Sawsan al-Sha'er

In 2015, a dispute with the Minister of Information of Bahrain led “One Last Word” to be suspended, but this was overridden by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa ordering immediate resumption of its broadcast.

While a leading supporter of King Hamad's political liberalization, Ms. al-Sha'er has criticised the government whenever it has failed to meet its reform commitments and over the performance of individual ministers. On 26 February 2006, in Al-Watan, she was scathing about the Minister of Housing, Fahmi al-Jowder, over his "ludicrous praise reminiscent of the Saddam Hussain coterie" [1].

In 2005, she began hosting a TV show based on the column, likewise entitled “One Last Word.”

From 1989 to 2005, she worked for Al-Ayam, but since 2005 she has worked for Al-Watan. Her column there is كلمة أخيرة (“One Last Word”). She has also worked for several other Gulf, including Al-Watan (Kuwait), Al Yaum in Saudi Arabia, and Al-Watan (Qatar).

Sawsan al-Sha'er (Arabic: سوسن الشاعر, born July 12, 1956) is widely regarded as Bahrain's most influential liberal intellectual. A journalist and author, she is a columnist with Al-Watan newspaper, having joined the staff there from the pro-government Al-Ayam.