US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1200

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 001200 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NEA/PPD MQUINN, PAGNEW 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 072712 
TAGS: BA, EAID, KDEM, KPAO, OEXC, OIIP, OPRC, PGOV, PHUM, PREL 
SUBJECT: MUSLIM WORLD OUTREACH IN BAHRAIN 
 
REF: A. A) STATE 155954 
     B. B) MANAMA 01115 
     C. C) MANAMA 000722 
     D. D) MANAMA 336 
     E. E) 03 MANAMA 2686 
     F. F) 03 MANAMA 002087 
 
Classified By: CDA SUSAN L. ZIADEH, REASONS 1.4 (B&D). 
 
 1. (C) SUMMARY: Bahrain is an Islamic state with a 
population that is 98 percent Muslim.  Bahraini contacts have 
discussed the potential of a possible shift towards 
conservatism in Bahrain. However, some groups, such as Beit 
Al Qura,an, the Bahrain Women,s Society, and the Bahrain 
Youth Forum Society, are willing to directly engage with the 
USG to counter anti-Americanism and support moderate Islamic 
voices in the community. In addition, there are groups where 
direct engagement is a more sensitive subject. Discover Islam 
and Ahl Al Beit Society are groups that will not accept USG 
funds or host USG officials but would consider USG funded 
literature and American visitors who discuss topics relating 
to Islam. Post has steadily engaged Muslim communities via 
educational, cultural, and media resources.  The teaching of 
English is a primary tool for engaging Muslim communities. 
The English language is a commodity that is in high demand in 
Bahrain due to its status as a second language. In addition, 
the exposure of Bahrainis to diverse American teachers and 
ideas, via English language teaching, encourages moderation 
through cultural exposure. END SUMMARY 
 
---------------------- 
The Local Context 
---------------------- 
2. (C) Islam is the official religion of the Kingdom of 
Bahrain with a population that is 98 percent Muslim.  Muslim 
citizens adhere to the Shi,a and Sunni sects of Islam, with 
Shi,a constituting about two-thirds of the indigenous 
population. The Bahraini Constitution provides for freedom of 
religion, however there exist some limits on this right. The 
Government subjects both Sunni and Shi,a Muslims to some 
government control and monitoring, and there continues to be 
government discrimination against Shi,a Muslims.  As a 
result Shi,a Muslims often resent minority Sunni Muslim 
rule. 
 
3. (C) There are some warning signs indicating the potential 
of a possible shift towards conservatism in Bahrain from both 
Sunni and Shi,a communities.  In February 2004 Chairman of 
Al Asala Islamic society (the Sunni Salafi society in 
Bahrain) called to cancel the performance of Nancy Agram, a 
Lebanese singer, in Bahrain (See reftel E).  Young 
disaffected and bored Shi,a villagers demonstrated during 
the concert, which was subsequently disrupted and ultimately 
cancelled.  Weeks later, a rabidly anti-American 
Representative of Al Minbar Islamic Society, the political 
wing of Al Eslah Islamic Society (Muslim Brotherhood), called 
for the termination of the television show &Big Brother,8 
which was recorded in Bahrain, due to &immoral acts.8  The 
show was consequently cancelled (See reftel D).  In June 2004 
a Parliamentarian sub-committee passed a proposal for the 
segregation of Bahrain University students, based on gender, 
to be debated in Parliament. 
 
----------------------- 
Groups to Engage 
----------------------- 
4. (U) In Bahrain there are some groups that can be directly 
engaged by the USG to counter anti-Americanism and support 
moderate Islamic voices.  Beit Al Qur,an is an Islamic 
cultural center and museum that is owned by a moderate Sunni 
who seeks out and cooperates with the USG.  Most recently 
Beit Al Qur,an featured the &Edifices of Islam8 exhibition 
by US artist/architect Wahbi Alhariri-Rifai and hosted public 
lectures and discussions sponsored by the U.S. Embassy.  The 
Bahrain,s Women,s Society (BWS) has emerged as a leader 
among Bahrain,s NGOs (See reftel B).  Several BWS members 
have participated in International Visitors (IV) programs. 
One BWS IV participant is creating a child abuse hotline 
based on her experience in the U.S. The Bahrain Youth Forum 
Society is an independent, politically oriented youth 
organization composed of university students and young 
professionals.  This group displays a willingness to listen 
to America,s story although some condemn American policy 
(See reftel E). 
 
