REMEMBER the Eid holidays of old when there were so many concerts and events happening that you couldn't decide which to go to? That's changed now and you know who's responsible, don't you?

Bahrain's political societies are multiplying like insects with hardly a month going by without a new one crawling into the spotlight. With profoundly creepy sounding names like National Brotherhood Society, Al Menbar Progressive Tribune Society, the Islamic Enlightenment Society and my personal favourite the National Democratic Grouping Society, one can't help but wonder about the soundness of their thinking.

Currently in the news is a campaign by several societies to change Bahrain's constitution, giving the elected parliament sole legislative powers.

Sure. That's just what we need; more power for the religious extremists.

Out of 40 MPs, I can only think of five I can respect. The appointed Shura Council, on the other hand, mainly consists of educated, capable professionals. Many welcomed the hinted reversal of a boycott of the elections by Al Wefaq National Islamic Society, the country's main Shi'ite group, because at least parliament will no longer be Wahabi-dominated.

Oh, the naiveté of some people…

Both Sunnis and Shi'ites have supported the segregation of Bahrain University by gender. Judges from both sects are accused of faulty rulings in Bahrain's troubled Shari'a court system. The riots at singer Nancy Ajram's concert were sparked by comments from a Sunni MP and carried out by brainwashed kids from the Shi'ite village. So based on past actions, it's obvious that Shi'ite and Sunni extremists are two sides of the same coin; they actually agree on the same stupid notions but still like to fight with each other.

Sectarian religious parties, which by definition alienate a large section of the population, shouldn't be lecturing anyone about democracy. Even worse is that secular activists, such as Wa'ad (National Democratic Action Society), have joined the ‘struggle', forming an alliance of convenience with the Islamists. What are they fighting for? Bahrain's non-religious parties are pathetically weak and don't stand a chance against the political might of Al Wefaq in an election. They're efforts are better spent building a little grass roots support and campaigning for a gradual separation of Mosque and State. Then we can take another look at the constitution.

Many suggest that we should bear the ups and downs because it takes time for democratic institutions to mature. Perhaps, but does it have to be during our lifetimes? By the time these clowns figure it out, we'll all be dead! Democracy is a good thing but lets take things one step at a time; safeguards are needed to prevent a tyranny of the majority.

Bahrain has problems but there are better solutions than surrendering to people who can't be reasoned with. Projects like Formula One and Bahrain Financial Harbour have the potential to make Bahrain a cool place to live in again. These idiots could ruin that. One group wants a mini-Saudi Arabia and the other a mini-Iran. Bahrain, as it is now, is better than either scenario. Imagine the devastating capital and intellectual flight that would result if these morons got their way! Just look at Iraq, Iran and Lebanon for example. Bahrain is obviously not ready for a Western-style democracy so be careful what you wish for…

Maybe the only solution is to start my own society. I'll call it the Nationalistic Democratic Progressive Enlightenment Grouping Action Brotherhood of Political, Modern, Social and Economic Constitutional Reform. No beards or turbans allowed. Wanna join?

tariqk1976@hotmail.com 

tkhonji@yahoo.com

(for large attatchments)