Concerning protests in Bahrain and the aftermath of the Tunisian uprising

I can't be sure what to think of the string of protest marches that have been happening in many countries throughout the Arab world after the toppling of the Tunisian government. It seems as though the political figures being opposed are rather dictatorial, and power-hungry. But I have no idea what is going on for the most part. It is tactless to write about the fact that I don't know things but I am distrustful of the news that is shown to me, and I yearn to see things first-hand.

It is inevitable that all human thought possesses some bias so, news that first has to leave these countries in Arabic for the most part, and then filtered through the internet or through our news networks seems like it would be possessed of twice as much bias and I wonder how warped the picture we are seeing is. With the violent military reaction to protests in Bahrain seemingly the big focus today, which like Egypt is backed by the American government, I sincerely wonder how I can get an accurate account of what is happening. I'm not even sure whether, as an American, I should be anxious about the sudden shifts in power or relieved.

As a human being my heart goes out to all those involved in the struggle for peaceful political reform, but my lack of understanding has been made more evident to me and I'm anxious because of this.

 

This picture of a protester in Bahrain poses a good question. What are the United Nations doing to help in this conflict? And who are they helping? My outsider perspective makes it difficult for me to understand but I wish I knew where to look to learn more.