(MENAFN- Arab Times) Ahmed Al-Jarallah Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
FOR 47 years, the
Kingdom of Bahrain has been charting the course of a country with the ability
to perform an economic and investment role which is bigger than its size. This
is due to the fact that the country depends on its long heritage of opening
itself to others, as well as dialogue and persistence to put national matters
above every ambition and interest.
Thus, since its independence in 1971,
Bahrain has become the tower of financial exchange in the Arab world through
offshore banks despite enduring several challenges. If it were another country,
it would have been living in isolation and endless crises.
In 1971, this beautiful island took a
decisive step concerning its destiny. It happened when the leaders of Iran at
the time openly demanded for annexation of Bahrain. Bahraini wisdom prevailed
in overcoming the challenge at a time there was no indication of good
neighborhood principle in the Iranian leadership.
Bahrain put this issue in its agenda in the
United Nations. It decided to hold national referendum immediately after
detaching itself from the English colonial rule to focus on dealing with major
political and military predicaments.
The Bahrainis refused to be annexed to Iran
through their votes. The voting result was outstanding as it had never been
witnessed in other countries. In spite of all the inconveniences, Manama was
not trapped under the grim atmosphere of the crisis. Instead, it immediately
embarked on social and economic development efforts which continue till date.
Iran persisted in its greed over Bahrain.
Khomeini's regime inherited this greed from its predecessor, particularly its
impertinence and arrogance based on the notion of 'exporting revolution' and by
regarding Bahrain as the weakest link in the Gulf organization, let alone
depending on a small group of operatives who sold their patriotism for a couple
of dollars.
Despite this, Iran once again slammed the
national unity consensus under the rule of Al Khalifa — a rule which has been
continuing for 243 years characterized by harmonious relations between the
ruler and the ruled, and openness to others. This enabled Bahrain to perform a
historic role in the region.
Throughout its history, the Bahraini
heritage has been interpreted in a series of laws aimed at transforming the
country into a major investment hub. It started with freedom of ownership for
non-Bahrainis, banks and strategic port for goods between the Gulf Cooperation
Council (GCC) member countries — especially the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia and the
United Arab Emirates (UAE).
It later formed an economic base with Kuwait
and Dubai; thereby, interpreting unity between communities through the economic
role exchange.
Undoubtedly, this role irritates the greedy;
hence, some Arabs are drooling over illusions bigger than their abilities that
helped the Mullah regime in instigating sectarian tension and chaos with the
hope of weakening the country.
Eventually, they wished to put Bahrain under the claws of the Persian
expansionism scheme and get rid of its competitive role in the economy and
investment.
Definitely, these people are oblivious to
the fact that King Hamad bin Essa Al Khalifa built a fortress. Through this
vision, they realized that the best way towards national fortification starts
in democracy. This was made possible through the national covenant which the
King declared and then accepted by all social sectors in Bahrain.
This was followed by the revival of
parliamentary life based on freedom to choose representatives and polishing the
role of the national press, which formed the first line of defense in
confronting the evil plans laid down for Bahrain.
Given that King Hamad, Prime Minister Prince
Khalifa bin Salman and Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad are working in accordance
with a firm development strategy to actualize the 'Bahrain 2030' vision, many
steps were taken towards modernization of the State, for it to join the ranks
of advanced countries.
This is in terms of the public sector
monitoring institutions, while the private sector takes up the role of service
institutions. This means more development and progress towards a modern State
on par with the current world we are living in.
Today, after 47 years of independence and despite the
inconveniences that this country faced due to the political and security
challenges posed by Iran through its terrorism character, the country is
growing once again. It is performing its pioneering role confidently and firmly
as it managed to come out of the tunnel of crisis stronger.
By Ahmed Al-Jarallah - Editor-in-Chief, the Arab Times
MENAFN1812201800960000ID1097846449
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