ocr: The Al-Khalita family has dominated Bahraini politics since 1783. Politics are effectively autocratic and political dissent is not tolerated. Bahrain is one ofthe few Gulf states with political prisoners. Upponents of the regime - usually Shi'a fundamentalists - are frequently exiled and have their passports canceled. Iran has sought to encourage fundamentalists in Bahrain by distributing cassettes of Iranian mullahs' sermons preaching revolution. Radio broadcasts from Tehran also reach Bahrain. While there is considerable Shi'a discontent at their low social status, there are few channels by ...
