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Wednesday, March 16, 2011     FOR YOUR EYES ONLY

Sources: Fifth Fleet abandons base in Bahrain; Navy denies evacuation underway

ABU DHABI — The U.S. Navy has begun to vacate its facilities in Bahrain, diplomatic sources said. However a statement by the U.S. Naval Forces Central Command denied that an evacuation was underway.


  • Related Story: Shi'ites, supplied by Iran, control most of Bahrain, 'shooting back' at Saudi forces March 16

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    Western diplomatic sources said many or most of the navy's Fifth Fleet has left Manama. They said many of the U.S. naval personnel were transferred to Oman, where a naval exercise was taking place.

    "There is a skeleton crew left," a diplomatic source said.


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    The sources said only several hundred U.S. Navy personnel were left at Fifth Fleet headquarters, Middle East Newsline reported. They said U.S. warships were no longer patrolling the coast of Bahrain.

    The statement by the Fifth Fleet Public Affairs Office said that while the departure of family members and "non-essential civiliar personnel living in Bahrain" had been authorized, operations "at U.S. Fifth Fleet and NSA Bahrain remain normal, and U.S. service members and family members are not being evacuated."

    The sources said the administration of President Barack Obama appeared to be preparing for the collapse of the Sunni kingdom in Bahrain. They said Washington does not intend to protect the regime of King Hamad Bin Issa Al Khalifa.

    "The Americans have written off Bahrain and are believed to be working out some arrangement with the Iranians that will protect the Americans from the mobs," the source said.

    As late as 2010, the Fifth Fleet based about 3,000 personnel in Bahrain. The fleet had conducted exercises to respond to a mass-casualty insurgency strike by Al Qaida or Iran, but the sources said did not envision the current Shi'ite unrest.

    On March 12, U.S. Defense Secretary Robert Gates visited Bahrain to review the security situation and the American naval presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council state. The sources said Gates warned Bahraini leaders not to use U.S. weapons to quell the Shi'ite protests.

    "Gates said the U.S. equipment was meant to counter external threats and hinted that if Bahrain violates this, then Washington could block aid," the source said.

    On Feb. 25, Adm. Michael Mullen, the chairman of the U.S. Joint Chiefs of Staff, toured the Fifth Fleet and was briefed on security arrangments. Mullen was told of security operations by the Marine Corps.




    Comments


    A lot of Americans don't know what to think of these uprisings. We want to be sympathetic because we don't like your dictators either, but what's to prevent an Islamic government replacing it which is usually a worse kind of dictatorship? In any case, we know you like what we've done in Iraq and Afghanistan and the taste of democracy those people are getting. That alone validates what Bush did.

    bcspace      2:07 a.m. / Wednesday, March 23, 2011


    It is easy to say and say and send pictures all over the world. We Sunni people in Bahrain have lived in fear the previous month, and it's not in our nature to lie and make up plays to win the world's response. The Shi'ite opposition are excellent actors and they are restless to make the whole world be on their side. Their lies are just jaw dropping and we are just standing still!!

    telmas      5:22 a.m. / Friday, March 18, 2011


    Demonstrations in Bahrain are not peaceful, never. More than 800 soldiers of the Basij of Iran are leading the riots. They are killing and abusing citizens brutally. It is an extension of the Islamic Revolution in Iran. I hope I would not be fooled by the readers, what they write.

    dr ali      4:12 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    For those who are saying that they are protesting peacefully, I am sorry I won't buy this... you can manipulate the whole world, but not Bahrainis... Those protesters are NOT democracy seekers, they are terrorists... They started attacking and killing Sunni people (pro-government), further, they attacked university students, they killed policemen... Do you call this PEACEFUL???? I live in Bahrain and I know what those terrorists do...

    Ghada      2:58 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Sir, the people who are communicating with you are all anti-government people. You must expect them to give out news that tarnish the name of Bahrain and not to mention false news and propaganda. I live here, I am a Bahraini and I saw first-hand how these protesters have caused our lives a living nightmare. They were invited for talks but always refused. They then began marching into sensitive Sunni cities, trying to spark violence. Thankfully they did not succeed. They than began blocking roads and major highways in an effort to stop people from going to work. They have used schoolchildren, children as young as 5, to march the streets and block roads. They then began attacking Asian laborers and workers in an effort to spread fear. Please also keep in mind that the majority of the people do not want a change in leadership. We had a rally in Al Fateh mosque in which over 350,000 people, Sunni, shia, Christians and Jews attended to show support to the King. Another rally was organized and over 400,000 people attended and in which they called for the protesters to come and talk and join hands with the Sunni community. They refused this offer. Please please refrain from listening to only the oppositions comments. I promise you, the people of Bahrain are indeed loyal and do not want what those protesters are asking for. This is a loving nation and it breaks my heart seeing news agencies reporting and listening to only what the opposition is saying. Again, listen to both sides. Thank you :)

    A True Bahraini      2:46 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I am a Shia and I suggest to anyone who read this, to actually take 1 hr and check the facts and make judgment. Many shia here are afraid to speak up because of our families and friends some of [whom] have radical beliefs. They do want to turn this country to another Iran. They call for democracy but they want another vatican, both doesn't work well together.

    matar ahmad      2:17 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Dear USA, You are such a hypocity! Fighting for freedom and democracy on one side while plotting the destrction of a nation on the other! I am shocked... I was taught in an American Hospital... Taught about the freedom of people... the great country of America... Spreading your ideas and aspirations among a repressed population and now this is how you repay me?

