Letter: Bahrain views
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.Sir: While I appreciate that the main purpose of Fran Abrams' article "Britain's cosy relationship with torture state" (7 December) in making allegations about the Bahrain government's human rights record was to raise questions about the British government's "ethical dimension" in its foreign policy, I cannot let it pass without comment.
Over the last two-and-a-half years as ambassador in the UK, I have addressed the subject of human rights in Bahrain on many occasions with a wide range of people.
Internationally, there is general consensus that Bahrain has taken considerable steps to ensure that its citizens live in an open, liberal society.
For the fourth year running it has come top among Arab countries in the United Nations Report on Human Development.
The Red Cross has visited Bahrain and we are in consultation with many other non-governmental organisations.
The Shura Council system which ensures that consultation takes place on all policy matters is endorsed by the Koran and is part of the Islamic culture, and the proper basis for an evolutionary process.
Bahrain has a highly developed health and education infrastructure. We respect religious freedom, are multicultural and have a free press.
We are a firm ally of the West, as was demonstrated throughout the Gulf war, and are hosts to Unscom.
Bahrain has enjoyed a long and historic relationship with the UK based on mutual respect and understanding. It is not helped by reporting which reflects unfairly on both countries.
ABDUL AZIZ MUBARAK AL KHALIFA
Ambassador
Embassy of the State of Bahrain
London SW7
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments