Bahrain Shiite cleric says no dialogue with Gulf nation\u2019s Sunni rulers under crackdown climate
\nBy Associated Press, Updated: Friday, June 10, 9:16 AM<\/p>\n
MANAMA, Bahrain \u2014 Bahrain\u2019s most senior Shiite cleric said Friday there is no chance for talks with the Gulf nation\u2019s Sunni rulers while security forces maintain their clampdown on protesters calling for equal rights and political freedoms.<\/p>\n
The sermon by Sheik Isa Qassim underscored the deep discontent among Bahrain\u2019s Shiite majority despite the lifting of martial law-style rules earlier this month and appeals for dialogue by the Sunni monarchy. It also marked another blow to the ruling establishment after organizers of Bahrain\u2019s prestigious Formula One race called off efforts to reschedule the 2011 event, which was canceled in March amid the unrest..<\/p>\n
\u201cWe cannot negotiate in such conditions,\u201d Sheik Qassim told worshippers in a mostly Shiite area outside the capital, Manama.<\/p>\n
Sheik Qassim, who was joined by other Shiite clerics in a display of solidarity, denounced what he called \u201cdaily security harassment\u201d in the form of checkpoints, arrest sweeps and other measures imposed to quell the protests that broke out in February.<\/p>\n
He said the pressures were \u201cbuilding hatred among the people.\u201d<\/p>\n
Shiites represent about 70 percent of the population in the strategic island kingdom, which is home to the U.S. Navy\u2019s 5th Fleet. But Shiites have long complained of discrimination at the hands of the ruling Sunni dynasty.<\/p>\n
The internal battles also have become a showcase of Arab fears over widening influence by Shiite power Iran.<\/p>\n
Sunni Gulf leaders, especially in nearby Saudi Arabia, have strongly rallied behind Bahrain\u2019s monarchy, which has accused Iranian-backed Hezbollah in Lebanon and other Shiite groups of aiding the protests. …more<\/a><\/p>\n