Washington Times Hails Bahrain

Total Page:16

File Type:pdf, Size:1020Kb

Washington Times Hails Bahrain VOL XXXIX No. 268 (GGDN 024) TUESDAY, 13th DECEMBER 2016 200 Fils/2 Riyals VOL XXXVIII No. 119 (GGDN 024) XXXDAY, XXth XXXX 2015 200 Fils/2 Riyals www.gdnonline.com https://www.facebook.com/GulfDailyNews/ gdnonline @GDNonline 66710017 India cyclone Washington havoc worry get the new HUAWEI Mate 9 with VIVA Device Add-ons Times hails starting from BD 10/month Bahrain WASHINGTON: US President-elect Donald Trump has been urged to make His Majesty King Hamad a key ally as a top priority. An editorial in the Washington Times advises Trump that when he looks to the broader Middle East for 4 allies “he will find no leader more reliable and trustworthy than King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa. This re- form-minded leader of Bahrain, an enormously important country to the United States situated in the en- ergy-rich Gulf”. The editorial continues: “This island nation of one million has cer- tain unique cultural, economic and geopolitical features that deserve the next administration’s immediate attention. “Mr Trump and his foreign pol- icy team should unequivocally and wholeheartedly embrace Bahrain and its monarch. “The first point to keep in mind when thinking of US-Bahrain rela- DEFINING tions is our shared value of religious freedom. Indeed, a major feature of Bahrain’s national culture is reli- gious tolerance,” it says. “Unlike most other Muslim countries, Christians, Jews, Baha- is and Hindus live side by side in peace and harmony in Bahrain. “Even when the Iranian regime tries to undermine Bahrain’s stabil- n ity by highlighting the Sunni-Shi’ite The Premier ... National Day pride divide, King Hamad has risen above this sectarianism by emphasising MANAMA: This year’s Na- Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa legislative and judicial authorities in the Prime Minister said. the oneness of all faiths. MOMENTtional Day celebrations rep- extended congratulations to His Majes- strengthening political and civil rights. A heartfelt tribute was paid to citizens “The second point that makes ty. “Bahrain in His Majesty’s era is wit- who sacrificed their lives in the line of Bahrain unique is that it shares resent a defining moment in “This national occasion represents a nessing landmark development which duty, defending the national and legiti- Washington’s goal of uninterrupted defining moment for a country whose will consolidate the pillars of the mod- mate rule as Bahrain gears up for Mar- flow of oil and gas from the region Bahrain’s history, the Cabi- to international markets. glorious history is laden with honour- ern state,” he said. tyrs’ Day on Saturday. “Today, the free net heard yesterday. able achievements and landmark gains,” The Premier also paid tribute to Bah- “Bahrain’s King, government and Bahrain will celebrate its 45th Na- flow of oil and gas he said. rainis for their role in building the na- people will never forget those who sac- across Bahrain’s tional Day and the 17th anniversary The Premier hailed Bahrain’s polit- tion. rificed their lives for the nation to thrive waterway plays of His Majesty King Hamad’s ac- ical, economic and social progress that He urged them to stand united to pro- and enjoy security and stability.” a critical role in cession to the throne on Friday and has enhanced its standing among na- tect gains and pursue development. The Cabinet then saluted Bahraini po- Western energy Saturday. tions. The King’s accession will always be licemen, marking Bahrain Police Day. security. Unlike He hailed the King’s vision and a defining moment in Bahrain’s history It praised their key role in maintaining Iran’s Supreme Chairing the weekly Cabinet meet- Leader Ayatollah ing, His Royal Highness Prime Minister stressed the pivotal role of the executive, and a turning point for the whole nation, security and protecting lives and prop- Khamenei, who n erty. has threatened to Trump The session also highlighted close down the Gulf on numerous efforts of policemen in preserv- occasions, Bahrain’s responsible Sentence of nine ing the kingdom as an oasis of and reliable king has been a con- stability. sistent champion of keeping these It congratulated the Interior strategic waterways open. “The immediate steps that Mr years is upheld Ministry and its personnel on Trump’s foreign policy team must the occasion. make as it concerns Bahrain are MANAMA: Opposition leader Shaikh Ministers condemned dead- the following. First, invite King Ali Salman has lost an appeal against a ly bombings which targeted a Hamad to the White House for nine-year jail sentence for his involve- Coptic church in Cairo, and a a working visit with President ment in a coup attempt. terrorist act that hit a check- Trump. Beyond getting a sense of point in Giza. the geopolitical challenges facing The Al Wefaq National Islamic the broader Middle East and a