U.S. Secretary of State Expresses Concern Over Dissolution of 'Wefaq' Society in Bahrain

John Kerry, the U.S. Secretary of State, has expressed 'deep' concern over the dissolution of the Wefaq Society in Bahrain and called for the government to reverse its decision regarding this society and other peaceful opposition groups. A court in Bahrain ruled on July 18 to dissolve this group and confiscate its assets. The National Islamic Wefaq Society is a political group and is considered the largest party in Bahrain. This group was established 15 years ago and is said to be ideologically and procedurally close to Shia clerics. The Sunni-dominated government of Bahrain, which is predominantly Shia, had previously revoked the citizenship of an influential Shia cleric. In response to the dissolution of 'Wefaq', Kerry stated, 'This ruling (of the court) is another step in the worrying actions in Bahrain.' Kerry emphasized that Bahrain is facing 'serious security threats' and added that 'these actions to suppress non-violent opposition groups only harm the solidarity and security of Bahrain.' According to the U.S. Secretary of State, these actions 'also damage the alliance' between the U.S. and Bahrain. Earlier, on July 1, seven U.S. senators had written to Kerry, urging him to pressure the Bahraini government to undertake political and social reforms. According to these senators, such actions could end 'Iran's interventions' in that country. The leader of the Islamic Republic claims that Tehran does not interfere in Bahrain's affairs. However, on the other hand, Qassem Soleimani, the commander of the Quds Force of the Revolutionary Guards, had threatened the Bahraini government in a harsh statement following the revocation of the Shia cleric's citizenship, stating that this issue would lead to 'armed resistance' and the 'fall of the regime.' Yesterday, the Iranian Foreign Ministry described the dissolution of the Wefaq Society as 'a counterproductive action' and warned that 'such behaviors will complicate the situation.' The Manama government claims that the 'Wefaq' group has engaged in promoting violence and has incited protests that lead to 'sectarian conflicts.' According to AFP, critics assess the aim of the Bahraini government's actions as merely suppressing dissenters.