West must find moral compass over Bahrain
\n10\/06\/2011 – 3:15 p | Hits: 25<\/p>\n
After a week of condemnation in which even Bernie Ecclestone cowed, the Bahrain Grand Prix again looks doomed.<\/p>\n
FIA chiefs met in Barcelona last week with a human rights report on the kingdom that might have been written by the Bahraini Government, for all the light it shone on the fractured society. The event has been restored to the calendar in murky circumstances but the teams are refusing to race. Belatedly, the sport has rediscovered its moral compass. Western governments are having trouble locating theirs.
\nThe Bahraini Crown Prince arrived in Washington this week as part of a charm offensive that has included an ill-advised handshake on the steps of No 10 with David Cameron, right Sheikh Salman bin Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa has been chided for his Government\u2019s crackdown on protesters but Bahrain\u2019s Western allies still appear unwilling to demand concrete action.
\nBahrain remains a key strategic ally in the Gulf and the family provide a bulwark against Iranian expansionism. Britain also has a cosy relationship with the regime. In April a new generation of Bahrainis graduated from Sandhurst military academy, including Sheikh Salman\u2019s son.
\nThe trials at Bahrain\u2019s military court however, are an affront to the Prince\u2019s fine words on universal rights.
\nLondon and Washington must demand that the court be disbanded. Without this talk of reconciliation is futile. Sheikh Salman must also demand it. Among opposition groups he is seen as the country\u2019s only hope.
\nInstead of reassuring the White House and No 10 of his commitment to human rights he must prove it to his people. …more<\/a><\/p>\n