22nd February 2011
Libya and Bahrain Crackdown as Protests Spread in Middle East
Mark Hanson
In a terrible development in the protests in the Middle East and North Africa, Colonel Gaddafi has unleashed a violent crackdown upon protesters.
Egypt and Tunisia fell to the demands of the people, with the former Tunisian leader, Zine al-Abidine Ben Ali, and the former Egyptian leader, Hosni Mubarak, submitting to the will of the people and relinquishing power. These were by and large peaceful revolutions.
The situation now, however, has radically changed, as Libyan forces loyal to Gaddafi have instigated a harsh crackdown, with reports of at least 250 demonstrators being killed. The demonstrators were unarmed, yet Gaddafi is seeking to cling to power by, apparently, any force necessary.
The situation throughout the Middle East has also seen violent attacks against demonstrators in Bahrain, and to a lesser extent in Yemen.
The developments, set in motion by the popular uprising in Tunisia, are a profound change to the politics of a region that has long been a hot-bed of dictators and conflicting political aims. Iran has also experienced a renewal of protests.
The domino-effect that was greatly enhanced by the fall of Mubarak threatens to completely alter the political map in the Middle East, yet the attacks in Libya, Bahrain and Yemen seem to indicate a desire amongst the remaining leaders to halt the process.
Libya is the focus of news at present, as the crackdown is threatening to become, in the words of Libya's deputy ambassador to the UN, Ibrahim al-Dabashi, a "real genocide".
Muammar Gaddafi is calling the unrest the result of “sick people” in Libya, and also saying that he attacked "the tyranny of the US".
Meanwhile in Egypt, the UK Prime Minister David Cameron has made a visit to the military government on a stop-over on his way to Kuwait, making him the first world leader to visit Egypt since Mubarak’s ouster.
Christians in Egypt are in a difficult position, as Muslim antagonism, which has at times become outright persecution, could take a more prominent position in government.
Prayers are also needed for those throughout the region, both Christians and Muslims. Prayers are especially urgent for those in Libya, that the demonstrators may remain peaceful in the face of the crackdown. Prayers are also needed for Egypt and Tunisia, that the transitional governments may oversee moves to democracy, tolerance and peace.
