Protest

We spent last week closely following events as they unravelled in Egypt. As we walked home from dinner on Friday evening, dozens of cars with Egyptian flags flying from the windows were out on the streets in our district honking their horns and singing: Mubarak had gone.

We have spent this week watching events unravel here. Protests were arranged for Sunday and Monday, to coincide with official celebrations marking the tenth anniversary of the Bahrain National Charter or constitution. Spurred on by events in Egypt, the protests gained momentum and soon thousands were camping out at the Pearl Roundabout, a well-known Bahrain landmark and one which we pass each day on our way to school. Helicopters have hovered constantly overhead since Sunday.

I was woken about four o'clock this morning by a constant stream of wailing sirens and saw from the TV reports that police had dispersed the protesters at the Pearl Roundabout; the sirens were ambulances taking the injured to the main hospital which is close to our house.

Today helicopters are still hovering, there are police roadblocks throughout the city and apparently tanks are positioned in some key areas. Shopping malls and one of the main supermarkets have closed because of disturbances and people seem to be panic buying at the supermarket I use. We are being advised to stay at home, although a rumoured curfew has not yet been announced.

Tomorrow is Friday, the start of the weekend. A pro-Government rally is planned for after morning prayers at the Grand Mosque. Pearl Roundabout has been cordoned off to prevent anti-Government protesters from gathering there. We can only wait to see if they mobilise elsewhere.