Analysis: Bahrain talks stall, divisions widen after crackdown

By Lin Noueihed

MANAMA | Wed Mar 23, 2011 1:54pm EDT

Prime Minister Sheikh Khalifa bin Salman al-Khalifa, like other members of the Bahraini ruling elite, does not normally comment on such allegations. The Crown prince promised in his last offer to look into the corruption claims.
Wefaq were unable to stop youths from escalating the protest from the Pearl roundabout, where they were camped, to cut off the main road to the financial harbor and cripple the economy.
In the royal camp, Crown Prince Sheikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, lost the battle with hardliners in his own family, who felt the protesters would never be satisfied, analysts say.
Political sources say the Crown Prince was given three weeks to launch talks, after which military force would be considered.
They suspect that hardliners worked, during those weeks, to undermine the Crown Prince's efforts to begin dialogue.
Indeed, sectarian clashes began to break out in Bahrain. Youths in masks set up makeshift roadblocks, asking for identity cards. Opposition activists accused Bahrain's army and security forces of sending in thugs to provoke violence and spread fear.
UNILATERAL STEPS?
Knowing time was running out, Sheikh Salman gave assurances on March 13 that talks would address key opposition demands.
When the opposition pushed for more, King Hamad called in Saudi troops. By the time martial law was declared on March 15, sources say power had already been transferred to Sheikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Commander of the Bahrain Defense Forces.
"Hard line factions are now stronger on both sides. The middle ground has been squeezed," Kinninmont said. "The situation has become very polarized very quickly."
Some Bahrainis say the king called in the Saudis because he felt threatened -- protesters had openly demanded his overthrow. Others say the prime minister, who has close ties with Riyadh, feared he may be the victim of any negotiated resolution.
Whatever the truth, some say events have moved beyond talks. Two weeks ago, the opposition was in a strong position. Today, it is weakened; several opposition leaders have been jailed.
Many Shi'ites say the state should take steps to prove it is serious about reform. Many remember the national charter agreed by a vote in 2001 as part of new reforms, only to scrapped.
"We need more democracy, guaranteed human rights and freedoms all leading to the opportunity to live with dignity. Do we really need any dialogue to enact these points?" Bahraini blogger Mahmood al-Youssif wrote.