MANAMA (IPS) – A national dialogue with no preconditions
could bring the situation in Bahrain back to normal after a military crackdown
that followed months of unrest.

Three opposition groups – the Democratic Nationalist Rally,
the Democratic Progressive Tribune and the National Democratic Action Society
(Waad) – have welcomed the dialogue slated to start Jul. 1. The Al Wefaq
National Islamic Society that led protests in February and March before the
declaration of a three-month state of emergency also hinted that it approved of
the talks.

In a statement issued early this month, Al Wefaq welcomed a
comprehensive dialogue based on a national consensus to achieve the demands and
aspirations of Bahrainis. The group hinted that its engagement in the talks
would depend on the involvement of Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa,
who suggested the idea at the height of the unrest in February.

The protests in Bahrain, inspired by the political movements
in Egypt and Tunisia, started on Feb. 14 with calls for better housing services
and living conditions, and escalated to demand the overthrow of the regime.

The unrest has affected people’s lives and the economy. One
example was the postponement of the Formula One race that had been scheduled
for March. The announcement of the dialogue might have influenced the FIA Grand
Prix’s decision to agree to hold the games in October, but an organization
called Human Rights First is lobbying to have that decision reversed.

A probe by a parliamentary committee found that the Bahrain
Petroleum Company lost six million Bahraini dinars (almost 16 million dollars)
because of a strike called by the General Federation of Bahrain Trade Unions in
March. The investigation looked into irregularities in the company, which generates
around 70 percent of the state’s revenues.

The strike that continued for one week in March led to the
loss of some 2,000 jobs in both the private and public sectors, said the
opposition newspaper Al Wasat. The Ministry of Labor has promised to work with
companies to re-hire workers who were fired to keep the unemployment rate below
the usual upper limit of four percent.

“I say yes to the dialogue to remove Bahrain from what
it is going through right now,” business journalist Hana Buhiji told IPS.
“There are many announced demands and for a successful dialogue, ideas
should be reviewed to organize those demands according to their priorities for
the nation and citizens before putting them on the negotiating table,” she
said.

Buhiji also called for proper channels for all parties in
the talks to reach a middle ground. “If the dialogue wouldn’t do that or
would try to reduce demands, then it is going to be a waste of time. This would
affect economic, political and social lives in Bahrain,” she said.

“All segments of society should be involved in the
dialogue, especially those who are representing all Bahrainis. It should be
precise and just, so that our real demands can reach the negotiating
table,” she urged, while highlighting the importance of flexibility and
the acceptance of different viewpoints.

Violence and clashes during the unrest led to the death of
13 protesters, four policemen and seven civilians who were in the wrong place
at the wrong time, according to statistics released by the Ministry of Interior.
Figures presented to parliament showed that 391 police officers and 56 innocent
citizens and residents sustained injuries. The opposition, however, said the
number of casualties among protesters is much higher than the official figure.

King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa assigned legislative and
executive authorities to call for the dialogue and ensure proper procedures for
smooth and open deliberations.

The King invited everyone to take part in the initiative to
further push for reforms and meet citizens’ expectations for peace, justice and
stability. The outcome of the dialogue is to be referred to the King for
implementation according to constitutional principles.

Minister of Justice, Islamic Affairs and Endowments, Shaikh
Khalid bin Ali Al Khalifa, said the dialogue would include everyone, with no
exceptions.

“The approval of the four opposition societies was
welcomed by ordinary citizens,” said Ubaidly Al- Ubaidly, Al Wasat
columnist and editor-in-chief. He added that people feared those societies
might hinder the dialogue by setting conditions that are hard to achieve, and
that this could throw Bahrain back into dark times again.

“Citizens look to the dialogue not for major political
benefits, but for things that touch their lives directly, such as better living
conditions and stability,” he said while urging the opposition societies
to unite to negotiate for the best for the country and the people. He said all
those involved in the talks should genuinely work to make them a success and
push for fruitful results.