Bahrain: Frustration grows on all sides

Growing frustration at the year-long political stalemate has pushed both the government and the main opposition party Al-Wefaq to become more assertive, each taking actions perceived by the other as provocative. Meanwhile, other political groups, including pro-government groups and the Sunni and liberal opposition, have tried to keep their distance from the escalation, preferring not to comment directly on the rising tensions. Following his interrogation by the Public Prosecution on 3 November (GSN 958/6), Al-Wefaq secretary-general Sheikh Ali Salman told GSN he had been questioned for six hours, from 9am until just before 3pm.