Dim View of U.S. in Bahrain Described

[alp227]

Source: The New York Times

MANAMA, Bahrain — The United States military undermined efforts to improve relations with Bahrain’s Shiite majority and understated abuses by the Sunni royal family, according to one present and one former American government adviser and a Bahraini human rights advocate.

As Bahrain’s leaders struggle to hold back a rising popular revolt against their absolute rule, Washington’s posture toward the Shiite majority, which is spearheading the opposition, could prove crucial to future relations with this strategically valuable Persian Gulf nation. The United States Navy’s Fifth Fleet is based here, helping ensure the flow of oil through the Strait of Hormuz and the gulf, and safeguarding American interests in this volatile region.

Over the years, the military, according to the advisers and the human rights advocate, believed that King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa and his court were reform-minded leaders who could advance democracy and preserve stability. That narrative contrasts sharply with the experience of the Shiites, as documented by human rights groups and some of the military’s own advisers.

Read more: http://www.nytimes.com/2011/02/22/world/middleeast/22bahrain.html?partner=rss&emc=rss&pagewanted=all

[Alcibiades]

1. Our policy of sending 18 year old boys

from various parts of the US to various parts of the world has also not been a big PR success.

Not surprising that the military turns a blind eye toward royal abuses. They do it wherever they go.

US General: Gee, those protesters seem angry.

Member of local autocratic elite: They sure are! They are being roused up by our enemies, and yours.

General: Which ones?

Autocrat: Would you believe the Iranians? Al Queda? The communists? Which one scares you the most? Whoever is behind this, they are clearly outside agitators, because our people are happy here. I understand them, and you don't. I have heard, though, that the first thing they would do if they get power is to kick you off your bases.

General: Are your men firing on those protesters?

Autocrat: In self-defense, I assure you. The bases, remember?

General: Right. Above my pay grade, anyway.

[Hugabear]

3. Blindly supporting Israel in everything they do doesn't help either

The way that we either support or turn a blind eye whenever Israel massacres civilians, builds up illegal settlements, and stockpiles nuclear weapons doesn't really help our image in the Arab world.

[defendandprotect]

2. k/r