Education

What this one word represents to people is invaluable.  To the oppressed, it represents freedom.  To the weak, it represents power.  To the ignorant, it represents knowledge.  To the knowledgeable, it represents wisdom.  To the stagnate, it represents progress.  Education is the key to success in any aspect of life.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is very aware of the power of education.  
Shaik Mohammed bin Essa Al Khalifa, CE of Bahrain Economic Development Board, addressed an audience at The Education Project, and stressed the importance of education for the people of Bahrain.  He said, "Our common vision is that we should all have access to a decent education. For education, in our world, is the passport to employment and income and personal independence...We know that education is the single most important factor in helping to improve stability, productivity and prosperity in all societies...The Education Project seeks to foster a dialogue amongst the world’s foremost educational leaders and pioneers in order to work towards solutions.  Solutions that are tangible, practical, and affordable."
The United States has a vested interest in the education of the people of Bahrain.  Knowing that the US Navy Fifth Fleet is stationed in Bahrain, along with the Free Trade Agreement, the US depends on the Bahraini people to do their part in "helping to improve stability...in all societies."  The understanding that exists between these two countries must be sincere and complete if stability is to be achieved.  
The continued education also provides more opportunities for trade.  Innovation and new systems and products are essential to compete in an international commercial society.  Without education, products and services would be sought for in other countries.
Possibly the most important reason that the United States is interested in the education of the people of Bahrain is personal independence.  Democracy exists and is successful only upon the backs, and in the minds, of the people.  It's a choice, it's individual.  One can not be free or independent without education and knowledge.  As Bahrain is pushing for a positive democratic reform, education is essential.  There are some protests thats could be avoided only through education.  The United States, as the leader of the democratic world, fights for the independence of all who desire it.  Bahrain understands what it wants, and that is independence.  

On the flip side, Bahrain is very interested in the education of the people of the United States for all the same reasons.  However, possibly the most important piece of education that the Kingdom of Bahrain wants America to have is the true knowledge of the government reform and movement towards democracy.  Without proper information, opinions are compromised.  A fair assessment of the situation can not be made, and that is how prejudice begins.  The Kingdom of Bahrain depends on the United States to educate itself so it understands what is happening in Bahrain, and how to best help Bahrain as they progress through their democratic education.
Another obvious evidence of the interest that these two countries have in each other's education is the exchange programs and institutions in the countries.  American students travel to Bahrain to further their education, and vice versa.  If these two countries were not interested in the other's education, why would that be available?
Once again, we learn that the United States and the Kingdom of Bahrain are intertwined.  They are linked together for their own good, and the good of each other, this time in education.

Democracy

It is no secret that there has been some problems in the Middle East centered around the government.  It's also no secret that there are two sides to every story.  One side is usually the more romantic, extreme, and televised.  The other side is often overlooked and even ridiculed, though it may be the most true.
That is what we are seeing in Bahrain right now.  The Royal Family, led by His Majesty, King Hamad al Khalifa, is looking to serve his people by giving them a democratic style government.  Many reject his sincere attempts and proposals.  But one friend and ally that will not reject their transition is the United States of American.
The US, a friend and defender of freedom, has stood by Bahrain as they have implemented changes in their government and have made amendments to their constitution.  The latter is proof of the great desire of the King to phase in democracy.  Amendments to their constitution has never happened before, and these amendments were to the benefit of the people, giving them more power.  It was a great gesture of the faith His Majesty has in his people.
The United States, no doubt, support these amendments and these changes.  The US, as the "big brother" to all that desire and fight for freedom (literally or figuratively), will continue to support the Kingdom of Bahrain in its good endeavors towards freedom for its people.

How important is the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States?  Essential!  If Bahrain wants freedom (and they do), they will have an uphill battle against other countries and neighbors (and they have).  But the United States will be there to help Bahrain!

Entertainment

In light of the upcoming Formula 1 Grand Prix Race in Bahrain, it seems only fitting to share ways that the United States of America and the Kingdom of Bahrain are, once again, teaming up to produce something positive.  However, this is something special because of the characters involved.  This is not just about the US and Bahrain.  This has come to a global audience, and believe me when I say, the world is taking notice.
With the unrest in Bahrain, many have been fearful of the upcoming event, assuming that it will be a place of protest instead of a venue of entertainment.  This would be devastating to the Kingdom of Bahrain because the F1 Race has been its most profitable international event of the year since 2004.  However, athletes and entertainers from the United States and around the world are supporting the Bahraini event, thus expressing their support to the Kingdom.

Michael Schumacher and Sebastian Vettel, 

famous German race car drivers for Mercedez Benz 

and Red Bull respectively, have given their 

support of the decision by the government of 

Bahrain to proceed with the event.  

