Moving Bahrain
Background Notes Archive - Near East and North Africa
U.S. Department of StateBackground Notes: Bahrain, October 1996Bureau of Public AffairsOfficial Name: State of BahrainPROFILEGeographyArea: 693 sq. km. (268 sq. mi.); about four times the size of Washington, DC. Bahrain is an archipelago consisting of 33 islands, only six of them inhabited.Cities: Capital--Manama (pop. 145,000--1993 est.). Other city--Al Muharraq (81,000--1993 est.).Terrain: Low interior plateau and hill on main island.Climate: Hot and humid from May-September, temperate from October-April.PeopleNationality: Noun and adjective--Bahraini(s).Population (1996 est.): 586,000; 66% indigenous.Ethnic groups: Bahraini 63%, Asian 19%, other Arab 10%, Iranian 8%.Religions: Shi'a and Sunni Muslim.Languages: Arabic (official), English, Farsi, Urdu.Education: Attendance--73%. Literacy (1990 est.)--77% (male 82%, female 69%).Work force (1987 est.): 197,000 (about 44% indigenous, 56% expatriate). Industry and commerce--74%. Services--19%. Agriculture--4%. Government--3% ... [Read More]
Purpose and Acknowledgements
This report is submitted to the Congress by the Department of State in compliance with Section 665 of P.L. 107-228, the FY 03 Foreign Relations Authorization Act, which requires the Department to report on actions taken by the U.S. Government to encourage respect for human rights. This third annual submission complements the longstanding Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2004, and takes the next step, moving from highlighting abuses to publicizing the actions and programs the United States has employed to end those abuses. ... [Read More]
Intervention at the Opening Plenary of the Forum For the Future
Already, Afghanistan, Algeria, Bahrain, Egypt, Jordan, Morocco, Yemen and so many others are moving forward on political, educational, and economic reform initiatives. ... [Read More]
Department of State Washington File: Transcript: Cheney Says U.S. Engaged in Search for Mideast Peace
Vice President: Let me repeat the question to make sure I understood it, about the New York Time article speculating about moving U.S. military bases out of Saudi Arabia? ... Regionally, one of the most important items discussed was moving the Middle East Peace Process forward and in this regard we welcome the President sending General Zinni back to the region. We in the Kingdom of Bahrain believe that the way forward is by having the Israelis withdraw and end their current brutal occupation and that the Palestinians show the utmost restraint during this time. Both parties need to implement UN Security Council Resolution 1397 that builds on resolutions 242 and 338. ... [Read More]
Diplomatic Couriers
An excellent benefits package includes: Group life and health insurance Annual and sick leave accrual; retirement plan Government-provided quarters or housing allowance overseas Home leave to the United States between overseas assignments Rest and recuperation leave, with transportation partially paid, when employees and their dependents are assigned to designated hardship posts Cost of living allowance Educational allowance for dependents under certain circumstances Danger pay at designated posts Moving expenses for assignments [Read More]
Remarks with Foreign Minister Mohammed Bin Mubarak al-Khalifa of Bahrain
It is not a matter of pleasing or placating; it's a matter of moving forward. It's a matter of trying to grab that dream we all have of these two peoples finding a way to live in peace, justice and harmony with each other, and to put the violence behind us. And religion is as simple as that. It is not a matter of placating anyone or pleasing anyone. It's a matter of going forward and getting the violence behind us.QUESTION: Mr. Secretary, (inaudible) positive in a couple of weeks, or a couple of months, or I hear two weeks, but people are asking about follow-up steps to take us really to maturation of what you're talking about. What steps, and what time frame are you envisaging, and how much ... [Read More]
USTR Notifies Congress of Intent To Initiate Free Trade Talks With Bahrain
"An FTA with Bahrain will promote the President's initiative to advance economic reforms and openness in the Middle East and the Persian Gulf, moving us closer to the creation of a Middle East Free Trade Area. A U.S.-Bahrain FTA will build on the FTAs that we already have with Israel and Jordan, as well as the FTA we are currently negotiating with Morocco," wrote Zoellick in the letter to Congressional leaders. ... [Read More]
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