Now I believe in the democratic development policies espoused by the government, and not much one for walking out of negotiations, even if at times there is a feeling that the returns are not yet wholly apparent.

Talking helps build confidence and understanding - in both directions.

The Government of F W De Klerk in South Africa, could have continued to hold on to power for years, maybe decades, putting down violent incidents, advancing economic advantage for all, while nurturing a measure of democratic 'loosening', continuing to live with significant international opprobrium.

It was the wisdom of the ANC, themselves not without a measure of 'moral power' but lacking 'institutional power,' who sat down and talked to the De Klerk government, in the interests of all South Africans.

Real and meaningful concessions and changes came, and South Africa, then a country of 40 million, changed fundamentally.

Wefaq's half-hearted approach to the parliamentary system, limited though it might be, together with its truculence in entering into negotiations with a Rulership which has indicated "everything is on the table," suggests that their sole focus is to bray at the system from outside it, rather than engage it.

So I, and much more importantly, a probable majority of Bahrainis, are not much with them in their 'strategy' and their apparent unwillingness to condemn the violence and vandalism which blights Bahrain, particularly the economy.

But that does not mean that support for the government should be uncritical.

In recent weeks there has been some disturbing video footage of police collusion in baiting protesters, and claims that more transparent police questioning of suspects is being circumvented by rogue police elements.

Again, I am an admirer of the daily bravery of the bulk of police front-line officers who put up with enormous levels of provocation, and risk their lives against bomb blasters and Molotov throwers.

They are criminal acts, and the perpetrators should be pursued, arrested and tried in open courts.

Proposed tough new laws against thugs who attack the police and security forces, are to be welcomed.

But by the same token, rogue police who perpetrate criminal 'counter-measures,' should also be vigorously rooted out, and where necessary, be subject to criminal proceedings.

As Police adviser, John Yates has stated, confidence in the police, is everything.

Until both sides of the religious divide come to firmly believe this - that in the face of criminality, the police force is politically, religiously, and ethnically neutral, and is purely focused on apprehending criminals, then many in the society will be distrusting of the police.

Video footage of the wrecking and looting of the Jawad Riffa Convenience store, shows police, if not aiding the looters, then certainly abetting them.

A clip of a policeman hurling stones and a Molotov cocktail, presumably at thugs, doesn't help either.

Discipline and restraint, often in the face of seemingly intolerable provocation, are the hallmark of good police forces.

Poor policing fuels the claims of those who say they are merely responding to police brutality and intimidation.