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 […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain, faced with repeated Shi’ite bombings, has reported a security upgrade. Officials said the Gulf Cooperation Council kingdom introduced measures and equipment to enhance security. The officials said Bahrain’s security forces were confronting a growing threat of improvised explosive devices. “The materials used to manufacture homemade bombs are easily […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — In an unusual move, the State Department has criticized the conduct of the U.S. ambassador to Bahrain. The State Department’s inspector-general has concluded that ambassador Thomas Krajeski failed to improve U.S. relations with Bahrain. In a 43-page report, the inspector-general criticized his conduct and leadership of the embassy in Manama. […]
Special to WorldTribune.com WASHINGTON — The U.S. military has been examining the prospect of establishing a rapid-response force in Bahrain. Military sources said the Joint Chiefs of Staff was drafting recommendations for a combat force that could be rapidly deployed throughout the Middle East and South Asia. The sources said the force would be formed […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has approved the establishment of a command and control network to battle the Shi’ite revolt. The Cabinet has approved a proposal for a C2 network based on what could comprise thousands of cameras to monitor critical facilities, government buildings, shopping malls and other areas in the Gulf Cooperation […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — Bahrain has approved a plan to secure an international motor race. Officials said the Interior Ministry has launched measures to protect the Formula One Grand Prix race, an international event expected to attract thousands to Bahrain. The officials said the plan would restrict traffic and bolster deployment of security […]
Special to WorldTribune.com ABU DHABI — The United States has sustained military programs despite the Iran-backed Shi’ite insurgency in Bahrain. Diplomatic sources said U.S. Central Command has not suspended its $500 million plan to modernize its facilities in Bahrain. The sources said the Shi’ite revolt, which began in 2011, has not significantly affected construction and […]
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 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 — 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 […]