bet- Society secretary general was previous- The Cabinet reiterated Bah- ter understanding of what ails the ly convicted by the Supreme Criminal rain’s support to Egypt and Middle East from King Hamad, Appeals Court of seeking to forcibly measures it deems necessary to this meeting would send a strong overthrow the government, inciting oth- safeguard its security. signal to the regime in Tehran that ers to break the law, spreading sectarian The session also condemned a ‘new sheriff is in town’ and that hate and insulting a government body. terror blasts in Istanbul, reiter- Washington will from this day for- In October he challenged the verdict ating solidarity with Turkey. ward embrace those countries like n Summit hailed – 2 Bahrain who share our values and at the Cassation Court, which referred geopolitical goals.” the case back to the Supreme Criminal n Celebrations – 2, 5 and 11 Appeals Court for review. However, the court yesterday upheld its original ruling. “The court reached the verdict unan- imously and jailed the defendant for seven years in connection with three of the charges, which were combined, and upheld his sentence in connection with the other charge (insulting a gov- ernment body, which carried a two-year sentence),” said leading judge Ebrahim n A young Bahraini man died after his motorcycle collided with a car on Al Quds Avenue Al Zayed. in Isa Town last night. The accident happened at about 7pm. The car was being driven by Full report – Page 3 a Bahraini girl. An investigation has been launched. NEW CAUSEWAY PROJECT ‘ON TRACK’ – PAGE 5 l LETTERS – PAGE 6 2 Gulf Daily News Tuesday, 13th December 2016 King Salman hails historic Summit ‘big success’ GCC talks MANAMA: The Prime condemned terror bombings in MANAMA: Custodian of the Minister yesterday welcomed Cairo, Giza and Istanbul, reit- Two Holy Mosques King the positive outcomes of the erating Bahrain’s fully-fledged Salman bin Abdulaziz Al Saud 37th GCC Summit held in support to the war on terror. expressed great appreciation The Cabinet requested all min- Manama. to His Majesty King Hamad, He described talks as construc- istries and government depart- ments to notify the Foreign the government and people of tive and fruitful in its economic Bahrain for the warm reception results, as well as firm and deci- Ministry before preparing any agreements, conventions and and hospitality accorded to him sive in its security and military memoranda of understanding and other GCC leaders, and stances. with any foreign country or His Royal Highness Prime efforts made during the 37th regional or international organ- GCC Summit in Manama. Minister Prince Khalifa bin isations. Salman Al Khalifa was speaking It had a great impact on its n The Prime Minister chairs the Cabinet meeting The ministry was also request- as he chaired the weekly Cabinet ed to activate an electronic sys- success, he said as he chaired session. reject foreign interference in the Minister said the visit embodies contribute to reaching common tem linking it to all government the Saudi cabinet session. He said His Majesty King member states’ domestic affairs the strength of solid relations grounds on regional security and departments, including updated Minister of Culture and Hamad’s sound chairmanship of and consolidate joint action will between the countries. stability issues. information on the progress of Information Dr Adel bin the summit was a major success lay a solid foundation for keeping The session also welcomed the Referring to Martyrs’ Day, the implementation of agree- factor, and entitled it to be among Zaid Altoraifi said the cabi- the region away from conflicts results of the GCC-UK Summit, which is observed on December ments and memoranda of under- net commended the “Sakhir the most successful GCC sum- and strengthening its security and valuing highly Britain’s “positive 17 every year, the session paid standing. mits in history. stability. strategic vision” to enhance its tribute to citizens who sacrificed The session also approved Declaration” and its confir- He said resolutions will con- The Cabinet lauded the fruit- relations and co-operation with their lives while defending the three draft laws. They includ- mation of the importance of tribute to enhancing and consol- ful outcomes of the King’s talks the GCC. nation. ed bills on Bahrain’s ratification continuing to work on imple- idating joint GCC action. with Custodian of the Two The Cabinet then highlighted The Cabinet then saluted of the Protocol Supplementary menting King Salman’s vision The session highlighted the Holy Mosques King Salman bin the importance of the topics dis- Bahraini policemen marking for the Convention for the adopted at Riyadh Summit summit’s call to combat terror- Abdulaziz Al Saud during his cussed during the 12th Manama Bahrain Police Day. Suppression of Unlawful Seizure 2015 to achieve the goal of ism, resolve regional problems, state visit to Bahrain.
