Symbiont Circle

By now, I hope that we all understand how intertwined Bahrain and United States really is.  Jedi Master Obi Wan Kenobi teaches the principle to the King of the Gungans when he says, "You and the Naboo form a symbiont circle.  What happens to one will effect the other."  And certainly what happens to one country, will effect the other.

A few aspects of life and government have been covered in this blog.  Everything from freedom to entertainment has led to the same conclusion.  In trade, US receives commodities from Bahrain, and Bahrain from the US.  In democracy, Bahrain is establishing a democracy for its people.  The US is helping them with the transition.  The US is trying to keep a close eye on Iran.  Bahrain is helping them do that by playing host to the US Naval Fifth Fleet.  The list of connections can go on.  When one country does well, so does the other.  When one country is in trouble, so is the other.  Without a doubt, these wagons are hitched together.

Spread Like Wild Fire

That is what is at stake here!  With all the other great and important reason that Bahrain and the US have been, and are, friends and allies, there is one that is most critical.  It has to do with Iran.  The country that has been accused of indirectly leading the riots and violent protests in Bahrain.  The country with the leader who thinks it is his divine destiny to destroy Israel from off the face of the earth.  The country that has sworn hatred towards the United States, freedom, and all good things.  The scary part is that this kind of mentality carries destruction that can spread like a wild fire if not reigned in and quenched.

The Bahrain-US relationship is vital for the welfare of the world.  For some, it saves them from slavery.  For others, it saves them from annihilation.  As long as Bahrain remains a peaceful monarchy the US will have a military presence there.  It is host to the US Naval Fifth Fleet, who not only monitors the critical Strait of Hormuz, but is in close enough proximity to monitor the actions of Iran.  If the Fleet were to be taken away from Manama, it would only be a matter of time before Iran invades and conquers Bahrain.  Then it would be a matter of time until Iran declares war on each of the GCC union states, spreading themselves through out the Middle East like a wild fire, destroying everything in its path.

The interesting thing about fires is that they are alluring.  They are beautiful to look at with the colors the heat and flames make.  They provide warmth.  It provides a preparation for food.  It has the ability to do so many good things.  And yet, if touched, it burns and leaves lasting scars.  It literally destroys whatever it touches.  Homes, towns, parts of cities and parks, and so much more have been lost forever because of the destruction.  Most tragically, lives have been lost.

The fire is Iran.  And it wants to come after Bahrain.  Bahrain, by remaining loyal to its people, can extinguish this fire.  But they can not do it alone.  The US stands side by side with Bahrain with their buckets of water to throw at the fire.  And this for the sake of not only Bahrain, but the safety of the entire world.

More Important Than Ever

The world has witnessed the heinous acts that have happened in the Middle East in the last few weeks.  In Syria, over one hundred people, including women and children, were brutally executed.  Iran is trying to stake its claim on Bahrain as Bahrain and fellow GCC states try to establish stronger ties.  Indeed, things are heating up in that part of the world.  The relationship between the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain is no more important than it is right now.
What is needed from each country?  Quite simply, it's courage and loyalty.
The Kingdom of Bahrain needs to be courageous as they deal with not only the democratic reform for the good of their people, but also as they deal with the outside threat of Iran.  Some might say it's a modern day reenactment of the Biblical David and Goliath.  Bahrain, a small, peaceful country, and Iran, the "larger than life" bully.  Bahrain needs to continue, as they have successfully done this far, to courageously stand up in strength.  Stand up against those in their country fighting against the democratic reform.  Stand up against Iran and their claim to the island country.  In short, continue to dream and fight for those dreams.
The United States needs to remain loyal to one of its strongest allies.  They do not need to stand in front of Bahrain as the body guard, nor behind as the fearful friend, but alongside to strengthen.
Now how does this all come together.  If Bahrain knows and feels that the United States is loyal, it is a source of added courage.  Bahrain will continue to fight for itself as the US stands and fights with them.  If Bahrain demonstrates the courage of a lion the US will always be there to protect and fight for Bahrain.