made the complaint.

"However, the Public Prosecution did confirm to me that it was a person who was named in the report," he said.

Coverage of the details of the report in the Press is banned following a high court gag order.

Human rights activist to face quizzing
By TARIQ KHONJI

HUMAN rights activist Nabeel Rajab has been summoned for interrogation by the Criminal Investigations Directorate following a complaint brought against him.

Mr Rajab said that he will present himself at the appointed time tomorrow, although he still doesn't know what the specific complaint against him is.

"The document I received didn't name the person who filed the complaint, but I got some friends of mine to do some checking and they found out," said Mr Rajab, who is the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights vice-president.

Bah rain: Persistent Targeting of Activists, Nabil Rajab Summoned by State Security body

Human rights defender Nabeel Rajab-Deputy Bahrain Center for Human Rights-recently received a letter from the Bahraini Public Prosecutor asking him to appear for investigation next Wednesday March 14, 2007 in the Criminal Investigation Directorate- CID (Mokhabarat-Intelligence) located in Adliyah south of the capital Manama. Summoning of Rajab, apparently came in the background of the intense international activities in the United States and Europe on what locally dubbed as "Albandargate". These were attended by Rajab as well as other personalities and institutions, known locally and internationally, including Dr. Salah Albandar-secretary general of the Gulf Center for the Development of Democracy-the source of the said reports.

Bahrain concerned about Guantanamo
Mon, 12 Mar 2007 15:00:14
Bahrain has sent a security delegation to the Guantanamo Bay military camp to monitor the status of two Bahraini nationals held at the detention center.

Bahrain's Minister of Foreign Affairs Nizar al-Baharna released a statement indicating that "following the efforts exerted by the foreign minister through direct contacts with the American authorities, a security delegation has left for the U.S. to get greater insights into the conditions of the Bahraini detainees."

Four Bahraini detainees have been freed from the U.S.-run detention camp in Cuba in the last two years but the two remaining prisoners by the name of Juma al-Dossary and Eisa al-Murbati are still kept in the military prison without having ever been officially charged with any crime.

Bahrain

Published: 13/03/2007 12:00 AM (UAE)

Bahraini lawmaker warns against unchecked religious schools
By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: A lawmaker yesterday warned that Bahrain could be replicating the example of Pakistan where unchecked religious schools helped teach extremism and militancy.

"We were shocked to learn that the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs did not oversee the religious schools in Bahrain and has even provided 10 of them with funds totalling BD60,000 (Dh584,473 ). This is totally unacceptable and we could be making the same mistake as Pakistan where unchecked religious schools were used to harbour terrorists and breed extremism and fanaticism," Shaikh Jasem Al Saeedi, an independent Islamist in the Council of Representatives, said in a statement.

Bahrain: Activist Nabeel Rajab Facing Malicious Prosecution Complaint

Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) is highly concerned by the summoning of human rights activist and vice-chairman of Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR), Nabeel Rajab for interrogation at Criminal Investigations Building on Wednesday 14 March 2007.

BYSHR contacted Rajab and asked about the circumstances and reasons of his prospected interrogation. "I received a notification to appear before Criminal Investigation Prosecutor to be questioned in a complaint filed by some people. However, no one told me the details of the complaint," Rajab said. "One of the lawyers, after searching for the details of the complaint, told me that the complaint is filed by some people including Adel Abdullah, moderator of online forums mentioned in Al-Bandar Gate report," Rajab added. "This complaint is consequent to my visit with BCHR chairman to USA to spread international public awareness of Al-Bandar Gate"

http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10110429.html

03/12/2007 12:26 AM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: A Bahrain rights watchdog has reiterated its call to include migrant women in the country's labour law, saying the move would ensure their protection against abuses.

"The government should take immediate steps to amend the Labour Law so domestic workers are included under its scope. Special attention must be given to the plight of female migrant domestic workers, as they have been by and large ignored and excluded from the discourse on women's rights in Bahrain," Nabeel Rajab, the vice-president of the now-dissolved Bahrain Centre for Human Rights said on Friday.