Both Schumacher and Vettel will be competing in the race.

What is an event without some music?  LMFAO, American electro pop duo, has committed to be the main entertainment attraction at the event later this month.  The makers of "Party Rock Anthem" will certainly have the audience shuffling as they support Bahrain through their participation.

Because of the participation of the global community, and the assurance from the Crown Prince, the Formula 1 Grand Prix race will not only prove to be safe, but it will prove to be one of the greatest successes of the year for the Kingdom of Bahrain, and for the world.  Sure, it will follow suit as the greatest profitable event for the country.  But more importantly, it will bring positive feelings and reinforcement to the people that Bahrain cares about all its people.
Many would say, "what is the purpose of a sports event and concert in the midst of unrest and protest?  It seems so inconsequential and unimportant, and out of place."  However, to these people, it's quite the opposite.  This gives them an outlet to remember everything right in the world.  Global friendship and involvement, dreams coming true, and good competition is what the Kingdom of Bahrain supports, encourages, and desires for all its countrymen.  That is why they are having this event.
One may ask, "Well, what's in it for everyone else?"  Quite simply, the kingdom of Bahrain is where these athletes and entertainers have the chance to continue chasing dreams.  Whether it be to win a car race, or become a popular rock band, these talented people have a chance to put their talent on showcase in Bahrain.  It's a beautiful gift.
Once again, we see how the US and Bahrain are closely connected as they strive to help each other in different ways.  This time, the world is coming along for the ride!  So strap in, start your engines, and party rock!

Open for Business

Through this recent, and current, economic crisis, there have been a few key lessons learned.  One of them is that people now realize how they are connected.  What happens in the East affects what happens in the West, and vice versa.  Another great lessons is that of networking marketing.  If you eat at a good restaurant, you will tell others about it, and they will eat there as well.  The last lesson that I want to highlight is loyalty.  If you are loyal to someone or something, that person will in turn be loyal to you.

With the relationship strengthening between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States, we see all three of these lessons in their application stage.
A Free Trade Agreement was signed on September 14, 2004, ratified on December 7, 2005, and implemented on August 1, 2006.  It is aimed at stimulating flow of private investment between the two countries.  There are a few key investments that each country makes in the other that have benefited from this act.
The Kingdom of Bahrain is rich in oil.  The United States has a strong dependence upon foreign oil.  However, there are some countries that the US does not have good relations with, that are oil rich.  Therefore, the US depends greatly upon the good relationship with Bahrain in order to obtain oil.
 Bahrain also enjoys a free market economy.  In fact, they are recognized as the greatest free market economy country in the Middle East, and the tenth freest in the world.  With that type of economy, US businesses can be established and flourish.  American companies can take advantage of this by establishing businesses in Bahrain, even registering their business there, and being allowed on the Stock Exchange in order to raise capital.  In exchange for this opportunity, the US brings income into Bahrain as businesses operate there, and the people are employed.
This is a true win-win situation, and another reason that the relationship between the Kingdom of Bahrain and the United States is so important not only to these two countries, but to the world.

US Fifth Fleet in Bahrain

The kingdom of Bahrain and the United States of America share interests in each other economically, socially, politically, and militarily.  The geographical location of Bahrain is of great importance to the US, and the whole world knows it.  Nobody knows it better than Iran.  This tyrannical leadership of Iran has made their desires very clear, but the fruition of those desires, for now, have been foiled because of the Bahraini-US relationship.

The placement of the Fifth Fleet in the United States Navy is no accident.  It was strategically placed there.  It was critical that they be there in order to maintain open the Strait of Hormuz.  It's important they are there to bring stability to the Middle East regions that so desperately want it.  The Fifth Fleet keeps the waterways open to trade, something of vital importance to Bahrain and the US.  If goods can not go in nor come out, money is not exchanged, and then production would eventually cease.  

The US Navy Fifth Fleet not only provides physical safety and security to many people, it indirectly provides economic growth to Middle East regions and the US.

His Majesty, King Hamad Bin
Isa Al-Khalifa visits Fifth Fleet

Bahrain demonstrates great courage and strength in being host to these courageous men and women.  They show their commitment to democracy and reform, to freedom and progress.

The relationship between Bahrain and US is strengthened through US Navy influence 

and Bahraini reform and openness.

Fo read more about US Navy Fifth Fleet, visit their site.  

Welcome to BAC Weekly

This is what this spot is all about!  The relationship between Bahrain and the United States.  What are the two countries doing to help each other in a variety of fields, industries, and endeavors.  From education to armed forces, these two countries are allies and friends.  BAC Weekly will share that relationship in hopes to further and strengthen it.