Post-martial law retribution and the expelled students

The expulsion of more than 30 students from Bahrain Polytechnic is beyond disgusting. There is no doubt that the Government of Bahrain, (Or is it the Saudi Government? Who is really running the country?) could not have stooped any lower. The ruling class is seeking loyalty  by offering education as a reward in an attempt to gain control over the country’s youthful population. This compares well with the Nazi’s policy of harnessing support from Germany’s youth which was seen to be vital pillar of their legitimacy. As Hans Schemm, founder of the National Socialist Teachers’ Federation put it “Those who have the youth on their side control the future.” Education in Bahrain has become, not a universal right, but a reward for people who swear allegiance to the tribe.

The recent series of intimidation and expulsion of around 200 students at Bahrain’s universities is is very likely to be part of a post-marital law retribution policy. It is clear that the government intends to punish as many people as it possibly can before ‘National Dialogue’ commences. Seemingly, therefore, it is very unlikely that this will be a permanent feature of Bahrain’s society. Indeed, with the world media coverage and Obama’s personal, albeit limited, attention towards the country it seems hardly a viable long-term plan. The bigger challenge is not just to return these studentsback to their respective universities, rather it is to hold those who created this havoc accountable.