The 10th edition of the F1 Gran Prix of Bahrain has ended few hours ago. The media attention has been focused on the sportive event, that generates millions of dollars each year. But the internal situation of the Country has been completely clouded.

The race was cancelled only in 2011, when the revolts of the population began. But in the last years the Bahrain International Circuit seemed like a happy island, far from the divisions present in the Country.

But what is the current situation in Bahrain?

First of all, it’s is important to keep in mind few data about the Kingdom of Bahrain. It is a small archipelago in the Persian Gulf with a population of 1.300.000 habitants and a GDP per capita of around 28600 $, 34th in the International Monetary Fund classification of the richest Countries in the world.

Bahrain was part of the British colonialist empire till 1971, when it reached the independence. Now it is under the kingdom of Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, last exponent of the Sunni family of al-Khalifa, linked to the Royal Family of Saudi Arabia.

The conflicts began in 2011 after the Arab Spring. The origin of the revolt is religious. In fact, even if the 70% of the population is Shiite, King Hamad and the ruling class of the Country is Sunni. Shiites, that don’t have access to the highest positions in the State, ask the transformation of Bahrain in a Constitutional Monarchy, with the possibility of electing a democratic Parliament and with the recognition of their rights.  

The revolt didn’t stop since four years and the reaction has been reflected in  tortures, rapes and deaths. The Monarchy has the support of US that want to maintain a strong relation with this strategic Country, situated between the Shiite Iran and the Sunni Saudi Arabia.  it is not a coincidence that Bahrain hosts the V fleet of the US Navy.

Finally, can geopolitical and economical interests hide social conflicts? Apparently yes. Therefore, “The show must goes on”. But till when?