Abstract
The archipelagic Middle Eastern state of Bahrain popularly known as ‘an island
of golden smiles’, witnessed worst social disorder during 2011. The magnitude of
the pandemonium which hit the state coincided with enormity of Arab Spring
chaos in the region and was relatively a new phenomenon for the sovereigns and
subjects both. Historically, state of Bahrain had smooth transition from ‘pearling
to petroleum’ and from ‘poverty to prosperity’ without any social disarray.
Population of the state is heterogeneous mix of Shia and Sunni Muslims with
former in clear majority yet latter dominating in all aspects of socioeconomic life.
The approaching turmoil of 2011 flustered monarchy adopting few extraordinary
measures never employed in the Gulf States in modern history. The outcry of
population was deafening as record number of protestors took to the Pearl Square
for demanding their social and political rights. This God sent opportunity was
seized by trailblazer politicians who swayed the conflict towards ethno-religious
sphere, mandating deep social inquiry for determining exogenous and endogenous
causes. This article argues that conflict in Bahrain is contextually arraignment of
socioeconomic and sociopolitical deprivations than having ethno-religious
pegging, with sect as chief motivator for inter sect confrontation.
M Ihsan Qadir, M Saif ur Rehamn. (2015) Shaking Monarchy and Shouting Masses: Arab Spring and Bahrain Uprising 2011, Journal of the Research Society of Pakistan, Volume 52, Issue 2.
-
Views
955 -
Downloads
88
Article Details
Volume
Issue
Type
Language
