Political Quotes

“Mr. President, 9 years ago this month, citizens of Bahrain took up banners to demand a greater role in their society and political process. Bahrain's ruling monarchy cracked down on the peaceful protestors; State police and security forces arrested hundreds and killed more than a dozen, according to press reports at the time. Bahrain's leaders promised accountability and reforms in response to international condemnation, but they would implement hardly any of them, and they rolled back some of the few they did implement. Indeed, the situation in Bahrain has only grown worse. Americans for Democracy and Human Rights in Bahrain wrote last year that ``since 2017, the government has intensified the repression through the arrest, detention, and conviction of individuals who draw attention to the kingdom's human rights record or criticise the government.'' Last month, Human Rights Watch wrote, ``Bahrain's human rights record worsened in 2019, as the government carried out executions, convicted critics for peaceful expression, and threatened social media activists.'' It gives me no great pleasure to point out the monarchy's increasing repression. I have no personal animosity toward Bahrain, which remains an important U.S. ally. But the U.S. Government has a duty--an obligation--to be honest with friends and allies and to hold them to a high standard.…”