There are not many alternatives and not many routes for the people of Bahrain to choose from. The future of the country will depend on the actions taken today. Hence, it is time for Bahrain to move on in order to move forward.
There has been much anticipation with regard to the report released by the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI). The fact-finding panel, headed by Professor M. Sharif Bassiouni, was set up by Bahrain's King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa last June. The commission was tasked with investigating the incidents of violence that took place earlier in the year when security forces clashed with protesters. It was also asked to look into accounts of alleged abuse.
The cabinet issued a statement in which it highlighted the general parameters that defined the government's outlook towards the commissioning of the report. "This is what is required for the government to appraise its performance, to learn from our mistakes, and to enact reforms that serve Bahrain and all the Bahraini people. These investigations have revealed things to praise as well as things to deplore. Regrettably, there have been instances of excessive force and mistreatment of detainees. This was in violation of government policy and 20 prosecution [cases] against the officers involved have been initiated. This is in no way the limit of the steps that will be taken," the statement said.
It is important therefore for all the parties that are involved to understand the aim of having such a commission. The report should not be a measure of revenge or a tool that is used to bring about instability. The events of the past have left many deep scars which will require all to be in unity for the future of Bahrain.
