Flip through the latest issue of Gulf Weekly.
Around the world, February 14 is universally celebrated as a day of ‘love’ where the exchanging of flowers, cards and chocolates is the general custom. However, for the Kingdom of Bahrain, February 14 marks something very different.
Two years since the beginning of the civil unrest, the country is still suffering from the effects of the disturbance. The almost daily practice of burning tyres across the roads is still causing traffic delays and even now, there is graffiti defacing the walls around the Budaiya area.
However, for me the most significant consequence of the unrest, which is still in effect today, is the closure of the Al Farooq Junction, previously known as the ‘Pearl Roundabout’. Before its demolition the roundabout was a popular junction and a national monument. I know that I am not alone when questioning when it will once again be opened.
Of course, I don’t pretend to be completely aware of the political situation that exists in Bahrain at the moment. However, what I do know is that many people, including myself, feel as though an end to the unrest has been two years too late and the majority of the country would be happy to see Bahrain returning to its previous state, when it was a family-friendly and peaceful country.
