Joe Stork is an American political activist and Deputy Director for Middle East and North Africa at Human Rights Watch. He holds an M.A. in International Affairs/Middle East Studies from Columbia University.[1] (wikipedia)
Given Bahrain's strategic value, Washington may be reluctant to criticize its ally, but a failure to do so could result in growing anti-U.S. sentiment in the kingdom.
The high loss of life suggests the police acted with extreme brutality A police force acting responsibly would not have allowed such a tragedy to occur.
In the courtroom, as at the voting booths, there is little tolerance for challenges to the ruling party's hegemony.
Jordan's General Intelligence Department, prisons and ordinary police stations all have known records of abuse. By seeking Jordanian promises to treat these returned persons differently, the U.K. is confirming that the risk of torture continues.
Jordan, Egypt and Algeria all have a documented history of torture. Neither Britain nor any other country should consider returning people to such countries where they face the risk of torture.