June 7, 2011
Official Bahraini media outlets have escalated anti-American statements, accusing the Obama administration of plotting with opposition leaders to overthrow the regime. On Monday, the paper Al Wasat published an editorial that argued “American black fingers are aiming to weaken the Gulf” states so that the U.S. can establish its own “Greater Middle East.” Media attacks have also targeted individual officials, including U.S. human rights officer Ludovic Hood last week, and now Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie Williams.
June 7, 2011
Official Bahraini media outlets have escalated anti-American statements, accusing the Obama administration of plotting with opposition leaders to overthrow the regime. On Monday, the paper Al Wasat published an editorial that argued “American black fingers are aiming to weaken the Gulf” states so that the U.S. can establish its own “Greater Middle East.” Media attacks have also targeted individual officials, including U.S. human rights officer Ludovic Hood last week, and now Deputy Chief of Mission Stephanie Williams. On Sunday, the Akbar Al Khaleej newspaper accused her of colluding with opposition groups and adopting a “sectarian Shiite agenda.”
The Bahrain News Agency < href="http://www.gulf-daily-news.com/NewsDetails.aspx?storyid=307218">reported that during meetings with Bahraini officials last week, the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Dr. Navi Pillay acknowledged having received “false information” about developments in the country. Pillay was quoted as saying: “the government of Bahrain is looking forward to a new prolific period, building on the landmark achievements under His Majesty’s reform project.” A press briefing issued today by a spokesman for Pillaly made it clear that the Bahrain News Agency was not present at the meeting, and “grossly misrepresented” what occurred. Addressing the fabricated comments, the briefing said that “the High Commissioner would like to stress that she made no such statement, and is disturbed by this blatant distortion of her words.” Pillaly is expected to formally request that Bahraini officials issue a correction.