|
|
Article: Bahrain's flying sheikh takes a gamble on democracy - and even women get the vote Sheikh Hamad, the Emir of Bahrain, who visits Britain today, has reversed decades of civil strife by releasing his country's political prisoners and pledging to hold parliamentary elections. He talks exclusively to Robin Gedye in Manama
- Article from:
- The Sunday Telegraph London
- Article date:
- July 22, 2001
- Author:
CopyrightCopyright 2001 The Sunday Telegraph London. Provided by ProQuest LLC. (Hide copyright information)
|
SHEIKH HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa can hardly be distinguished from
his co-pilot as he eases into position in his flying fatigues behind
the controls of his Blackhawk helicopter, beret at a jaunty angle
and aviator glasses glinting in the afternoon sun.
The Emir of Bahrain, 50, is a very modern Arab ruler. The take
off from his dedicated helicopter pad on Bahrain's military airbase
is smooth, the conversation with ground control in fluent English.
Five minutes after landing at Hawar island, 12 miles off the
coast of Qatar, he is seated in the shade by his swimming pool, a
small group of family members clustered in wicker chairs around him,
their white robes flapping in the sea breeze.
Sheikh ...