Friendship and Support

In light of Iran's inappropriate remarks regarding Bahrain and the potential union of GCC states, one needs to step back and evaluate, as country music starts Tracy Lawrence, Kenny Chesney, and Tim McGraw sing, "find out who your friends are."

Iran has interceded, unwelcomed, and tried to claim Bahrain as their own.  Bahrain is in serious discussion with the other GCC states, specifically Saudi Arabia, regarding a union that would protect them all from actions like those Iran have made.

Bahrain is about to find out who its friend are, and the United States will assuredly step up.  There is too much as stake to NOT step up if that action is required.  A take over by Iran of Bahrain would mean the evacuation of the US Navy Fifth Fleet from the area and the eventual take over of the Strait of Hormuz.  Iran would virtually be undisputed in that region, and would begin to take control of each GCC country, one by one.  Trade in between the US and the Arab nations would be greatly disturbed, if not completely eliminated.  There is no telling what could happen if Iran's wishes came true.  Their vehement hatred towards America would know no boundaries.

Why is the friendship between the United States and Bahrain so important?  One, there is strength in numbers.  Bahrain and the United States will support each other against the onslaught of enemies.  If it came down to a fight, US and Bahrain would be side by side.  Two, prevention is the best protection.  The US Naval Fifth Fleet is stationed in Bahrain, by their invitation and welcoming consent.  This not only provides protection to the kingdom of Bahrain, but also provides protection to the US.  They, US and Bahrain together, are able to keep a close eye on Iran.

If Iran is ever able to take over Bahrain, and subsequently the GCC nations, they will more than likely have to go through the United States to do it.  Bahrain could be at the point where they find out who their friends truly are, and the United States will answer!

Service

The foundation of a relationship is service.  It breeds compassion.  It strengthens friendships and loyalties.  It opens the doors for others of future generations to do the same.  It produces thankful hearts that desire to reciprocate the kindness and service.  Thus, we see the cycle of service, thankfulness, reciprocation, thankfulness, service, thankfulness, etc.

The Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States are connected by this very simple, yet complex principle.  It's not hard to be kind to someone.  But it is hard to risk your life for someone else.  Bahrain and America not only have kindness between them, but loyalties that lead to sacrifice and service.

The perfect example of this happened this past week.  His Majesty, King Hamad Bin Isa Al Khalifa, met with Admiral Mark I Fox of the US Naval Fifth Fleet that is stationed in Bahrain.  Admiral Fox has served faithfully and loyally as the leading officer of the United States Naval Forces Central Command, which includes the Fifth Fleet, and has strengthened relationships between the United States and Bahrain through his service.  

Fox will be leaving this post in the near future, and as a gesture of thanks, His Highness the King presented Admiral Fox with the First Class Medal, recognizing the efforts of Fox in building strong bilateral relationships and cooperation between the US Navy and government, and their counterparts in Bahrain.

In response, Fox lauded the King for his continued efforts of bilateral relationships and praised the fruitful cooperation of the Bahrain Defense Force while he was serving in Bahrain.

Why is this so important to both countries?  Quite simple.  One, by Fox's great efforts, and exceptional reputation in Bahrain, the door is open for the next commanding officer.  Because of Fox, he will have a foundation on which to work.  Because of the efforts made by the government of Bahrain, the new officer will enter a friendly environment where he can trust the King and the government wholeheartedly.

Another reason that these relationships are so important is the station of the Fifth Fleet.  With strong relationships, the United States is able to stay in Bahrain, protecting the Strait of Hormuz, and thus, Bahrain and other Arab nations from Iran.  With this close proximity to Iran, the US is also able to keep a close eye on Iran and its activities.  

Therefore, it's not only important to Bahrain that the US is there, but it's important the US is there for the US and the rest of the world.

This is only possible because of people like Admiral Mark Fox and His Highness, King Hamad.  

Tourism

The world is a big place.  It's full of exciting things to see and experience.  When we travel places, there is a subconscious urge that pushes us to learn about the place we are visiting, the people that live there, and their stories (also known as "history").  So as I say, "Why not have some fun while you are learning?"

The Kingdom of Bahrain is touted as the best place to visit in the Arab world.  The Lonely Planet Guide describes is as "an excellent introduction to the Gulf" not only because it's rich in heritage and history, but also because it's a safe place to visit.  So let's explore a little of the island country.

Being an island nation, obviously there are several beaches to visit, most of which are private.  There is a large variety of things to do at the beach.  Even more for the water lover, there is the largest water park in the Middle East, the Lost Paradise of Dilmun Waterpark.

To learn about history, there is no better place to go than to a museum.  Bahrain has two that stand out above all others, the Bahrain National Museum and the Beit Al Qur'an.  The national museum boasts not just years and centuries of artifacts, but millenia of artifacts.  Some of their exhibits can date back to the first human inhabitants, over 9000 years ago!  The Beit Al Qur'an, itself a piece of architectural history, is home to a rare collection of manuscripts and books.  

One of the most lucrative attractions in Bahrain is the Formula 1 Car Race held at the Bahrain International Circuit.  People from all over the world flock to Manama to watch the race each year!

The United States is no different in their tourist attractions.

  Touring the United States from coast to coast, one may start in the "city that never sleeps" in New York to shop and watch a Yankee game or Broadway show; travel down the coast and stop in Disney World in Florida; make your way to California, the land of stars.  

And the attractions in between New York and California are just as amazing.

So why is tourism so important to both countries.  There are few reasons.  One, revenue.  Two, understanding.  Three, friendship.

With Americans traveling to Bahrain to "see the sights," Bahrain is impacted by the money spent and the services that they will be able to provide.  They are creating revenue for their citizens, that in turn, will get circulated into their economy, strengthening it as it gets used.  In turn, Bahraini people will have enough money to travel to the United States and vacation with their families.  All of the sudden, their money is being circulated into the US economy, helping and strengthening it.  It all comes round in full circle.

Two is understanding.  Ignorance is a destructive tool.  Many fights could be avoided by simple understanding.  That is a principle that works not only on the school yard playground, but also in the global community.  If people can begin to understand the lifestyle of someone else, learn why they are the way they are, a tolerance can be developed.  

Reason number two segways into reason three, and that is friendship.  When understanding reaches a certain point, tolerance becomes appreciation, and even admiration.  A friendship can be formed as people visit each other's countries.  It's a kind stranger who helps a foreigner with directions.  It's a friendly conversation that turns into an invitation to dinner.

As the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain continue to visit eachother, the economy is strengthened, an understanding is reached, and a friendship is forged.  Once again, we see the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America intertwined for not only their own good, but for their common good.