Opposition group al-Wefaq expressed “deep disappointment” on the content of Bahrain’s National Institution for Human Rights’ annual report. In a statement, al-Wefaq alleged that the report’s content is “far from reality” and “has disregarded many of the blatant violations taking place” in Bahrain. The opposition group asserted that “impunity is the most significant issue missing[…]
14
Jan
Jan
The recent dramatic slide in crude oil prices has led to economic strain throughout the Arabian Peninsula, particularly in Bahrain. The near-70% fall in oil price since mid-2014 has “shattered” government revenues. While Saudi Arabia has funded its deficit by drawing on its central bank deposits, and Kuwait, Qatar, and the UAE have sufficient assets[…]
14
Jan
Jan
This week, Kuwait’s parliament passed two new laws increasing the government’s power to censor internet media and restrict free expression. On Monday, lawmakers decided that a jail term of up to ten years would become the official punishment for a range of online expression. Then on Tuesday, the parliament passed an additional bill regulating all[…]
13
Jan
Jan
Oman is one among several GCC states that has recently reduced state subsidies on gasoline in response to the decline in oil prices, which is at its lowest since 2003. Gasoline prices for both premium and regular fuel will increase by about a third and a fourth, respectively. Less general government spending is expected to[…]
13
Jan
Jan
According to the Ministry of Interior (MOI), “skirmishes” took place around the Al-Marzouq religious center in Sitra, Bahrain, on January 11, 2016. The MOI said that gunfire mistakenly damaged some of the center’s facilities. Eyewitnesses reported that around 3:00 a.m., a black vehicle opened fire at the Al-Marzouq center, damaging some of the center’s windows[…]
