Us-Bahrain Relations: Why No Us Intervention?

The US has a long history of involvement in Bahrain, with a naval base there since 1947. The two countries have been allies since Bahrain's independence in 1971, and the US has designated Bahrain a Major non-NATO ally. However, the US has been criticised for its role in crushing pro-democracy protests in Bahrain, and for turning a blind eye to human rights abuses by the Bahraini government. In 2020, the US also helped to broker an agreement between Bahrain and Israel, further straining relations with Iran.

US-Bahrain relations were formalised in 1971, with the US gaining a naval base in Bahrain and Bahrain gaining diplomatic recognition as a sovereign state

US-Bahrain relations were formalised in 1971, with the US gaining access to a naval base in Bahrain and Bahrain gaining diplomatic recognition as a sovereign state. The US had maintained a naval base in Bahrain since 1947, when the country was still a British colony. However, in 1971, Bahrain gained independence from the United Kingdom, and on August 15 of that year, the US formally recognised Bahrain as a sovereign state. This diplomatic recognition was the foundation of the two countries' close relationship, which has been marked by shared economic and geopolitical interests.

The US Embassy in Manama, Bahrain, was opened on September 21, 1971, and the first resident ambassador, Joseph W. Twinam, was sent in 1974. Bahrain's embassy in Washington, D.C., opened in 1977. These diplomatic missions further solidified the relationship between the two countries and facilitated continued cooperation.

The presence of the US naval base in Bahrain, known as Naval Support Activity Bahrain, has been a significant aspect of the bilateral relationship. Bahrain hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command. In October 1991, the two countries signed the Defense Cooperation Agreement, granting US forces access to Bahraini facilities and ensuring the right to pre-position material for future crises. This agreement further strengthened the military ties between the US and Bahrain.

In addition to the military cooperation, the US and Bahrain have also fostered economic ties. In 2006, they established a Free Trade Agreement (FTA), which reduced barriers to trade and generated commercial opportunities for both countries. The FTA has facilitated bilateral trade, with the US becoming a significant import and export partner for Bahrain. Additionally, the US has supported Bahrain's efforts to diversify its economy away from oil and gas production, attracting foreign investment and businesses.

The close relationship between the US and Bahrain has extended beyond just military and economic cooperation. Bahrain has been designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally by the US and plays a vital role in regional security initiatives. Bahrain has participated in US-led military coalitions, such as the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS, and has supported counter-piracy missions in the Gulf region. The two countries also collaborate on counter-terrorism efforts, with the US providing assistance to strengthen Bahrain's ability to counter terrorism while adhering to international human rights obligations.

The US has designated Bahrain as a Major non-NATO Ally, with Bahrain hosting the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and participating in US-led military coalitions

The US has strong relations with Bahrain, designating the country as a Major non-NATO Ally in 2002. This status is given to countries with strategic working relationships with US Armed Forces, despite not being members of NATO. Bahrain is a key partner in defense initiatives and plays a vital role in the region's security architecture.

Bahrain hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and the US Naval Forces Central Command. The country also participates in US-led military coalitions, including the Global Coalition to Defeat ISIS. Bahrain's security forces have supported the International Security Assistance Force in Afghanistan, providing perimeter security at a military base. Bahrain was the first Arab state to lead a Coalition Task Force patrolling the Gulf region and has supported counter-piracy missions with the deployment of its flagship.

In August 2019, Bahrain was the first Gulf country to publicly announce its participation in the US-led International Maritime Security Construct, promoting freedom of navigation in the region. The US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement (FTA) entered into force in 2006, generating commercial opportunities for both countries. Two-way trade between the nations has increased over the years, exceeding $2 billion in 2021.

US assistance to Bahrain includes providing the necessary equipment and training for Bahrain's defense forces to operate alongside US air and naval forces. This assistance strengthens interoperability for regional security and counterterrorism cooperation, boosts maritime defenses, and improves Bahrain's ability to counter terrorism while upholding its international human rights obligations.

The US has been criticised for its role in crushing Bahrain's pro-democracy movement, with American-made tear gas used to suppress peaceful protests

Bahrain and the US have been allies since Bahrain's independence in 1971, with shared economic and geopolitical interests. Bahrain hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and US Naval Forces Central Command, and participates in US-led military coalitions. The US has also designated Bahrain as a Major Non-NATO Ally. This close relationship has led to criticism of the US for its role in suppressing Bahrain's pro-democracy movement.

In 2011, Bahrain witnessed a series of anti-government protests led by the Shia-dominant and some Sunni minority opposition groups. The protests were inspired by the Arab Spring and aimed to achieve greater political freedom and equality for the Shia population, who make up the majority of Bahrain's population. The protests were met with a violent response from the Bahraini government, with security forces using tear gas, stun grenades, and rubber bullets to disperse demonstrators.

