The release of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry (BICI) report into events in the country during February and March was a landmark moment. From here on, Bahrain can either move towards reconciliation, or continue to dissolve into sectarian strife.

The report details the abuse of prisoners by Bahraini security forces and describes a culture of impunity with few incentives to prevent mistreatment by others. Such public scrutiny of the human rights record of a Middle East government was a bold move by King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. Restoring stability and Manama’s international reputation will take more bold moves by both the rulers and the people.

However, the government is not the only side to be criticised. Opposition groups are accused of missing an opportunity to obtain a serious reform package when they walked out on talks with the crown prince in mid-March.

The BICI report does not only criticise. It contains recommendations to prevent further such human rights offences. So far, Wefaq, the largest Shia opposition party, has refused to join a commission established by the king to look at implementing those recommendations.

The situation is by no means perfect, and there is still a real risk that the BICI report becomes nothing more than a public relations exercise to make dealing with Bahrain more palatable for its Western allies. Unless all sides start to negotiate a way forward, Bahrain will face a long period of worrying instability.