Debated whether to send this given where I live etc but here goes.... IMO of
course.
The Sheikh in question is very active in expat and local affairs in Bahrain and
very supportive of the local (expat) rugby club where his son used to perfom
Michael Jackson routines (to be fair very good but after 1 you've seen em all)
For what it is worth I have visited Bahrain on many occasions over the last 20
years working there (a bit of TV commentary etc for rugby and playing ).
Apart from the obvious ongoing civil issues it is a great party place and very
vibrant, the locals are very nice and welcoming and hard working (they are very
poor compared to KSA next door). The main issue I have is that the ongoing
civil issues they have may affect booze consumption and partying and the GP -
which clearly should not have gone ahead this year. A lot of my mates in
Bahrain have already left there or are planning to do so soon, indeed our trip
from Muscat was the first overseas team to visit in 6 months back in March this
year. So if the more...... erm.. religious guys get into office they might want
the ruling family to play ball a bit. In fairness the KSA, UAE and Oman tanks
and troops that are 'hovering nearby' might not make that possible but I
digress. ( I don't like prison so will edit myself here)
If the majority 'more religious' guys get in then there may be a big clamp down
on 'western values' thereby possibly forcing said Sheikh to have to wind his
neck in.. if he is allowed overseas shares or control of a club without local
interference then we have no issues but I am not sure if his position in the
Government and Royal Family would be under pressure should the 'civil
situation' worsen.
On a recent trip with my rugby club we were waiting 3 hours to get 30 guys
through for no other reason than they were checking if the expats had any links
to supporting the uprisings, pain in the arse I tell ya. So as much as I hope
we get a decent investor and someone who cares about the club.. it is well
rumoured that he does in local expat circles.. I hope that local politics in
the future does not put a big dent in his / our plans.
I do hope he does take over and the club moves forward... it won't stop list
moaning but will make it much more interesting..... the new away kit is crap as
well but hey ho....
MOT
Your 'other' Middle East correspondent
P.S. Good luck Mike with getting your footy idea going, sounds great to me.
Andy Pyzer
P.P.S must stop writing these mails given where I live......... paranoid.. who
me?
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PETE CASS (1962 - 2011) Rest In Peace Mate
