Formula One leaves Bahrain anything but ‘UniF1ed’

The arrival of the Formula One circus in Bahrain prompted a hailstorm of media attention – a rare thing despite the crisis that has consumed the country for more than a year. Determined protesters, ever-slick government PR teams and awell-timed report by Amnesty International all ensured that Bahrain – for a weekend at least – topped news agendasworldwide, giving all sides in the crisis an opportunity to voice their cause. Yet beyond the racetrack there were no chequered flags. The government failed in its goal to rehabilitate brand Bahrain, but the protesters did not edge closer to change.