First broadcast on 26 January 2015

 

 

Fareena Alam discusses whether the Arab Spring has been a help or a hindrance in allowing Arabs to achieve their aspirations. Joined by a fantastic panel of guests which included, political activists, politicians and a priest, Fareena asked the most pertinent questions about the growing political crisis engulfing the Middle East.

The panel:

Sabri Malek

Official spokesperson for the Democratic Party in Libya. Mr Malek is optimistic about the Arab Spring arguing that it was the second most significant milestone in Arab history after the revelation of Islam through the Prophet Mohammed (pbuh). The Democratic Party of Libya is a secular party who believe in the right of Libyan Jews to return from Israel.

Ali Alaswad

Is a resigned Bahraini MP from the Al Wefeq Party who now lives in London. He was elected to Bahrain’s parliament in 2010 but resigned the following year in response to the government’s violent crackdown on protests. He highlighted the continued plight of the Bahraini people as they struggle in the way of equality and democracy.

Father Frank Gelli

Is an Anglican priest and a cultural commentator. Father Frank Gelli contributed to the discussion by shining light on the minority communities in the Middle East, mainly the Christians and how they’ve been affected by the recent upheavals.

Qasim Alhashmi

Head of the Bahrain International Mission. Lives in London and campaigns for human rights in Bahrain. Mr Alhashmi spoke passionately about the conflict in Bahrain and the double standards in reporting and upholding human rights by the west in the region.