Recommended publications
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs September 29, 2010 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary After experiencing serious unrest during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook several steps to enhance the inclusion of the Shiite majority in governance. However, the Sunni-led government’s efforts to maintain its tight grip on power have stirred new unrest among Bahraini Shiites in advance of October 23, 2010, parliamentary elections. That election, no matter the outcome, would not produce a new executive, but achievement of a Shiite majority in the elected lower house could give the opposition greater authority with which to challenge the ruling Al Khalifa family. In advance of the elections, the government has launched a wave of arrests intended to try to discredit some of the hardline Shiite leadership as fomenters of violence and tools of Iran. The crackdown has perhaps contributed to increasing Shiite popular protests in advance of the elections. Underlying the unrest are Bahraini concerns that Iran is supporting Shiite opposition movements, possibly in an effort to install a Shiite led, pro-Iranian government on the island. These fears are occasionally reinforced by comments from Iranian editorialists and political leaders that Bahrain should never have become formally independent of Iran. On the other hand, Bahrain’s Shiite oppositionists accuse the government of inflating the Iran threat, and the contacts between Iran and the opposition, to discredit the opposition politically.
    [Show full text]
  • Oil Prices Surge on Output Deal
    BFC FLASH TRANSFER TO INDIA IN MINUTES, GUARANTEED Tuesday, December 13, 2016 Issue No. 7229 200 Fils Tel: 1722 8888 www.newsofbahrain.com www.facebook.com/nobonline newsofbahrain 38444680 nob_bh www.bfc.com.bh JO2216_BFC_BAH_IMPS_DT_Hamper2_67mmx85mm.indd 1 9/25/16 2:47 PM Sugar can be Oil prices surge on output deal substituted with honey London in many foods and Organization of the Petroleum Saudi Arabia’s energy il prices soared to their Exporting Countries and cut minister Khalid Al-Falih drinks. It contains highest levels since production by 558,000 barrels also indicated over the about 69% glucose JulyO 2015 yesterday after to a day. weekend that the world’s and fructose which production cuts that curbed This was shy of the 600,000 largest exporter would enables it to be used oversupply and resuscitating barrels that was being targeted be willing to make as a sweetener that is prices. but is, nevertheless, the first additional production better for your overall Brent crude rose 3.7 per deal that Russia and the other cuts if necessary. It health. cent to $56.36 a barrel, while nations have struck in 15 had agreed in West Texas Intermediate years. The agreement comes November to stem jumped 4pc to $53.58 a barrel. just two weeks after OPEC’s production by Over the weekend, 11 oil decision to reduce production 486,000 barrels producers agreed to join the by 1.2 million barrels a day. a day. (Forbes) For Inquiries: 1724 6800 A great nation can’t sim- ply import the products it uses.
    [Show full text]
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs February 18, 2011 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary After experiencing serious unrest during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook several steps to enhance the inclusion of the Shiite majority in governance. However, protests erupting following the uprising that overthrew Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak on February 11, 2011, demonstrate that Shiite grievances over the distribution of power and economic opportunities remain unsatisfied. The new unrest comes four months after smaller protests against the efforts by the Sunni-led government’s efforts to maintain its tight grip on power in the October 23, 2010, parliamentary election. That election, no matter the outcome, would not have unseated the ruling Al Khalifa family from power, but the Shiite population was hoping that winning a majority in the elected lower house could give it greater authority with which to challenge the ruling family. In advance of the elections, the government launched a wave of arrests intended to try to discredit some of the hard-line Shiite leadership as tools of Iran. The main Shiite faction, an Islamist group called “Wifaq” (Accord), won one more seat than it did in the 2006 election but still ended up short of a majority (18 out of the 40 seats) in the elected lower house. Underlying the unrest are Bahraini leadership concerns that Iran is supporting Shiite opposition movements, possibly in an effort to install a Shiite led, pro-Iranian government on the island.