It was revealed that the tear gas used against protesters was American-made, manufactured by a Pennsylvania-based company, NonLethal Technologies. This company was licensed by the American government to export such weapons, and their use by Bahraini security forces has been seen as complicity by the US in the suppression of peaceful protests. The use of American-made tear gas has undermined the image of the US, as it appears to contradict American values of democracy and freedom of expression.

The criticism of US involvement in Bahrain's crackdown extends beyond the use of American-made tear gas. In 2011, President Obama was faced with a decision to approve a $53 million arms sale to Bahrain, despite the country's violent repression of pro-democracy protests. This decision highlighted the difficult position of the US, weighing its strategic alliance with Bahrain against its commitment to human rights and democratic values.

In addition to the arms sale, the US has provided military equipment and training to Bahrain, further enabling the country's security forces to carry out crackdowns. The US has also been criticised for its inaction and failure to condemn Bahrain's actions more strongly. Human rights organisations have documented alleged atrocities and strongly condemned the Bahraini government's response to the pro-democracy movement.

The US has expressed concern about specific incidents, such as the alleged beating of prominent human rights activist Nabeel Rajab, and has called for dialogue and reforms. However, the perception remains that the US has prioritised its strategic alliance with Bahrain over upholding democratic values and protecting human rights.

The Trump administration abandoned human rights conditions on arms deals with Bahrain, signing off on billions of dollars of new arms sales

The Trump administration's decision to abandon human rights conditions on arms deals with Bahrain, signing off on billions of dollars of new arms sales, is indicative of a shift in US foreign policy priorities. This move signals a focus on supporting Sunni-led countries, such as Bahrain, that are considered critical allies in countering Iranian influence in the region. The sale of F-16 fighter jets and other military equipment, worth up to $1 billion, was approved despite Bahrain's poor human rights record and ongoing persecution of dissidents.

The Trump administration's approach stands in contrast to that of the Obama administration, which had previously withdrawn approval for similar arms sales to Bahrain due to human rights concerns. Specifically, the Obama administration had called for the release of Nabeel Rajab, a prominent human rights activist who played a leading role in the 2011 protests. However, under Trump, the US proceeded with the sale, prioritizing strategic and economic interests over human rights issues.

Bahrain's strategic importance to the US cannot be overstated. It hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet and participates in US-led military coalitions, including the fight against ISIS. Additionally, Bahrain has supported US-led efforts to ensure freedom of navigation in the region and has been designated as a Major Non-NATO Ally. The US-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement has also generated significant commercial opportunities for both countries, with two-way trade exceeding $2 billion in 2021.

While the Trump administration's decision to prioritize strategic alliances and economic interests is understandable, it has not gone without criticism. Human rights organizations, such as Human Rights Watch, have urged the US to reconsider arms sales to Bahrain until the country addresses serious human rights abuses. These abuses include the arbitrary revocation of citizenship, unfair trials, harassment, and imprisonment of activists, lawyers, and journalists.

The decision to abandon human rights conditions on arms deals with Bahrain reflects the complex nature of US foreign policy, where strategic and economic considerations may sometimes outweigh human rights concerns. However, it is essential to recognize that this approach can have consequences for the people of Bahrain and the region, potentially fueling instability and further human rights violations.

In 2023, the US and Bahrain signed a strategic security and economic agreement to expand defence and intelligence collaboration

Bahrain is a key US partner in the Gulf and hosts the US Navy's Fifth Fleet and the headquarters of the US Naval Forces Central Command. US Secretary of State Antony Blinken emphasised that the agreement would enhance regional stability and economic cooperation. He also stated that it would serve as a framework for additional countries to join in strengthening security and technological innovation in the region.

The agreement includes a security commitment from the US to Bahrain, with a provision to consult and provide assistance if Bahrain faces an imminent security threat. This is particularly significant as Bahrain views Iran, located less than 100 miles away, as a threat to its security. Tehran has claimed Bahrain as one of its provinces, and the Bahraini government has accused Iran of fuelling unrest among its Shiite population.

The C-SIPA also promotes cooperation in various other areas, including trade, investment, and the development of trusted technologies. It is legally binding but does not include an Article V mutual defence pact like that of NATO.

The signing of the agreement in 2023 was the culmination of nearly a year's worth of diplomatic engagement between the two countries, including multiple trips by senior US officials to Manama. This agreement reflects the enduring commitment of the US to Bahrain and the broader Middle East region, aiming to promote peace and shared prosperity.

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