Meanwhile in Bahrain

February 28, 2011 by Joe Saward

Protesters were back on the streets on Sunday marching through Bahrain’s diplomatic district chanting slogans against the country’s King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and calling for the end of the current regime before the start of negotiations. No violence was reported. Meanwhile there was trouble in Oman, which borders the United Arab Emirates, with riot police and demonstrators clashing in the town of Sohar. There are reports of protesters setting fire to cars, houses, a police station and the governor’s residence. It is the first serious confrontation in Oman, which is ruled by Sultan Qaboos bin Said. He has tried to avoid unrest by replacing six cabinet members and increasing the country’s minimum wage significantly.

Posted in Circuits | 13 Comments

13 Responses

on February 28, 2011 at 08:01 Pinball

I was thinking earlier today about how much no one in F1 is talking about Bahrain now that the race is off, but then Joe you go and write this. I appreciate that you write without the blinkers that most F1 journalists seem to wear.
on February 28, 2011 at 08:05 BasCB

Thanks for the Bahrain update Joe, I would expect protesters to be boosted by success elsewhere, and keep the pressure up until it reaches some of its goals.

Good to see even the Libians now look on the upside of overturning the regime. Who would have thought that was possible.

I expect this tide to roll on for while still, as it has brought changes forward in quite some countries so far.

So come the end of the season, we might be happy to put on the Bahrain race in place of Abu Dhabi after that is cancelled with unrest as well!
on February 28, 2011 at 08:21 Markdartj

Oman just finished hosting the “Tour of Oman”, a six day bicycle race sanctioned by UCI; many of the same guys who race in the Tour de France are involved. They may have dodged some serious trouble. Hope things work out well for all in that region.
on February 28, 2011 at 10:31 Hayden

Leave them to sort out their problems and we’ll see how they’re doing next year. F1 is nothing next to a political revolution. Anyway, 19 races is plenty for this year. The teams were against 20 races so this is some kind of unfortunate justice.
on February 28, 2011 at 10:42 V Racing

I’m sure you’ll find this useful in light of your recent outbursts.

Old school hacks advised not to read reader’s comments. Ever.

The perils of adjusting to Journalism 2.0…

http://fleetstreetblues.blogspot.com/2011/02/guardian-columnist-to-readers-write-me.html?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
on February 28, 2011 at 12:54 ivan

Saudi Arabia is next, Wikileaks have revealed how the royal family is stealing billions from the kingdom’s budget & some protests are already planned for next month:)
It’s getting exciting, will UAE be safe in November? I don’t think so.
on February 28, 2011 at 22:00 Meanwhile in Bahrain | Formula 1

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]
on March 1, 2011 at 03:05 bloomsm

Doesn’t sound good for a rescheduled Bahrain race.
on March 1, 2011 at 09:27 Meanwhile in Bahrain | Racing World

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]
on March 1, 2011 at 12:41 Meanwhile in Bahrain | rosiepacas

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]
on March 1, 2011 at 15:07 Meanwhile in Bahrain | travisscave

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]
on March 1, 2011 at 23:16 Meanwhile in Bahrain | Ferrariforsaleuk.com

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]
on March 2, 2011 at 10:18 Meanwhile in Bahrain | elaineworl

[...] Source: http://joesaward.wordpress.com/2011/02/28/meanwhile-in-bahrain-2/ [...]

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