    [Show full text]
  • Idtihad-Shiaa-English.Pdf
    content Introduction 5 1. The Definition of religious and sectarian persecution 9 2. History of Religious Persecution in Bahrain 13 3. Overview of the Long History of a Movement Demanding Democracy and Equal Citizenship 23 4. Religious Demography According to the 2014 US State Department Report 33 5. Geo-religious background of Bahrainis 37 6. Evidence of Persecution before February 14, 2011 43 7. Evidence of Persecution after February 14, 2011 55 8. Sectarian Discrimination in Employment 85 9. Persecution in Public Services 97 10. Persecution in Political Activism 111 11. Link Between Political Naturalization and Plan to Change Religious Demographic Makeup, Turning the Majority into a Minority 117 12. The Position of the International Community and International Human Rights Organizations 121 Introduction In the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful The study of sectarian persecution and discrimination in Bahrain is a taunting process, given the dark patch- es woven into its history, staining its memory throughout the ages, eventually taking over everything else. This report discusses the cultural and religious history of Bahrain, which was distinguished by being an urban habitat for a stable agricultural, marine, and commercial community. Sitting astride the significant shipping lane of the Arabian Gulf, as opposed to the neighboring des- erts, Bahrain became a destination for immigrants flock- ing from different regions of the Gulf, and even beyond. It further explores the fact that Bahrain was a haven for various religions since the ancient times, where the followers of the three religions of “Islam, Christianity and Judaism” coexisted with the adherents of other religions in harmony and love.
    [Show full text]
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs March 24, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary The uprising against Bahrain’s Al Khalifa royal family that began in Bahrain on February 14, 2011, amidst other regional uprisings, has not toppled Bahrain’s regime or achieved the goals of the mostly Shiite opposition to establish a constitutional monarchy. Demonstrations have continued, although smaller and less frequent since mid-2013, as Bahrain’s Shiites seek to bring pressure to bear on the Sunni-dominated government to increase Shiite political influence and rights. The government has offered relatively modest concessions to date, while continuing to arrest and intimidate Shiite leaders. There are signs the opposition is radicalizing—bombings and other violent tactics against security officials have become more frequent over the past years. The crisis has demonstrated that the grievances of the Shiite majority over the distribution of power and economic opportunities were not satisfied by the modest reforms during 1999-2010. The government and opposition have attempted to resolve the unrest through two “national dialogues” (July 2011 and February to December 2013), but with limited results. A pivotal report by a government-appointed “Independent Commission of Inquiry” (BICI), released November 23, 2011, was critical of the government’s actions against the unrest, but outside human rights groups assessed that overall implementation of the 26 BICI recommendations has been modest. Still, both sides have left the door open to further dialogue and engagement. The Obama Administration has not called for an end to the Al Khalifa regime, but it has criticized its use of repressive measures, urged compromise and dialogue, and halted the sale of some arms that the government could potentially use against protesters.
    [Show full text]
  • BAHRAIN/Parliamentary Elections 23 and 30 October 2010
    TEIM Election Watch Analysis www.opemam.org TEIM Election Watch Analysis ELECTION REPORT: BAHRAIN/Parliamentary elections 23 and 30 October 2010 Marc Valeri Latest review: July 26th, 2011 Reviewed by Rafael Bustos Observatorio Electoral Taller de Estudios Internacionales Mediterráneos Universidad Autónoma de Madrid www.observatorioelectoral.es www.opemam.org ISSN: being processed 1 TEIM Election Watch Analysis www.opemam.org Background to the elections: Bahrain’s third parliamentary elections1 under King Hamad took place in an atmosphere of strong political tension. The election campaign period was preceded by a wave of arrests of more than 200 mostly-Shi‘i individuals accused of inciting or involvement in street violence. It especially targeted the leaders and members of unlicensed political associations, Haq and al-Wafa', which had called for a boycott of the elections, accusing them of being involved in a “terror network” and plotting to overthrow the government by instigating unrest. This was followed in September by the blocking of the main opposition association’s website, the banning of the publications of four opposition political associations and the withdrawal of their publishing licences.2 In addition, the government dissolved the board of the independent Bahrain Human Rights Society, closed down all the electronic websites and forums that hold critical political opinions, and arrested bloggers. “What we are seeing in Bahrain these days is a return to full-blown authoritarianism,” said the deputy director of Human Rights Watch's Middle East and North Africa division Joe Stork a few days before the elections.3 “The government has taken over associations and shut down media it doesn’t like to silence the loudest critics and intimidate the rest.
