Rare Expulsion of US Official from Bahrain Sets Back Reform Hopes

by Jim Lobe Monday’s expulsion order by Bahrain against a visiting senior US official has set back tentative hopes for internal reforms that could reconcile the kingdom’s Sunni-led government with its majority Shia community and drawn a sharp protest from… Continue Reading

Pro-Regime Talking Heads Spin Bahrain State Department Report

by Emile Nakhleh The State Department’s Inspector General’s report on the US Embassy in Bahrain, which I have been asked to comment on, has generated much reaction, both among the pro-government factions and within the opposition. The opposition fears that a… Continue Reading

Bahraini Crown Prince Dialogue Generates Optimism

by Emile Nakhleh Bahraini, Arab, and international media have assessed the dialogue meetings Crown Prince Salman held with opposition representatives Jan. 15 positively and expressed cautious optimism about his ability to bring about genuine civic peace in that embattled country.… Continue Reading

Arms and Athletes in Bahrain: Al Khalifa’s Deadly Game

by Emile Nakhleh A few days ago, Bahraini officials announced they “foiled an attempt to smuggle explosives and arms, some made in Iran and Syria, into the country by boat.”  Around the same time, the government also contended it had… Continue Reading