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Kerry calls for 'red lines' on human rights as part of US military dealings with Persian Gulf allies
The United States should establish “red lines” linking military agreements with Persian Gulf allies to respect for human rights, the Senate's top lawmaker on foreign affairs argues in a new report.
The recommendation by Sen. John Kerry (D-Mass.) comes as the United States seeks to balance the democratic aspirations unleashed by the Arab Spring with the need to retain “consistency” in its security partnerships in a strategically vital part of the world. The Senate Foreign Relations Committee report covers America's relationship with the six members of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC): Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates.
U.S. weapons sales to Bahrain in particular have come under considerable criticism following last year's crackdown on Shiite protesters. The Obama administration announced last month that it would resume arms sales to Bahrain's defense force, coast guard and national guard despite ongoing human-rights concerns.
“The United States should not be quick to rescind security assurances or assistance in response to human rights abuses, but should evaluate each case on its own merits,” reads the report. Still, “[t]he United States should make clear that states must not use arms procured from the United States against their own people engaged in peaceful assembly or exploit the U.S. security umbrella as protection for belligerent action against their neighbors.”
• seek to remain a central part of the Gulf security framework while more clearly articulating its strategic priorities for the broader region amid the ongoing turmoil;
• work with GCC states to promote economic reform and diversification and increased trade relations to wean them off their dependence on oil exports;
• preserve the model of ‘‘lily pad’’ bases throughout the Gulf, which permits the rapid escalation of military force in case of emergency while avoiding a popular backlash;
• continue to cultivate the capabilities of GCC partners in select defensive missions, such as missile defense, combat air patrol and maritime security, while avoiding an arms race;
• Pursue regional arms sales with being “scrupulous in determining which weapons systems to sell” in order to ensure that sales contribute to regional security and do not weaken the position of Israel; support the legitimate defense requirements of Gulf partners; prevent a regional arms race; and protect America's technological superiority; and
• promote the gradual political reintegration of Iraq into the Arab fold.
