The pearl’s shine bloodied

    The world watched with horror as security forces in Bahrain killed at least seven peaceful protesters and wounded hundreds more. The protesters were seeking a measure of political accountability from the ruling Al Khalifa family and an end to discrimination against Shia Bahrainis. For the past decade Bahrain has promoted itself as a liberal state in an authoritarian neighbourhood, on the basis of reforms by King Hamadal-Khalifa, who took power in 1999.  These reforms included holding elections — though for a parliament that lacked authority — and largely abolishing torture. United States officials went out of their way to burnish Bahrain’s image. In December, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton raved, “Bahrain has demonstrated that multi-ethnic, multi-confessional societies can address their challenges through peaceful reform and representative institutions.”  Cables by US diplomats claimed that King Hamad “understands that Bahrain cannot prosper if he rules by repression.” Such endorsement can be attributed