Obama on Bahrain

[Guest]

Nevertheless, said President Obama, "We have insisted both publicly and privately that mass arrests and brute force are at odds with the universal rights of Bahrain’s citizens, and such steps will not make legitimate calls for reform go away. The only way forward is for the government and opposition to engage in a dialogue, and you can’t have a real dialogue," said President Obama, "when parts of the peaceful opposition are in jail. The government must create the conditions for dialogue, and the opposition must participate to forge a just future for all Bahrainis."

So in the months ahead, America will use all its influence to encourage reform in the region, including in Bahrain. Even as the United States acknowledges that each country is different, America needs to speak honestly about the principles that it believes in, with friend and foe alike. "Our message," said President Obama, "is simple: If you take the risks that reform entails, you will have the full support of the United States."

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http://www.voanews.com/policy/editor...122877459.html

[Andy]

Re: Obama on Bahrain

Wow.
How is "fascism" defined? (This is a legitimate question)

[Guest]

Re: Obama on Bahrain

Bahrainis Call for Protests as King Lifts Emergency Law

Activists in Bahrain on Wednesday called for fresh demonstrations seeking reforms, as the government lifted the state of emergency imposed during a March crackdown on anti-government protesters.

The activists renewed their push for protests via online forums Wednesday. Rights group Amnesty International has urged Bahrain's authorities to allow the planned protests to go ahead so that people can "peacefully exercise their rights to freedom of expression."

On Tuesday, Bahrain's king called for a national dialogue on reforms, beginning in July, and promised participants the ability to "freely raise demands."

A U.S. State Department spokesman said the dialogue would be a positive step.

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http://www.voanews.com/english/news/...122951568.html

[Guest]

Re: Obama on Bahrain

Wow.
How is "fascism" defined? (This is a legitimate question)

per dictionary.com

a governmental system led by a dictator having complete power, forcibly suppressing opposition and criticism, regimenting all industry, commerce, etc., and emphasizing an aggressive nationalism and often racism.