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Book on Qatari invasion of Fasht Al Dibal launched

ManamaBahrain Center for Strategic and International Studies and Energy Studies (DERASAT) yesterday launched a book to shed light on the Qatari military invasion in Fasht Al Dibal in 1986. 

The book was launched in the presence of researchers, guests and media personalities.

The book discusses the longtime territorial dispute between the two countries highlighting the history of Bahraini sovereignty over the island and how the government chose to follow the issue with self-restraint, along with the reconciliation role of Saudi Arabia to end the aggression.

“The book is a historical document and a faithful testimony, which deals with the details of the events of the armed Qatari aggression on the destruction of Dibal. 

This month marks the 32nd anniversary of the brutal Qatari aggression on Dibal and this book aims to document the attack as part of a series of unconnected practices of the country system, its unacceptable transgressions against its neighbours, the security of the Gulf, and the nation’s tenets,” Dr Shaikh Abdulla bin Ahmed Al Khalifa, Chairman of the Board of Trustees at DERASAT said.

“Qatar’s involvement in the affairs of Bahrain has continued in many ways and means of attacks on sovereignty, attempting to influence the national fabric, and supporting terrorist groups with proven evidence. On the other hand, Bahrain, under the leadership of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, reaffirms its internal success with comprehensive reforms and qualitative gains and its international presence as a peace-loving and responsible state,” he said.

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 “The Qatari invasion of Al Dibal in 1986 is an invasion that is somehow forgotten; it is very necessary to put light on certain historical events that shape our present political landscape.  What is happening today with Qatar specifically is not much different from what happened back in the 80s,” he said.

“Also, there is a clear roadmap on Qatar, where they are still in the state of denial with Qatar the solution has always been the art of continuing the state of denial and refusing what has been put forward against them,” he said.

“Al Jazeera for many years have been campaigning against Bahrain and just a couple of days ago there was a documentary of defaming Bahrain, and these matters are unacceptable the way they portray matter, its like we run a failed state where Al Jazeera continues to be an outlet for hate speech and sectarianism and this has to stop,” he said.

Importance of shedding light on the history

“I believe the historical severity over al Dibal is a matter that is affirmed by many historical documents it has been affirmed by the British government. The military invasion, the aggression against sovereign neighbouring countries is a matter that it happened in 1986 so it has 32 years and many people don’t know about the invasion so a part of this book tends to raise awareness of the past and how the present misbehavior of Qatar is no different from its behavior 30 years ago,” he said.