Gulfis struggle for rights to their cities as states crack down

Bahrain’s destruction of the iconic Pearl monument in Manama on 18 March, and the ripping up of grass at the roundabout, symbolises one of the state’s most aggressive acts against its people. The circular monument became the base for the opposition movement, acting as a public space where people could meet and share ideas, much like Tunisians did in Tunis’ 7 November Square (newly named Mohammed Bouazizi Square), and Egyptians in Cairo’s Tahrir Square.