Publication

This report addresses state and development of Bahrain’s liberal political reforms that suffer from political and social conflicts and sectarian tensions. The paper provides details on the sources of Bahrain’s domestic problems, including disappointing reforms, anti-Shiite discrimination, poverty and unemployment. Subsequently, the paper introduces backgrounds to Shiite internal structures and politics, including questions of authority and loyalty, Shiite political organizations and women’s rights. However, the paper argues that there are still positive signs both on the Sunni and the Shiite side as well as among the government and opposition.