Special to WorldTribune.com

WASHINGTON — Bahrain, amid a Shi’ite revolt, has been deemed
critical to U.S. interests in the Gulf.

U.S. Central Command said Bahrain, despite Iranian-aided unrest,
remained important for American naval interests in the Gulf. Bahrain has
been home to the sole major U.S. Navy operating base in the Middle East.

“Bahrain has been an important friend and partner for many decades, and provides key support for U.S. interests by hosting U.S. Navy’s Fifth Fleet and providing facilities for other U.S. forces engaged in regional
security,” Centcom chief Gen. James Mattis said.

In testimony to the Senate Armed Services Committee on March 5, Mattis said Washington needed Bahrain to counter the threat from neighboring Iran. He said Centcom was working with the U.S. government to help stabilize the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom.

“The strong U.S.-Bahrain relationship is particularly critical in the
face of the threat Iran poses to regional stability,” Mattis said. “U.S.
Centcom works closely with others in the U.S. government to advance a
message of support for dialogue and reform in Bahrain, which will be key to ensuring the country’s stability and security.”

Mattis gave no indication that Centcom would move its naval base from
Bahrain. He said the U.S. military envisioned remaining a “strong partner of
Bahrain and the Bahraini people in the years ahead.”

Centcom also reported increased cooperation with other GCC states,
including Oman and Qatar. With Oman, Centcom oversaw efforts to enhance
interoperability through exercises and arms sales.

Mattis said Qatar was expanding its role within the Middle East,
particularly in Libya and Syria. He said the U.S. military would remain in
the GCC emirate.

“We enjoy excellent military relations with this country that has
generously hosted several of our forward headquarters and facilities,”
Mattis said.

  Gen. James Mattis, Mattis: U.S. needs stable Bahrain as host for Fifth Fleet, U.S. Central Command, U.S. Navy Fifth Fleet