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The recent violent protest in Bahrain is disappointing and dangerous as it undermines efforts that have been initiated to bring about reform and consensus in the country. Resorting to the use of force will only complicate the situation and lead to heightened tensions.
Protestors attacked the police with Molotov cocktails in Sehla village outside the capital Manama. During clashes between police and protestors, three cars and a carpentry workshop were burnt down.
The clash between the two sides took place as Bahraini anti-riot police intervened to end a sit-in that was calling for the release of a group of detainees.
Given the dangerous turn of events, it is critical that matters are brought back under control. The clashes should be dealt with in a constrained manner to avoid them from spreading and causing further damage.
But looking at the bigger picture and putting matters in perspective, the situation in Bahrain should not be left unattended until it is too late. The clashes, however limited in scale they may have been thus far, should not be allowed to sow the seeds of difference, which could in turn affect the reconciliation efforts of the past.
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