Bahrain Mirror: The Bahraini Interior Minister Rashid bin Abdullah Al Khalifa said that "there is a false ideological education, inflammatory approach, directed foreign media, and isolationist behavior that refuses integration," referring to the Shiite population in Bahrain, considering that this is "one of the most important reasons and causes affecting the general security situation" in the country.

The minister was speaking during a "public meeting" during which he met with a number of dignitaries, including clerics and MPs, Sunday morning (January 21, 2018).

The minister presented what he said were the achievements that led to stabilizing the security situation in the country, highlighting a comprehensive process of "information gathering" about åindividuals and organizations that are active in the security arena. He said that this was carried out by the Interior Ministry in coordination with "the National Security Agency and other security information services."

The Minister specifically accused Iran and the Iranian Revolutionary Guard, as well as the Popular Mobilization Forces in Iraq and Hezbollah in Lebanon of training individuals that established and joined what he dubbed "terrorist cells."

The Interior Ministry's official Twitter account aired a live coverage of the meeting. It was reported that the Minister showed during the meeting envelopes that contained sums of 50 dinars, which he claimed were "rewards for terrorism and sabotage."

He considered that these people (who live abroad) have no right to "civil rights (in Bahrain) and no existence", attacking the countries they are residing in due to "their lack of cooperation with his country or the Interpol."

The Minister spoke about a "preemptive" security operation that was launched, which resulted in the arrest of 47 "terrorist elements from among the main elements, most of whom are linked to three terrorist organizations", as well as thwarting a number of crimes that the elements intended to commit, including "the attempted assassinations of a number of officials and public figures, the targeting of security forces and the burning and destruction of oil facilities.

According to the Minister, the operation resulted in the arrests of 357 persons.

The Interior Minister further stated that he must address "the most important reasons and causes that affect the general security situation," and considered that among the reasons directly linked to the deterioration of security, is what he described as "the issue of national identity," stressing that the "Bahraini identity was affected after the 2011 events and the repercussions that followed left their impact on societal relations."

The Minister claimed that "there is a false ideological education, inflammatory approach, directed foreign media, and isolationist behavior that refuses integration," referring to the Shiite population in Bahrain.

He considered that wrong ideological education is taking place at home and schools as well.

The Minister concluded his speech by presenting what he called "a comprehensive initiative of national identity, based on five factors (legislation and regulations - curricula - publications - public relations campaigns - and affiliation programs)."

He called on the attendees to participate in this project and raise it to the cabinet. He also announced that an "Interior Ministry award for the best work promoting loyalty, citizenship and consolidation of the values ​​of patriotism."

Arabic Version