Bahrain's Use Of "National Security": Explained

Bahrain, officially the Kingdom of Bahrain, is an island country in West Asia. It is a liberal country compared to others in the region, but there are still conservative social views. Bahrain has faced national security challenges due to its political situation, including confrontations between the people and the ruler, who hired foreign powers to suppress his people. The country has an investigating authority, the National Security Agency (NSA), which is associated with the Ministry of the Interior and was granted the power to make arrests by a 2008 Royal Decree. The United States designated Bahrain a Major Non-NATO Ally in 2002 and plays a key role in the region's security architecture. However, Bahrain's national security has been threatened by foreign military presence, including US military bases and the involvement of Gulf military forces in its internal affairs.

The presence of US military bases and the US Navy's Fifth Fleet on Bahraini territory

NSA Bahrain has a long history, dating back to World War II when the British Royal Navy established a presence on the site. In 1971, with Bahrain's independence from the British Empire, the site was transferred to the US government, marking the beginning of a permanent US naval presence in the region. NSA Bahrain provides essential logistical, supply, and protection support to both the United States Armed Forces and coalition assets. It also offers a Navy Exchange facility and Morale, Welfare, and Recreation programs.

The base has undergone significant expansion and development over the years, including a $580 million project in 2010 to double its size. NSA Bahrain is strategically located in the Persian Gulf, allowing the US to project power and maintain a strong military presence in the region. It serves as a vital hub for naval and marine activities, particularly during military operations such as Operation Enduring Freedom and previously, Operation Iraqi Freedom.

The commander of Navy Region Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia is responsible for NSA Bahrain, reflecting its importance in the region. The base plays a crucial role in supporting US military operations and maintaining US influence in the Middle East. It also contributes to Bahrain's national security by providing a deterrent against potential threats and enhancing the country's defence capabilities.

In addition to NSA Bahrain, the US also maintains a military presence at the Mina Salman port facility. In 2021, NSA Bahrain received the prestigious DOD Installation Excellence Award, recognising its excellence in maintaining US military installations worldwide. The base's expansion and modernisation reflect the enduring nature of the US-Bahrain security partnership.

The Bahraini government's decision-making power is distributed between the US and Saudi Arabia

Bahrain's decision-making power is distributed between the US and Saudi Arabia, with the US having a strong influence over the Bahraini government. The US has a vested interest in maintaining its influence in Bahrain, as the country is a key location in the Persian Gulf with its deepwater port and good airfield access. Bahrain also relies on the US for protection and has received preferential status for arms procurement.

The Bahraini government's decision-making power is also influenced by Saudi Arabia, which is Bahrain's most important regional protector. Saudi Arabia provides economic support to Bahrain and has previously deployed security forces to help stabilise the Bahraini regime.

The Bahraini government's decision-making power is distributed between these two external powers, with the US and Saudi Arabia having significant influence over the country's policies and actions.

The Bahraini king's policies of discrimination and repression against the Shia majority

The Shia Muslims in Bahrain, who comprise the majority of the country's population, have long faced political, economic, and cultural discrimination at the hands of the ruling Sunni Al Khalifa royal family. This discrimination has resulted in the Shia community being treated as second-class citizens, with limited access to high-level government positions and inferior social services in their neighborhoods. Shia citizens also face higher unemployment rates and are often employed in less skilled jobs in the private sector.

One of the most prominent forms of discrimination against the Shia majority in Bahrain is their exclusion from influential positions in the government and security forces. Despite being the majority, Shia Bahrainis are underrepresented in top government jobs, with estimates suggesting they occupy less than 18% of total top positions. Additionally, jobs in the police and armed forces are reserved for Sunnis, with Sunni Saudis even being granted Bahraini citizenship to fill these roles. This systematic marginalization of the Shia community has led to widespread protests and unrest over the years.

The Bahraini government has also been accused of using repressive tactics to silence dissent and criticism from the Shia community. This includes the use of torture during interrogations of national security suspects, arbitrary arrests, and the revocation of citizenship for those deemed to be critical of the government. In 2011, during the Arab Spring protests, security forces cracked down violently on Shia demonstrators, resulting in killings, injuries, and mass arrests. Shia religious leaders and activists have also been targeted, with some being arrested, exiled, or placed under house arrest.

