Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States intends to resume weapons exports to Bahrain. The administration of President Barack Obama told Congress that Washington would renew arms shipments to Bahrain. In a statement on May 11, Congress was told that U.S. engines and ships would be delivered to Bahrain’s military, coast guard and security […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has launched a crackdown on clerics who express support for the Shi’ite revolt in the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom. The Cabinet said clerics who preach violence would be prosecuted. In a statement on May 6, the Cabinet warned against political sermons or other activities in mosques throughout Bahrain. […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has decided to stage a major international race amid rising Shi’ite violence. Officials said the Interior Ministry recommended that Bahrain host the Formula One race on April 20. They said the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix, meant to last three days, would take place with a minimum of […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — A tanker exploded near Saudi Arabia, triggering a regional alert. The ship, identified as MV Stolt Valor, exploded near the Saudi coast on March 19. The explosion triggered an alert in neighboring Bahrain and Qatar for oil spill and chemical fallout. Officials said the Liberian-registered tanker left Saudi Arabia’s […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. Navy, preparing for a showdown with Iran, has been ordered to send additional surface vessels to the Gulf. Officials said the Navy would send special ships to foil any Iranian attempt to blockade the Strait of Hormuz in 2012. They said the vessels were expected to arrive in […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has ordered natural gas from Russia. Officials said Bahrain would begin importing liquefied natural gas from Russia by 2014. They said Russia would replace Iran as a supplier of liquid gas amid deteriorating relations between Manama and Teheran. “Whether Russia supplies us with Iranian liquid gas or from […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The United States has launched an effort to ensure logistics for its military in the Gulf in 2012. The Defense Department has awarded a more than $1 billion contract for fuel for the U.S. military presence in Gulf Cooperation Council states. The U.S. military contains a major presence in such […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — For the first time, Bahrain has accused the United States of fomenting a Shi’ite coup in the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom. Bahrain’s military chief said Washington was supporting numerous non-governmental organizations assigned to generate unrest in the Sunni Arab state. Field Marshal Khalifa Bin Ahmed Al Khalifa said the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has deployed thousands of troops to quell another Shi’ite revolt in part aimed at a largely Pakistani foreign labor force that also mans security and military forces. Bahrain’s military and Interior Ministry have deployed more than 10,000 troops around Manama to stop plans by Shi’ites to storm the […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The U.S. Navy has been preparing to confront Iran in the Gulf. The commander of the Navy’s Fifth Fleet said his force has examined Iran’s military capabilities. Vice Adm. Mark Fox said he was certain that the United States could repel any Iranian naval operations in the Gulf. “We’ve […]