Protests at Pearl Roundabout. (Photo by MahmoodNasserAlYousif)
Bahrain (MNN) ― Bahrain's protests are being called a coup attempt by the Prime Minister. However, the protests were aimed at getting more representation in their government and the removal of some of its leaders.
A Shiite-led pro-democracy movement staged the protests, and the initial crackdown was brutal with martial law declared, activists arrested, strikers fired and national dialogue silenced. The crackdowns are continuing with raids on the leaders and organizers.
Hundreds of demonstrators have been arrested in security sweeps since the Bahraini authorities crushed the Shiite-led protest movement last month.
Although Bahrain is a small island with a population of fewer than one million people, their discontent has major repercussions globally. The uprisings exacerbated Sunni-Shiite tensions for Sunni Saudi Arabia and Shiite Iran, flanking neighbors.
Saudi Arabia is also an important ally of the U.S., which has a large navy presence based in Bahrain responsible for the Gulf and part of the Indian Ocean. A strong US/Britain response could further destabilize Sunni regions and open the door for Iran to step in.
The strain has created a dangerous situation for Words of Hope. Lee DeYoung explains, "The situation in Bahrain where there has been tension and instability has been worrisome. Some training programs and some expansion of our work there have been put on hold because of the uncertain situation."
However, in an effort to move away from the sectarianism that permeates the society right now, DeYoung says their team took a different approach to outreach. "Recently, our nightly Arabic programs have introduced new segments on the topic of ‘Arabism,' focusing on elements of Arab culture which pre-date Islam."
There is a unique distinction here: most Arabs are Muslims, but most Muslims are not Arabs. In fact, many Arabs are Christian, and most of them subscribe and ascribe to the "Arab civilization" in which Islam occupies a central part.
Words of Hope airs a nightly 30-minute show in a magazine format that covers all countries in the Arab League. DeYoung goes on to say that recent events prompted a new segment in every program which highlights positive characteristics of traditional Arab culture, some of which are more consistent with a Biblical worldview than with radical Islam. "These segments on Arabism deal with themes such as generosity, honor, pride, liberty. The idea is to lead into a new and abundant life in Christ."
In doing so, the show's content avoids religious criticism. By focusing on the positive traits which seem inconsistent with radical Islam, thoughtful listeners draw their own comparisons. Sometimes the Biblical connection is explicitly identified.
As the situation unfolds, DeYoung urges prayer. While their program is well-received, their team could be targeted by more radical elements. Keep praying. The door may only be open a little while longer. "Not only is the situation more tense, unsettled, unstable in some of these places, but the influences which seem to be prompting that, in many cases, are giving a more prominent voice to extreme religious elements."
