Warning: Some of the images in this video may be disturbing.
With the ousting of Egypt's President Hosni Mubarak last week a wave of similar protests are spreading throughout the Middle East. In the small Persian Gulf state of Bahrain thousands of people demanded democratic reforms shouting "We demand the fall of the regime." Issues with high unemployment and human rights abuses are also at the top of protesters concerns.
After police fired pellets, rubber bullets and tear gas at protesters, regardless of the size of the crowd or if they were peaceful, chaos ensued. 22-year-old Ali Mushaima was shot and killed by riot police earlier this week. Images of his corpse were quickly posted on the Internet and thousands attended his funeral demanding the resignation of Bahrain's prime minister who has been in power for 40 years.
Similar to Egypt, Tunisia and Bahrain protests in Iraq, Yemen and Iran have also erupted in recent days. U.S. President Barak Obama sent a warning to regional leaders that power by coercion won't last much longer.
Quotes
"The people in the Pearl Roundabout have -- didn't even listen to the speech, let alone care what the king really had to say. All they're demanding is that the regime leave. And they're saying that they're going to stay here. And people are bring tents, blankets, things to sleep on. And they're saying that they're going to stay here until the regime falls." Maryam Al-Khawaja, Bahrain Centre for Human Rights
"The message that we've sent, even before the demonstrations in Egypt, has been to friend and foe alike, that the world is changing, that you have a young, vibrant generation within the Middle East that is looking for greater opportunity, and that if you are governing these countries, you've got to get out ahead of change, you can't be behind the curve." President Barack Obama
Warm Up Questions
1.Where is Bahrain?2.Which countries comprise the Middle East?3.What is non-violent protest?
Discussion Questions
1.Why do you think people in the Middle East are protesting against their governments?2.Do you think non-violent protest is effective in pressuring governments to make political and social reforms? Why or why not?3.What are other ways people can voice their frustrations with political and social conditions besides protests?
Additional Resources
