Article on Anniversary of February 14

We are ten years on from a significant moment in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s history: the ratification of the new constitution that was the result of the reforms of the year before.  On 14 February 2001, voters from all communities in Bahrain came out to vote in overwhelming numbers in support of the country’s new National Action Charter.  

The charter, instigated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and developed with a cross section of Bahrain society, set out a framework for reform.  The following year saw a new constitution and parliamentary elections, and we have since seen many new measures affecting politics, society and the economy in Bahrain.

When Bahrain held the vote on the National Action Charter it was made clear that this was just the beginning and that reform would be an ongoing and evolving process. This is as true today as it was then.  Bahrainis today have access to better education, better jobs, more freedom and greater opportunities than before.  Our Vision 2030 sets out how this improvement will continue, but I believe it is just as important to recognize how far Bahrain has come, as it is to see where it should go next.

It is in this spirit that we have produced this overview of a decade of reform in the Kingdom.  As we look back, as well as forward, we see ten years of democratic development, and the strides that have been taken in economic and social reform.  In Bahrain as well as in every other society, democratic development – the evolving set of relationships between a people and their government - is a process, not an event.  It is important, when we evaluate our current position, that we view our time as a video, not a snapshot.   

Most of the world called the events of early 2011 the Arab Spring.  They forget that in Bahrain, the Spring of greater political participation and more government transparency started eleven years ago, with the popular referendum on the National Charter.  We celebrate today the tenth anniversary of the new Constitution, approved the following year as the embodiment in law of those reforms approved by the voice of the people.

I believe those reforms paved the way for the most extraordinary period of growth in recent memory.  In spite of declining revenues from oil and gas exports, Bahrain has thrived in the past ten years.  Why? Because on the foundation of the reforms of 2001 and the Constitution of 2002, Bahrainis built a modern state and attracted modern investments by establishing a free market economy, allowing personal freedom unsurpassed in any Arab country, and keeping the government out of the way of investors and entrepreneurs.  Bahrain earned far more in 2010 from investments than from selling oil, by building a modern economy on the foundation of law.

We can see a recent example of the importance His Majesty places on that foundation of law, by his handling of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.  After the King called for the BICI, and asked them to investigate what happened, who was to blame, and what the government needed to do to address the situation, he and the Crown Prince sat to hear the report, and pledged to implement its recommendations.  This is a continuation of the process His Majesty began in 2001.

The great loss from the past year has been the damage to Bahrain’s reputation.  Bahrain always was known for progress and development in business, and for openness and tolerance.  People have come here for many years, knowing they may practice their religion freely, find relaxation and entertainment, and pursue business and investment opportunities freely.  We welcome them, and will continue to welcome them.    

Now, a shadow looms over this peaceful Kingdom.  There is an increasing threat that internal divisions will lead to strife, which in turn may lead to foreign intervention from Iran.  We cannot allow that threat to spoil our progress. We must remember that we are on a journey, together.  If we pause today to reflect on how far we have come, and look forward to where we are going, we will realize that we are indeed on a road to progress.  We have our problems in Bahrain, but they would be worse if foreign forces came in and took control.  Some international observers say the government has violated human rights, and the government has admitted as much, and promised to reform how it deals with its citizens.  I applaud the governments pledge to reform, and I also ask those critics how much respect human rights would receive if Bahrain were under the control of the ayatollahs in Tehran.  Bahrain will continue to reform, but it will be at a pace determined by Bahrainis.  We must be careful not to allow foreign enemies to interfere with our existing freedoms.

Freedom comes gradually in stable societies. A violent revolution, on the other hand, is like water flowing suddenly into a valley: it can cause great damage and loss of life and property if it runs out of control.  But if the water comes in gradually, softly, it becomes the giver of life and the source of all nourishment.  Bahrain is not Egypt, or Tunisia, or Syria.  We have a proud tradition of openness and tolerance, and have been growing more democratic and free over the time of the reign of King Hamad.   We can’t let internal divisions and strife take over, and ruin what we have built.  

Bahrainis need to understand that we are not alone, and these troubles and how we handle them are not taking place in a dark room.  The international community is watching how we handle them. Investors will decide whether or not to put their money here, based on whether there are continuing protests, and how the government responds to them.  Our enemies will watch for signs of weakness in dealing with those who would disturb the peace; and our allies will decide whether to help us defend ourselves from attacks, based on how we treat our own citizens. 

All our allies and brotherly countries are important to us, but as head of the Bahrain American Council, I believe strongly in the importance of a particular bilateral relationship: the U.S.-Bahrain alliance.  It is what we spend our time and attention caring for, and nurturing.  It is important that we work hard to show Bahrain in the best possible light, to continue to attract investors, businesses, and other interested parties to support Bahrain.  It is also important that we work hard to make Bahrain a great place to live, for all Bahrainis – the kind of country that all our citizens will feel a part of, and want to defend.     

I am happy, on this tenth anniversary of our Constitution, to look back on a decade of reform and progress, of increasing transparency and economic freedom.  I am happy also, to look forward to continued prosperity, and a continued process of opening up opportunities for all Bahrainis to participate in that prosperity, and in the governance of this blessed society.