BCHR Vice-President Nabeel Rajab Summoned by Public Prosecution
BCHR Demands Investigation of Alleged Conspiracy Perpetrators, not Activists

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
12 March 2007
Ref: 07031201

The vice-president of the Bahrain Center for Human Rights, Nabeel Rajab, has been summoned for investigation by the Public Prosecutor, reportedly due to his role in publicizing the Bandargate scandal. It is likely that the investigation will be followed by the laying of charges, and possibly arrest of Mr Rajab.

Last Thursday, Mr Rajab received a letter from the Public Prosecutor asking him to present himself at the offices of the Criminal Investigation Directorate (CID) in Adliya on Wednesday, 14 March.

Liberals seek law to grant citizenship to children of non-Bahraini fathers
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10109829.html

03/08/2007 11:54 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: Two liberal political societies yesterday called for the prompt enactment of legislation that would allow Bahraini mothers to pass on their nationality to their children from non-Bahraini fathers.

In separate press statements issued to mark International Women's Day, the Democratic Progressive Menbar Society and the Democratic National Action Society "Waad" said that the nationality law that now precludes Bahraini women from passing their nationality on to their children should be amended to bring it in line with modern standards.

Bahraini inmates in solitary confinement
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10109595.html

03/08/2007 01:03 AM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: The lawyer representing the two Bahrainis detained at the Guantanamo Bay prison has accused the US authorities of exercising mental torture by isolating them.

New York-based Joshua Colangelo-Bryan said Eisa Al Murbati and Juma Al Dossari had either no or little contact with the outside world.

"Al Murbati is being held now in Camp 6. There, he is held alone in a cell that is 12'x 8'. The cell is made of concrete and metal. [Al Murbati] cannot see any detainees from his cell. He is kept inside the cell for 22 to 24 hours a day," Colangelo-Bryan said yesterday in a statement relayed to Gulf News by rights activist Nabeel Rajab.

BCHR Reiterates Demand for Domestic Workers to be Included in Labour Law

Bahrain Center for Human Rights
8 March 2007
Ref: 07030800

On the occasion of International Women's Day 2007 the Bahrain Center for Human Rights calls on the government and civil society to reaffirm the rights of all women in Bahrain, and in particular, would like to highlight the plight of the thousands of migrant domestic workers who are living among us.

In an address to the United Nations on Tuesday, Her Highness Shaikha Sabeeka Al Khalifa, wife of His Majesty King Hamad and chairwoman of the Supreme Council for Women, asserted that: "Women (in Bahrain) today enjoy comprehensive rights, have equal rights and responsibilities with men and can fully participate in public life and political action." (Gulf Daily News, March 7)

The BCHR disputes this portrayal by Her Highness Shaikh Sabeeka, finding instead that Bahrain continues to be male-dominated in almost all sections of society and that the situation for women is far from acceptable.

In addition, very few genuine steps are being taken -- by either the government or civil society -- to rectify the one-sided system.

Bahrain

Country Reports on Human Rights Practices - 2006
Released by the Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights, and Labor
March 6, 2007

Bahrain is a monarchy led by King Hamad Bin Isa Al-Khalifa with a population of approximately 725,000, approximately 430,000 of whom are citizens. King Hamad is the head of state. His son, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman Bin Hamad Al-Khalifa, is heir apparent; and his uncle, Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa, as prime minister, is the head of government. The king appoints a cabinet of ministers. Members of the Al‑Khalifa royal family hold about half of the cabinet positions, including all strategic ministries. In 2002 the government adopted the current constitution that reinstated a legislative body with one elected chamber, the Council of Representatives (COR), and one appointed chamber, the Shura Council. In November and December, parliamentary and municipal elections were held and all political societies participated, including the four that boycotted the 2002 parliamentary elections. The constitution provides that the king is head of the executive, legislative, and judicial branches of the government. Civilian authorities generally maintained effective control of the security forces.

