Thousands of Bahrainis, described by news agencies as pro-government, gathered on Monday night at one of Manama's largest mosques to support the reform process. Thousands others, described as anti-government, rallied at the now-famous Pearl Roundabout in the centre of the capital to demand reforms.
Regardless of the stereotyping of the media, these people are not Sunnis or Shiites. They are Bahrainis and actually all of them are asking for political and constitutional reforms.
Following last week's tragic events, Crown Prince Salman Bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is leading a national dialogue to end the current standoff, has admitted that he wasn't happy with the slow pace of the reforms. He promised to introduce wider changes and reach out to the opposition parties.
King Hamad Bin Eisa Al Khalifa, meanwhile, ordered the release of more than two dozen activists detained on terror charges last year in a gesture aimed at healing the wounds of Bahraini society and encouraging dialogue.
Now the ball is in the opposition's court. Some of their demands are being met and the others can be discussed during the national dialogue which will start very soon. They have to show goodwill too and leave the streets. It is time to sit at the table and talk.