    [Show full text]
  • National Dialogue in Bahrain Causes of Failure in the Past
    National Dialogue in Bahrain Causes of Failure in The Past December 2019 Index Introduction 4 Historical Background 1973-2011 5 1973-1975 5 1981 6 1994-1999 6 1999 7 2001 7 2002 9 2006-2010 9 2011 10 Conclusion 10 Opposition’s perspective on failed Dialogue attempts 2011-2014 11 Bibliography 17 4 Introduction This paper attempts to explore the causes of failure in dialogue attempts between the government of Bahrain and the opposi- tion and sheds light on the opposition’s view on the shortcom- ings of the approaches made towards initiating and managing dialogue in Bahrain. Previous dialogue attempts in Bahrain have not been successful in achieving a peaceful reconciliation to the conflict due to the absence of an acceptable level of un- derstanding, coordination and good management. It is surely not an easy task to make dialogue concrete in the absence of a clear process that is agreed upon by all parties involved in the conflict. This paper will present the perception of the opposi- tion on the causes that led to the failure of dialogue attempts in Bahrain with recommendations on how to set the right envi- ronment for dialogue and how to ensure that the dialogue pro- cess works in a concrete setting after identifying and remov- ing all the barriers and obstacles that prevent tackling core and sensitive areas of disagreement. 5 Historical Background 1973-2011 1973-1975: Bahrain officially became an independent state in 1971, however the establishment of the first constitution and par- liamentary system took place in 1973. Yazan Al Saadi (2011) states that “Bahrain’s first National Assembly contained 44 seats, with 14 appointed by the ruler and 30 subject to popular election.
    [Show full text]
  • Reform, Security, and US Policy
    Order Code 95-1013 Updated October 17, 2008 Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division Summary After instability during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook substantial political reforms, but the Shiite majority continues to simmer over the Sunni-led government’s perceived manipulation of laws and regulations to maintain its grip on power. Bahrain’s stability has long been a key U.S. interest; it has hosted U.S. naval headquarters for the Gulf for nearly 60 years. In September 2004, the United States and Bahrain signed a free trade agreement (FTA); legislation implementing it was signed January 11, 2006 (P.L. 109-169). This report will be updated. The Political Structure, Reform, and Human Rights1 The Al Khalifa family, which is Sunni Muslim, has ruled Bahrain since 1783, when the family’s arrival ended a century of domination by Persian settlers. Bahrain became independent from Britain in August 1971 after a 1970 U.N. survey determined that its inhabitants preferred independence to Iranian control. It is led by King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (about 61 years old), who succeeded his father, Shaykh Isa bin Sulman Al Khalifa, upon his death in March 1999. Educated at Sandhurst Military Academy in Britain, King Hamad was previously commander of the Bahraini Defense Forces (BDF). His son, Salman bin Hamad, about 40 years old, is Crown Prince. He is U.S.- and U.K.- educated and, as head of the “Economic Development Board,” is considered a proponent of rapid reform and accommodation with Bahrain’s Shiite majority (about 70% of the 430,000 person citizenry).
    [Show full text]
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs March 24, 2014 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary The uprising against Bahrain’s Al Khalifa royal family that began in Bahrain on February 14, 2011, amidst other regional uprisings, has not toppled Bahrain’s regime or achieved the goals of the mostly Shiite opposition to establish a constitutional monarchy. Demonstrations have continued, although smaller and less frequent since mid-2013, as Bahrain’s Shiites seek to bring pressure to bear on the Sunni-dominated government to increase Shiite political influence and rights. The government has offered relatively modest concessions to date, while continuing to arrest and intimidate Shiite leaders. There are signs the opposition is radicalizing—bombings and other violent tactics against security officials have become more frequent over the past years. The crisis has demonstrated that the grievances of the Shiite majority over the distribution of power and economic opportunities were not satisfied by the modest reforms during 1999-2010. The government and opposition have attempted to resolve the unrest through two “national dialogues” (July 2011 and February to December 2013), but with limited results. A pivotal report by a government-appointed “Independent Commission of Inquiry” (BICI), released November 23, 2011, was critical of the government’s actions against the unrest, but outside human rights groups assessed that overall implementation of the 26 BICI recommendations has been modest. Still, both sides have left the door open to further dialogue and engagement. The Obama Administration has not called for an end to the Al Khalifa regime, but it has criticized its use of repressive measures, urged compromise and dialogue, and halted the sale of some arms that the government could potentially use against protesters.
