When readers consider today’s reports on the security investigations that led to the arrest of several individuals linked to the main organisation affiliated with the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps, the operation stands out as a significant achievement. It merits recognition for the vigilance of Interior Ministry personnel and their steadfast efforts to counter attempts aimed at undermining Bahrain’s security and stability.
This case carries broad implications that require careful examination.
Safeguarding society – both in terms of security and ideas – demands sustained and co-ordinated efforts, particularly as proponents of ‘Wilayat Al Faqih’ employ multiple methods to influence young minds and shape their sense of loyalty and national identity. Confronting and dismantling such harmful ideologies, therefore, is a shared national responsibility that rests with all state institutions.
Adherence to Bahraini patriotism remains the most effective way to neutralise the systematic external attacks on our nation, which became evident during the crisis of the brutal Iranian aggression against the kingdom, which lasted for more than 40 days.
These attacks were not limited to military action, but were accompanied by numerous attempts at ideological targeting of citizens through social media platforms, and, regrettably, through certain outlets that strayed from their professional responsibilities by promoting and justifying such acts.
The authentic Bahraini identity has, throughout its long history, been founded on firm principles, foremost among them that this land has embraced all religions, sects and beliefs with freedom and respect.
The unity of the nation’s citizens under the banner of the wise leadership and the flag of Bahrain is a genuine expression of belonging to this land, which has never discriminated among its people, has provided them with dignified living conditions, and has invested in building the Bahraini individual as its most valuable asset.
The reader must understand that what is taking place is not merely a doctrinal or sectarian disagreement. Rather, it requires wisdom and courage to recognise that there are those seeking to alter Bahrain’s identity and history in co-operation with its most hostile enemies.
This nation has shown great patience, perhaps in the hope that some would reconsider their positions and ideas and return to the right path. However, reality confirms that some continue to stray.
Accordingly, we must move to a new phase in which society as a whole – not only the Interior Ministry – becomes responsible for protecting our national identity. Families, the Education Ministry, the Youth Ministry, the Information Ministry, religious platforms and the culture authority are all called upon, each in their respective roles, to provide high-quality, integrated awareness programmes that reinforce the values of citizenship and pride in Bahraini identity.
What is happening today is not a sudden development or the product of a single moment; rather, it is the outcome of a comprehensive project linked to the doctrine of ‘Wilayat Al Faqih’. Iran is attempting to impose this doctrine on Arab Shi’ite communities to appropriate the legitimacy of the sect – despite the fact that many Shi’ite scholars do not agree with the Iranian approach.
Building societal immunity against destructive ideas must be a key priority for anyone seeking to secure a safe and stable future for coming generations.
One must ask: how can a religious figure, who is supposed to possess knowledge and insight, accept betraying his own country? These are not arbitrary accusations, but a description of the reality of those who co-operate with a foreign state – especially during times of war – which can only be described, in any language, as treason.
How long can this state and its people continue to tolerate or remain silent about such actions?
We are not in the business of judging intentions; rather, our duty is to present clear facts to the public – particularly to the youth, who are sometimes misled under the guise of religion into believing that allegiance to Iran is part of the doctrine.
The reality is entirely different: a Bahraini who belongs to his nation must stand up in defence of its interests – the nation in whose land he was raised and whose blessings he has enjoyed.
National belonging does not conflict with religious belief. On the contrary, greater awareness is essential to counter attempts to exploit or undermine patriotism.
Young people must realise that the state is not a sect, but a nation – one that does not discriminate among its citizens, but works to protect their interests and provide them with the best opportunities based on justice and fairness across all fields.
Gulf Arab states must also realise that confrontation with Iran has not been, and will not be, purely military. It also requires an intellectual response that reflects our Gulf identity and builds upon our political, economic and social strengths – strengths derived from our unity and solidarity in confronting the challenges and threats that target our security and stability.
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