    Eman - Bahrain      1:43 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Interesting phenomenon going on. My son (a junior naval officer) is in Bahrain waiting to transfer and meet his ship. He has to stay off of the base in a hotel. Hope the Navy is looking out after him and not forgetting he's there. He sure doesn't need some angry Arabz getting on his case.

    Dane M.      1:04 p.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I don't no why we are always linked to Iran. We are Arabs and we are proud of that. We are seeking freedom, just like any other nation living in this planet. We will win and we will show the world our democrasy. We shall have good relation with all free nations based on respect and not violence. Just rememeber that we only seek our interest and not to have conflict with others. Please support people freedom all over the world.

    Fahad      10:30 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    US & EU citizens must understand the situation is radical fanatic Shia whose loyalty and legion is only for IRAN and willing to bring up wars and crimes on the face of earth so the end of time (apocalypse) and victory comes.

    Liberal      10:30 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I am a Shi'ite and I do not belong to Iran in any form. What links us to Iran is our Imam Redha who is buried there. Moreover, we do not have weapons other than the words we say. We are being slaughtered in the worst ways possible and I can supply you with some of the photos if you like. SAVE US PLEASE WE ARE BEING KILLED! IT'S A MASSACRE HERE!

    Zainab      10:04 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I am from Bahrain and I would love to see Iranian troops come to Bahrain to protect us from the Wahabizim troops (Saudi) and the mercenaries (Bahrain forces) after all that...U.S. foreign policy is hypocritical...they killed us by U.S. weapons and everyone is silents..a.nd they still killing us...and still everyone is silents...

    Isa      8:55 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    USA is responsible about what's going on in Bahrain. Its negative attitude toward the massacres being committed in Bahrain make us doubt about the president's policy.

    Narjes      8:49 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Being in the fleet, I agree batches are sent for training ... at the same times things are being prepared and flying in at the Arad base to stand back prepared for the Bahrain people .... Just landed and I see a spectacular weather... here I come Bahrain:)

    Alex      8:19 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Do you think regime that opens fire and kill its own unarmed and peaceful people just because they demanded more human rights can last for too long and should be supported by the modern world led by the USA. Please watch attached to know what currently going on in my country as I am typing this message! http://www.twitvid.com/YGFYI

    Jalal      5:54 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    It is not Americans who r trouble creaters in muslim world, but it is those illiterate, selfish, dictators having muslim names. They r real problem creaters and they r making fool of themselves and their countries. America is using their brains easily.

    Ashfaq Ahmad      5:54 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    U.S. will be soon out of all the Middle East including the rich Gulf states. The Muslim World will never accept U.S. double standards. The Muslim World will never accept to give up East Jerusalem, to give up the Golan Heights and to give up water supply.

    luc      5:42 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Zayer is not just delusional...he is also an apologist for radical Islam and/or an America-hating leftist. Either way, no use trying to REASON with him...his twisted die has already been cast.

    Opticon180      5:03 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    If the Americans are not troublemaker then what do you think is happening in Bahrain? Every body know that the 5th fleet is in Bahrain and both Saudi and Bahrain army will never attack without the U.S green light, and the weapon used to kill the unarmed people are American, and this will work out for Iran because the people of Bahrain know that the Americans just as they do for the Ruling family in Bahrain.

    Free man      4:29 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I do believe that the green light to the Peninsula Shield Force to enter Bahrain has been given by the U.S. government when the U.S Secretary of Defense visited Bahrain. Whatever U.S. administration says now is just to show people that they support democracy, but in fact, their statements doesn't force Bahrain government to stop killing people.

    Karim      4:29 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    I wish they withdraw completely. The Saudi and Bahraini military people are killing and injuring us brutally. We are living in terror thought we demostrated peacefully. This news shows us some light of hope that Iran will at least help us as we are unarmed civillians who are being killed by military people who are striking us by aeroplane striking and all other means. God help us.

    Huda      1:25 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    Zayer, you are delusional. The U.S. is NOT the troublemaker - non-Persian kooks seeking nukes in Iran to wield over the Muslim world are the troublemakers. The U.S. does have a problem in a president who is willing to abandon allies and not pursue the downfall of true enemies, however.

    piratethomas      12:26 a.m. / Thursday, March 17, 2011


    So, the American "umbrella" flees when it rains. So much for the protection offered by the U.S. to its "allies" to keep them from taking their own military action, such as Israel's taking out the Iranian nuclear capability. The Iranians. who could soon own the Middle East without having had to fight a war to do so, must be laughing themselves silly.

    Syd Chaden      10:02 p.m. / Wednesday, March 16, 2011


    I strongly believe that the green light was given to the ruling family by the Americans to bring Saudi forces and kill unarmed protestors. Wherever problems occur, you will find U.S. presence. USA is the problem-maker around the world.

    Zayer      9:06 p.m. / Wednesday, March 16, 2011

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