The Bahraini government has been criticized for its tight control over political activities and the media. Political parties are illegal, and while reforms in recent years have made it easier for groups to organize, self-censorship is common due to laws that restrict freedom of expression. Shia Muslims face particular challenges in criticizing government policies, as they can be prosecuted for "slighting the Islamic faith" or "creating divisions or religious differences." This has made it difficult for the Shia community to advocate for their rights and demand equal treatment.

The Shia community in Bahrain also faces discrimination in the realm of religious freedom and cultural expression. While they are generally free to practice their religion, the government subjects both Sunni and Shia Muslims to control and monitoring, requiring all religious groups to obtain permits from the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs. Additionally, the Shia have faced restrictions on their cultural and religious expressions, such as the banning of Friday prayers in certain areas and the politicization of religious events like the Ashura festival.

While some reforms have been implemented over the years, such as the release of political prisoners and the establishment of a national human rights institution, human rights organizations continue to report violations against the Shia majority. These include arbitrary arrests, unfair trials, torture, and suppression of free speech. The international community, including the United States and the European Parliament, has condemned Bahrain for its human rights record and called for an end to the repression of the Shia community.

The king's decision to revoke the citizenship of native citizens and grant it to non-Arabs

Bahrain, an island country in West Asia, has been criticised for its human rights violations, including the revocation of citizenship for native citizens and the granting of citizenship to non-Arabs. Since 2011, the Bahraini government has revoked the citizenship of around 1,000 opposition figures and activists in response to protests and civil unrest. This has been condemned by human rights activists as a tool to suppress dissent and a "political tool" that violates international law.

The Bahraini Nationality Law of 16 September 1963 governs Bahraini citizenship laws, and the country does not currently permit dual citizenship. A Bahraini citizen who acquires foreign citizenship loses their Bahraini citizenship. However, in 2016, Bahrainis could apply to the Ministry of Interior to maintain dual nationality. The King has the discretion to grant citizenship to non-qualified individuals, including non-Arabs, and has done so for those who have performed great services to Bahrain.

The process of revoking citizenship has disproportionately affected the country's Shia majority, who have faced protracted unrest and criticism from the Sunni-led government. The government has justified its actions as necessary to protect national security against alleged "terrorist" groups backed by Iran. As a result, many of those stripped of their Bahraini citizenship have been left stateless, facing an uncertain future with limited rights and access to services.

The impact of citizenship revocation extends beyond the individual, as it silences opposition and delegitimises the voices of those criticising the government. It is a powerful tool that undermines the ability of activists and journalists to hold the government accountable and participate in civic life. This has led to widespread condemnation from human rights organisations and activists, who argue that Bahrain is prioritising security over the fundamental rights of its citizens.

The king's policy of demographic change, which includes the naturalization of foreigners and the encouragement of Sunni immigration

Bahrain's population has been steadily increasing over the years, with a population of 1.64 million in 2019, up from 1.23 million in 2010. In 2010, 53.5% of the population were non-Bahraini, mainly foreign workers. The Bahraini king has the discretion to grant Bahraini citizenship to foreigners, and since 2011, the Bahraini government has revoked the citizenship of around 1,000 opposition and activist figures.

Bahrain's population consists of both Sunni and Shia Muslims, with the Shia Muslims making up the majority. The ruling Al Khalifa royal family, however, are Sunni Muslims and have been criticised for violating the human rights of dissidents, political opposition figures, and the Shia Muslim population.

In terms of demographic change, the Bahraini government has a history of encouraging Sunni immigration and the naturalisation of foreigners. The government's efforts to mobilise Sunni Islamist groups against Shia protests have been well-documented, particularly following the 2011 Arab Spring-inspired protests. The Sunni Islamist environment in Bahrain is dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood and the al-Asala Islamic Society, a Salafi organisation.

The Bahraini government has actively promoted and encouraged the creation of Sunni Islamist groups, such as the National Unity Gathering (NUG), which was formed in 2011 as an alternative Islamist forum to the Arab Spring protests. The NUG positioned itself as a third option, advocating for gradual political reforms rather than sweeping changes.

Additionally, the government has utilised Sunni Islamist groups to help maintain its grip on power. During the Arab Spring, Sunni Islamists became an important base of support for the government, as they portrayed the protests as Shia-led. This dynamic helped to discourage cross-sectarian political cooperation and maintain the status quo.

The naturalisation of foreigners and the encouragement of Sunni immigration have been key components of the king's policy of demographic change in Bahrain. This policy has been implemented to bolster the ruling Sunni regime and counter the influence of the Shia opposition.

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