U.S. must oppose repression in Bahrain

With the February 14th anniversary of the Pearl uprising in Bahrain approaching, and as violent crackdowns by the government continue, it is long past time for the U.S. government to commit itself to supporting serious political reforms in the Gulf oil sheikdom that hosts our military’s 5th fleet. The American policy in that country should reflect its stated commitment to supporting democracy and human rights in the region.
 
Like their counterparts elsewhere in the region who have taken to the streets to challenge long-standing authoritarian regimes, Bahrainis have grown fed up with the inability to hold those in power to account and to exercise their basic rights. Despite pledges to reform, as recently as January the Bahraini authorities have engaged in raids against suspected protestors, continued to use torture against detainees, and block access to medical services. In the run-up to the anniversary they have denied entry to international organizations and media, or asked groups to reschedule trips at a more convenient time (for the government).
 
These are not the actions of a government truly committed to reform.

For a year, Bahrainis across the ideological, economic, and political spectrums have been struggling for political and social reform, facing violent repression by the government. Martial law was imposed for more than three months in 2011, Saudi Arabia sent troops to assist in the crackdown, and during that time hundreds of demonstrators were arrested and many subjected to torture. Thousands were fired from their jobs for nothing more than expressing support for the protestors. Doctors and nurses who attended to wounded protestors were singled out for harsh punishment. Opposition political leaders and prominent human rights activists were imprisoned, some receiving life sentences, while journalists and bloggers were likewise arrested, an overt move to intimidate them into silence.
 

Caving to international pressure to address human rights abuses, the ruling Al-Khalifa family commissioned an independent team of international experts to conduct an extensive investigation into the events of early 2011. The resulting report, released in November, catalogued a raft of human rights violations perpetrated by the authorities against peaceful demonstrators and those who expressed support for their struggle. The report also put forward a series of recommendations to be implemented by the government to address human rights abuses. The report, however, avoided calling for steps to address the underlying political grievances of the Bahraini people. Even if all of the report requirements were implemented, reverting to the status quo ante will not address the root cause of the political upheaval: the absence of democratic institutions and respect for citizens’ fundamental rights.
 
The Obama administration’s announcement last month that they were moving forward with a small portion of a previously postponed arms sale to Bahrain is inexplicably tone deaf to the ongoing struggle against despotic rule and the sensitivity of the upcoming anniversary. The administration expects Americans and Bahrainis to take their word that the parts included in the sale cannot be used against protesters, the full details of which have not been made public. The specter of the United States arming the Bahraini government in any way as the country prepares for a potentially volatile period of unrest does not help the image of the U.S. with the people in the region.
 
Some of the strongest support for the Bahraini people has come from Capitol Hill, where 25 Members of Congress have signed on to legislation opposing the original arms sale. Many more weighed in with the Administration through letters and phone calls.  Capitol Hill needs to continue its support for human rights and democratic political reform by making clear that the long-term future relationship between Bahrain and the United States depends on the implementation of serious reform.
 
The United States and Bahrain share many interests in a region where the shadow of Iran often dwarfs other issues. Some might make a supposed realist argument that the U.S. needs to prioritize strategy and security over support for human rights. But looking at the events through a realpolitik lens lends more urgency to the need for quick, comprehensive reforms. Despite claims to the contrary from the Bahraini government, independent reports have found no Iranian influence on the protest movement, a charge that infuriates the Shi’ite activists who see no place for Iran in what they see as a home-grown, independent, Bahraini pro-democracy movement.
 
However, an unstable Bahrain is easily exploitable and places regional security at risk.  And it is clear at this point that minor concessions that leave the country’s authoritarian political system firmly in place will not quell what has so far remained a largely peaceful protest movement.  The United States must use all available relationships and resources to encourage its ally Bahrain to implement far-reaching reforms that move the country along the democratic path; allow citizens to exercise their fundamental rights of free expression, association, and assembly; and end discrimination against the majority of the population.
 
Herman is vice president for regional programs and Trister is manager for congressional affairs at Freedom House.
 

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