Leading the people through the "democratic process".

• Author: Bashmi, Luma
• Position: Letter to the editor

your article from March/April 2012 [Kelly McEvers, "The Crackdown"] makes a series of flawed assessments about the recent events in Bahrain.

Far from fading into the background during the Arab Spring, Bahrain has for many years been a leading country in developing a more democratic state and will continue to be. In 2002 a two-chamber, elected parliament was introduced, putting Bahrain on the road to democracy. The government of Bahrain has never viewed democracy as a destination, but as a process the people of Bahrain continue to develop and build together.

We refute the assumption that the outcome resulting from the unrest that occurred in February 2011 was already decided upon. From the beginning the Bahraini government offered unconditional talks with the opposition representing the protestors. Despite this being rejected out of hand, a national dialogue and an independent enquiry was established, resulting in major recommendations for necessary reforms that the government is committed to implementing.

Bahrain's reputation as one of the most progressive and forward-thinking countries in the region is well established. Bahrain is a regional leader on freedoms of worship, and it is a beacon for women's rights. Our labor laws and welfare provisions provide Bahraini workers with the protection and rights that...