Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 5420 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
QA
YM YI YE

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 10MANAMA64, BAHRAINI PUBLIC REACTION TO MEDIA FOCUS ON STORIES ON U.S.

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #10MANAMA64.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
10MANAMA64 2010-02-04 12:12 2011-02-18 21:09 UNCLASSIFIED Embassy Manama
INFO  LOG-00   AID-00   CIAE-00  INL-00   DODE-00  PDI-00   DS-00    
      DHSE-00  UTED-00  VCI-00   H-00     TEDE-00  INR-00   IO-00    
      MOFM-00  MOF-00   M-00     VCIE-00  NSAE-00  NIMA-00  EPAU-00  
      DOHS-00  NCTC-00  FMP-00   BBG-00   EPAE-00  DSCC-00  PRM-00   
      DRL-00   SAS-00   FA-00    SRAP-00  GSWA-00  SWCI-00  SANA-00  
        /000W

R 041236Z FEB 10
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO SECSTATE WASHDC 9190
INFO GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
COMUSNAVCENT
HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
UNCLAS MANAMA 000064 
 
 
FOR NEA/ARP 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: PREL PGOV BA
 
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI PUBLIC REACTION TO MEDIA FOCUS ON STORIES ON U.S. 
MISSILE DEFENSES IN THE GULF 
 
ΒΆ1. (U) SUMMARY:  During the past week, news stories regarding U.S.efforts to bolster its military presence in the Gulf received considerable coverage in local dailies and blogs. Bahraini public reaction varied considerably from support of U.S. efforts to defend stability in the region, to criticism of perceived U.S. provocation of Iran. END SUMMARY.

2.(U) On February 1, news stories regarding increased U.S. efforts to strengthen its military presence in the Gulf dominated the front pages of Bahraini English and Arabic dailies and blogs. On February 2, the story continued to garner coverage in the international pages of local dailies and social media sites. Pan-Arab and some local media highlighted the U.S. military presence in the Gulf on February 4, following remarks made by FM Shaikh Khalid bin Ahmed Al Khalifa in Washington, who characterized the U.S. military presence in the region as "defensive."

3.(U) Bahraini public reaction to the recent missile defense moves has varied widely from solid support for American efforts to criticism of the U.S. for allegedly seeking to provoke Iran. Local blogs expressed concerns that an increased military presence was indicative of a looming "new war" in the Gulf. Some also questioned whether despite its military capabilities, Iran would be able to attack the Gulf region. Several commentators argued that U.S. missile defense capabilities in the Gulf provided evidence of a "joint conspiracy between America and Iran," calling the U.S. and Iran "enemies of Muslims who have together destroyed Afghanistan and Iraq."

4.(SBU) As a result of the recent media focus, many Bahrainis have expressed concern that the reported strengthening of Gulf missile defenses means that America or Israel will attack Iran in the near future. Some Bahrainis have also publicly questioned whether the U.S. will place GCC security and stability above its own national interests in countering Iran.

5.(SBU) Comment: Elite opinion in both Bahrain's Sunni and Shia communities tends to view the recent media coverage as an adjunct to international maneuverings that are taking place beyond the view of the public. But most Bahrainis are less sophisticated, and many have reacted with alarm. The street in both communities fears that a conflict is brewing, and is convinced it would harm their island's stability, economic prosperity, and environment. Many ordinary Bahraini Shia resent talk of an attack or even increased sanctions against Shia Iran. On the other hand the Sunni street, while resentful of many U.S. regional policies, quietly welcomes the prospect of more non-military international pressure on Iran. ERELI