cathyjwhite

In an interview with AlJazeera, human rights activists from Bahrain complain that the the Western media is ignoring continuing human rights violations in Bahrain and that only Iranian media is giving significant coverage.

US media certainly is ignoring Bahrain. Even the New York Times, which generally does a good job at covering news around the world, chose to write today even about tiny Bangladesh–but not a word on Bahrain.  (Granted Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is currently visiting Bangladesh). The Huffington Post had an article on Syria–and even Armenia–but nothing on Bahrain.

Yet, these human rights activists note that activists in Bahrain are being tortured and killed in large numbers–even compared to Syria.  The use of tear gas is widespread and there is concern about lasting health effects — especially as more women are joining the protests than ever before.

The activists also point out that for the “first time” there are protests specifically against the US.  As the US maintains their presence in the Middle East, particularly the fifth fleet, but does not actively support the opposition, anger increases towards US foreign policy.

Related topics: Human Rights abuses and torture in Egypt