Abuse victims flock to centre
By GEOFFREY BEW
Published: 7th March 2007

A CENTRE set up to help victims of domestic violence in Bahrain is stretched to the limit with cases of abuse, it was revealed yesterday.

Batelco Centre for Victims of Family Violence president Dr Banna Bu Zaboon told the GDN that volunteers are helping around 150 people in need of assistance.

She said that does not mean the problems of domestic violence and sexual abuse were getting worse, only that more people are prepared to come forward to seek help.

Dr Bu Zaboon said the cases range from women who have been beaten by their husbands to children who were sexually abused by their fathers, brothers or extended family members.

Strikers 'violated the law'
By MANDEEP SINGH
Published: 7th March 2007

THE Indian employees from a Bahrain consulting company, who marched to the ministry in Isa Town last month seeking better wages, have violated the labour law and could face prosecution, the Labour Ministry said yesterday.

"These, and other such employees, who take the law into their own hands, skip work and employ such means to air their grievances, risk being dismissed from service, without benefits and face other action as well," Labour Inspection Section head Ahmed Al Kabaz told the GDN.

"There are other ways to get their demands met and there is a law to be followed in getting their views across."

By REBECCA TORR
Published: 7th March 2007

BAHRAIN is marking the International Women's Day under the theme putting an end to violence against women.

A roundtable discussion will be held at the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Manama tomorrow.

An all-female group of Shura Council members, former parliamentary candidates and activists from non-governmental organisations will be participating, which will discuss the challenges facing women in Bahrain this year and what women expect to gain.

Speeches from UN officials on the International Women's Day theme - Ending Impunity For Violence Against Women And Girls, will also be presented at the event.

Sunni States See Rise
In Anti-Shiite Actions;
Scare Tactics in Bahrain
By ANDREW HIGGINS
February 26, 2007; Page A1
MUHARRAQ, Bahrain -- One night last fall, incendiary leaflets denouncing Iran suddenly appeared on the walls of houses and mosques in this tiny Persian Gulf kingdom.
"Iranians are trying to occupy your homes, the homes of your fathers and grandfathers," warned the anonymous tracts. "Do you want to be ruled by these people? No, a thousand times no!"

Bahrain, a crucial American ally and home to the U.S. Navy's Fifth Fleet, was quickly caught up in a wave of anti-Iranian paranoia. Politicians, clerics and the media jumped on the theme, turning Iran into a big issue in bitter local elections at the end of the year.

The Bush Adminstration's New Strategy for Setting the Middle East Aflame

by Peter Symonds

Global Research, February 28, 2007
World Socialist Web Site.

A lengthy article in this week's New Yorker magazine by veteran investigative journalist Seymour Hersh provides further evidence that the Bush administration has not only set course for war against Iran, but has over the past few months embarked on a reckless and incendiary strategy that has the potential to unleash sectarian Sunni-Shia conflicts throughout the Middle East.

The broad outlines of what Hersh writes in his article "The Redirection" (as the plan is termed in the White House) have been out in the open for some time. In the wake of the US Congressional elections last November, the Bush administration ignored the sentiments of the overwhelming majority of the American people and the recommendations of the top-level Iraq Study Group (IRG). The White House has increased troop numbers in Iraq, bolstered its naval presence in the Persian Gulf and markedly turned up the volume of the threats against Iran.

Bahrain denies mass naturalisation of pro-Baath Iraqis
http://archive.gulfnews.com/region/Bahrain/10107727.html

02/28/2007 09:11 PM | By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Manama: Bahrain yesterday dismissed allegations of mass naturalisation as "mere rumours lacking truth and credibility".

According to widespread claims fuelled by internet chat rooms, Bahraini authorities were engaged in a process to naturalise about 30,000 Iraqis who had links with the regime of former president Saddam Hussain.

According to the claims, the pro-Baath Iraqis would be given Bahraini nationality in a bid to alter the demographic composition of the kingdom where Shiites make up at least 60 per cent of the population. The authorities would also employ the naturalised Iraqis in the army and the police, according to the allegations.