Bahrain Mirror - Exclusive: One year from today (March 6, 2018), Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa would have completed 20 years of reign. His father, former prince Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa died on March 6, 1999, and in a formal ceremony, he was his successor.

The death of his father was a historic turning point, as there were signs of possible amends between the people and the regime, after years of oppressive political crisis, due to which hundreds were arrested, others were exiled, and dozens were martyred. The day that Isa bin Salman died could be considered the end date for the 90s uprising, and the country's approach to a new stage. Hopes were tied that this new stage, would witness the end to the historical injustice faced by the Shiite majority.

The opposition abroad came back, and probably never had in mind that the end to their diaspora would be as such. Political detention centers were emptied, and even those on death row were exempted. Also, the King (then Emir) released head of the opposition movement, late Sheikh Abdul Amir al-Jamri, and received him in his palace. After that, delegations from the Royal Court were sent to Al-Jamri and other leaderships to reach an equation that would spare the country its dilemma. As a result, came the "Bahrain National Charter".

Amid all the generosity that revived the people and the country, like dropping all housing loans and increasing incomes, people became high on this dramatic change, which was only resulted by the death of former Emir, and the succession of a new Emir, dubbed "Prince of the Bahranis", in celebration of his era. Sitra received him as a savior, and even the most conservative political opposition leaders trusted him.

In the book, "A Plea of a Country", Al-Wefaq Society Secretary General, Sheikh Ali Salman, now imprisoned, talks about his first meeting with the King (then Emir) on March 21, 2001. The Sheikh said he stressed to the King the importance of "maintaining the good strong relation established between him [the King] and the people, and it should not be abandoned for any reason."

The King, who was still an Emir (Prince) at the time, responded to him saying he wanted the people to take part in responsibility with him, and to have the people take the bigger role in ruling the country, so that the situation in the country does not remain a "one man show".

It did not take much time for the people to realize that the Emir was never serious, and that what he said was never his dream. As time passed, all those who met him, either returned to their prison cells, or back to exile.

On January 28, 2018, the King turned 68 years old. When his dad died at age 66, his death was a "relief". As the situation was with former Bahraini ruler, Isa bin Ali, in 1921, it seems that only "death" or "an overthrow" alone can make a historical difference in the monarchy's policy with the people. After 19 lean years, and for the people to revive hope to envision the beautiful days promised by the King, they should only wait for another "March 6", and pray for the King that prayer that was once the reason behind the arrest of Abdul Hadi al-Khawaja, "Oh God, he whose death is a relief to us, relieve us from him."

One March down, another to go.

Arabic Version