    [Show full text]
  • This Thesis Has Been Submitted in Fulfilment of the Requirements for a Postgraduate Degree (E.G
    This thesis has been submitted in fulfilment of the requirements for a postgraduate degree (e.g. PhD, MPhil, DClinPsychol) at the University of Edinburgh. Please note the following terms and conditions of use: This work is protected by copyright and other intellectual property rights, which are retained by the thesis author, unless otherwise stated. A copy can be downloaded for personal non-commercial research or study, without prior permission or charge. This thesis cannot be reproduced or quoted extensively from without first obtaining permission in writing from the author. The content must not be changed in any way or sold commercially in any format or medium without the formal permission of the author. When referring to this work, full bibliographic details including the author, title, awarding institution and date of the thesis must be given. Discursive Strategies Used by Political Parties in the Bahraini Council of Representatives: A critical discourse analysis of religious ideologies in politic language Lamya Alkooheji PhD in Linguistics The University of Edinburgh 2013 i Signed declaration I hereby declare that this thesis has been composed by me and that the work is my own. This work has not been submitted for any other degree or professional qualification. Signed Lamya Alkooheji 12 February 2013 ii All our words are but crumbs that fall down from the feast of the mind. Kahlil Gibran, Sand and Foam iii Dedication To those to whom this accomplishment mattered most and made so proud, my parents, Abdulmajeed Alkooheji and Fatima Alawadhi and my husband, Eyad Rafei. And To those whom this journey puzzled most, who yet made it worthwhile, my children, Fatima, Anas and Dareen.
    [Show full text]
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs April 26, 2010 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary After instability during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook substantial political reforms that include the Shiite majority in governance. However, unrest among Bahraini Shiites continues to simmer over the Sunni-led government’s perceived manipulation of citizenship and election laws and regulations to maintain its grip on power. In late 2008, the power struggle manifested as large demonstrations and some arrests of Shiite opposition leaders. Smaller but frequent incidents of violence continue to date, often resulting in Bahraini civilian injuries or occasional deaths. These tensions are increasing in the run up to the next parliamentary elections, planned for November 2010, in which most Bahraini Shiites perceive they will again be deprived of election victory. Underlying the unrest are lingering Bahraini government fears that Iran is supporting Shiite opposition movements, possibly in an effort to install a Shiite led, pro-Iranian government on the island. These fears are occasionally reinforced by comments from Iranian editorialists and political leaders that Bahrain should never have become formally independent of Iran. Bahrain has few external security options other than relying on some degree of U.S. security guarantee. Bahrain has tried to earn that guarantee by hosting U.S. naval headquarters for the Gulf for over 60 years and by providing facilities and small numbers of personnel for U.S.
    [Show full text]
  • Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
    Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Kenneth Katzman Specialist in Middle Eastern Affairs November 29, 2011 Congressional Research Service 7-5700 www.crs.gov 95-1013 CRS Report for Congress Prepared for Members and Committees of Congress Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy Summary Protests that erupted in Bahrain on February 14, 2011, following the uprising that overthrew Egyptian President Hosni Mubarak three days earlier, set off months of political crisis that remains unresolved. The unrest demonstrates that Shiite grievances over the distribution of power and economic opportunities remain unsatisfied by the limited efforts since 1999 to include the Shiite majority in governance. Reflecting increasing polarization, many Sunnis in Bahrain believe the Shiite majority will be satisfied with nothing less than outright rule. As protests escalated in March 2011, Bahrain’s government bucked U.S. advice by inviting direct security assistance from other Gulf Cooperation Council countries, declaring a state of emergency, forcefully suppressing demonstrations, and arresting dissident leaders. Although the state of emergency ended on June 1, the continued arrests of dissidents reduced prospects for a negotiated political solution to be achieved in the course of a national dialogue in July 2011. The dialogue, harmed by a pullout of the main opposition political society, reached consensus on a few recommendations that did not satisfy the bulk of the Shiite opposition. The main opposition organization also boycotted special parliamentary elections on September 24, 2011. A pivotal report by a government-appointed “Independent Commission of Inquiry” on the unrest, released November 23, 2011, was critical of the government’s actions against the unrest as well as the opposition’s responses to government proposals early in the crisis, and produced U.S.
    [Show full text]