Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy
Abstract
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 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 continued subsequently. These tensions are likely to increase in the run up to the next parliamentary elections, planned for November 2010. 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. However, Bahrain has few security options other than relying on a tacit U.S. security umbrella. Bahrain has tried to place itself under a U.S. security umbrella by hosting U.S. naval headquarters for the Gulf for over 60 years. The United States has designated Bahrain as a "Major Non-NATO Ally," and it provides small amounts of security assistance to Bahrain. However, because a U.S. security commitment is not formal or explicit, Bahrain's rulers have sought to accommodate Iran's power and interests, in part by signing energy agreements with Iran and by allowing Iranian banks and businesses to operate there. On other regional issues such as post-Saddam Iraq, or the Arab-Israeli dispute, Bahrain has tended to defer to Saudi Arabia or other powers to take the lead in formulating proposals or representing the position of the Persian Gulf states, collectively. 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).
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 18, 2009
- Accession Number
- ADA513060
Entities
People
- Kenneth Katzman
Organizations
- Library of Congress