Special to WorldTribune.com

ABU DHABI — Bahrain has more than doubled its defense budget.

The Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom increased its defense budget by 110
percent since 2004. In 2013, Manama’s military spending, fueled by the
threat from neighboring Iran, rose by 26 percent from the previous year.

“Military spending in the Middle East increased by four percent in 2013,
reaching an estimated $150 billion,” the Stockholm International Peace
Research Institute said.

In its annual report, the institute said Bahrain spent $1.236 billion in
2013. The institute identified the United States as a key military supplier
to Manama.

Bahrain has been fighting a Shi’ite revolt since 2011. Over the last
three years, other GCC states have deployed up to thousands of soldiers to
protect Manama.

SIPRI said neighboring Saudi Arabia spent $67 billion in 2013, an
increase of 14 percent over the previous year. Oman reduced its military
budget by 27 percent.

“The increase in military spending in emerging and developing countries
continues unabated,” Sam Perlo-Freeman, director of the institute’s military
expenditure program, said.

  GCC, Iran threat has led Bahrain to double its defense budget, Manama, Shi’ite revolt