Bahrain dictatorship-British imperialism connection

These three videos are called Blind Eye to the Butcher. Report about the Butcher of Bahrain: Ian Handerson.

A video used to say about itself:

Carlton ITV1 documentary from 2002 about Ian Henderson, the British head of Bahrain’s secret police, accused of torturing Bahrainis. Despite the allegations of torture documented by Amnesty International and Human Rights Watch, Henderson continues to reside in Bahrain as a guest of the Bahraini ruling family.

From daily The Guardian in Britain:

Business as usual in bloody Bahrain

It’s no surprise the Countess of Wessex accepted jewellery from the Bahraini royal family: Britain has been its backbone for years

Ala’a Shehabi and Kristian Ulrichsen

Wednesday 11 January 2012 09.00 GMT

News that the Countess of Wessex accepted gifts of jewellery from Bahrain’s royal family is not surprising. After almost 200 years of British-supported rule by the House of Khalifa, Bahrainis are no closer to human rights or democracy. Meanwhile, British firms continue to profit from the ongoing crackdown, as the British government seemingly turns a blind eye to continuing abuses.

Prince Charles rolled out the red carpet for the Sandhurst-trained king of Bahrain in December, soon followed by Prince Edward’s visit to Bahrain with his wife, the Countess of Wessex.

British officials maintain there is nothing the British government can do to pressure the Bahraini government to stop its human rights atrocities. In reality, there isn’t much that they want to do. But the UK arguably has more leverage over Bahrain’s ruling family than any other Arab autocracy, because of its long historical connections.

Britain has provided legitimacy for the Al Khalifa regime ever since it labelled them the “rulers of Bahrain” in an 1820 treaty. This arrangement assigned all power relating to foreign affairs to the British, who intervened twice to remove rulers they didn’t want, most recently in 1923.

A long line of British “advisers” stiffened the backbone of the Al Khalifa’s security services. Charles Belgrave lasted 30 years until being forced out by anti-Suez protests in 1956. Ian Henderson lasted 32 years, and became known as the “Butcher of Bahrain” for his alleged role in torturing opponents of the regime. John Yates is the latest incarnation of Britain’s advisory role in Bahrain’s security services.

The British eventually left Bahrain in 1971, much to the delight of the local population at gaining independence, and to the disappointment of the Al Khalifa. To this day, any celebration of 15 August, the date marking British departure, is forbidden.

Bahrain’s foreign minister (himself a member of the ruling family) has said that it would be wrong to use the word colonialism to describe Britain’s role in Bahrain. In reality, Britain was the ruling family’s backbone, and their protector in maintaining the status quo against the democratic aspirations of ordinary Bahrainis.

From providing the intelligence-gathering software to monitor social media and spy on activists, to arranging canine security for the interior ministry, tender records show how British companies, consultants and special advisers are raking in the cash from the security crackdown.

They include legal and PR services to advise on “reform” and minimise the fallout from continuing repression, as well as organising the Bahrain International Airshow.

Meanwhile, the British government’s objective is to increase its lucrative trade relations by projecting a “business as usual” image and keeping quiet about the appalling human rights abuses.

Meanwhile, the rich elite in Bahrain (like some of the rich elite in Europe and elsewhere) are dabbling in the occult.

From Gulf News:

Astrology books are bestsellers in Bahrain

The rush to buy astrology books is amazing, says bookseller in Bahrain

By Habib Toumi, Bureau Chief

Published: 12:46 January 11, 2012

Manama: Astrology books have topped the list of bestsellers in Bahrain over the last week of December and first week of the new year.

“The rush to buy astrology books is amazing,” a bookseller in the trendy Seef Mall shopping complex said. “Even though they are not usually cheap, they have been exceptionally popular and we sold many of them,” he said.

Shoppers included Bahrainis, Saudis and nationals from the region, he said.

The trial has begun in Bahrain’s capital, Manama, of five police officers implicated in the death in custody of a blogger last year: here.

US adviser Timoney and Bahrain police: here.