Bahrain – A Reluctant Ally

Also in 1977, the two countries concluded an agreement establishing Bahrain as the headquarters of the U.S. Navy Middle East Force, which later became the Fifth Fleet. This was a bold move for Bahrain in the 1970's when positioning of American forces on Arab soil was extremely controversial and potentially dangerous to the host leadership. Bahrain joined the American-led coalition against Iraq following Saddam Husayns's invasion of Kuwait in 1990. The country came under Iraqi missile attack during the Gulf War.

The transition to a kingdom should have no ill effects on the relationship. However, the Shaykh Hamad's promised restoration of the representative National Assembly might be a two-edged sword. While it should lessen popular discontent, it may cause a legal challenge to the American presence. If Iran can continue to stir up the Shi'a community, it may be able to cause a majority of the population to demand an end to the American military presence.

Late news

On August 9, a crowd of approximately 2000 Bahrainis burned U.S. and Israeli flags in Manama to protest Israeli lethal operations against Palestinians.

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