Grand prix comes too soon for Bahrain

THE crown prince of Bahrain has cited his country’s need for time to heal as one of the primary reasons behind the decision to postpone next month’s Formula One grand prix.

In the wake of the political upheaval in the Gulf kingdom that led to the deaths of six anti-government protesters last week and many hundreds injured, the announcement came as no surprise.

Bahrain is a country still in mourning following the violence that thrust it to the forefront of the world’s consciousness, and still in the grip of pro-democracy demonstrations as people seek reform.