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No To British Military Base In Bahrain – IAWM printable version

08 Dec 2014: posted by the editor - United Kingdom, Ireland, Bahrain

The Irish Anti-War Movement has condemned UK plans to build a 'permanent' naval base in Mina Salman Port, Bahrain.

In a statement issued today the IAWM noted its dismay on hearing that the UK is establishing a permanent military base in Mina Salman Port in Bahrain. It is claimed by the British government that this is to 'reinforce stability' in the region but the IAWM noted that it is likely to have the opposite effect.

Imperial adventures by western governments, including the British Government, have long been a major source of instability and conflict in the Middle East and especially in the Gulf. The last thing the region needs is increased military presence from Britain.

Moreover there is a specific reason to oppose military and other collaboration with Bahrain, namely the country's appalling and well documented human rights record. Bahrain was always an undemocratic state dominated by a minority and ruled by an authoritarian royal family. When the people of Bahrain rebelled during the Arab Spring they were met with brutal repression (with the aid of the Saudi Arabian army). Since then there have been innumerable human rights abuses, including the jailing and torture of doctors trained by the Irish College of Surgeons, for the 'crime' of treating injured protestors.

Only last week a woman pro-democracy activist, Zainab al-Kharwaja was sentenced to 3 years in prison for tearing up a picture of King Hamed. She is the third member of her family to be jailed for political opposition.

It is clear from this announcement that western powers are happy to use Bahrain for militaristic purposes while ignoring its appalling human rights record.

Neither the UK nor any other country that claims to be a democracy should be associated with this regime.

Tags: Bahrain, Mina Salman Port, UK navy

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