5. (U) In addition, there are groups where direct engagement 
is more sensitive.  These groups will not accept USG funds or 
host USG officials but will consider USG funded literature 
and American visitors who discuss topics relating to Islam. 
Discover Islam is a Sunni institution, subsidized by Saudi 
Arabia, to promote Islam primarily among foreigners.  The 
organization welcomes non-Arab Muslims as they seek speakers 
to speak about converting to Islam. Discover Islam twice 
hosted Jermaine Jackson, an American Muslim.  This summer 
Discover Islam is hosting American human resource trainer 
Maraim Lemu.  Ahl Al Beit Society is a Shi,a Islamic culture 
organization.  They promote Shi,a culture through publishing 
pamphlets, posters, and flyers to educate people about 
Shi,aism and Shi,a religious occasions.  Ahl Al Beit 
accepts Embassy pamphlets on Muslim life in America and 
posters illustrating mosques in America. 
 
------------------------------- 
Current Efforts By Post 
------------------------------- 
6. (U) Post has steadily engaged Muslim communities via 
educational, cultural, and media resources.  The teaching of 
English is a primary tool for engaging Muslim communities. 
English language skills are in high demand in Bahrain due to 
its status as a second language here. In addition, the 
exposure of Bahrainis to diverse American teachers and ideas, 
via English language teaching, encourages moderation through 
cultural exposure. The Regional English Language Office 
(RELO), established in September 2002, reaches out to a 
diverse audience including public school teachers and 
students, Ministry of Education officials, and the Bahrain 
University community. RELO conducts workshops at various 
venues where American Teaching English as a Foreign Language 
(TEFL) specialists deliver workshops about English Language 
teaching in the context of critical thinking, democracy, 
citizenship and social responsibility. 
 
7. (U) The American Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) 
has been receiving support from Post since its establishment 
in 2001. Although ACEC was initially exclusive to elite 
audiences, who are able to pay the relatively high tuition 
for English classes, Embassy support makes it possible to 
reach out to a more diverse audience. Post funded a training 
program for Ministry of Education English language teachers 
to hone their English skills.  ACEC is also hosting and 
administering the Post funded Micro Scholarship for English 
Language study that reaches out to economically disadvantaged 
students from Bahrain public schools. While improving their 
English language skills, students and trainees are also 
learning American values of democracy and social 
responsibility through the American published textbooks, such 
as the Scholastic,s materials, and enhancement activities 
such as visits and discussions at the U.S. Embassy. 
 
8. (U) The American Studies Center (ASC), of the University 
of Bahrain, receives grants from Post and offers a minor in 
American Studies to students who study American literature, 
culture, history and government. Through ASC, Post has been 
able to program a number of American speakers for lectures at 
the University and the community. Most recently James Zogby, 
founder and President of the Arab American Institute, was 
invited to discuss American policy in the region and the 
upcoming Presidential elections (See reftel C). 
 
9. (U) Embassy officials also engage Muslim groups by 
attending majalis, or salons, and participating in public 
debates about American policy. The Me,tem Al Haddada majlis 
is composed of middle class Shi,a laborers, teachers, 
doctors, and some unemployed.  The former DCM attended the 
majlis regularly to explain, argue and defend American 
policy. The group is critical but willing to participate in a 
debate with Embassy officials about democratic reform, civic 
responsibility, and U.S. policy. 
 
10. (U) Various Bahrain TV programs provide a venue to reach 
out to Muslim audiences.  &Beyond the News8 is a program 
dedicated to political debates.  The former DCM appeared on 
this program to explain U.S. policy on Iraq.  &Bab el 
Bahrain8 is an Arabic language program dedicated to provide 
insight to cultural opportunities in Bahrain.  The APAO has 
appeared on this program to discuss academic/professional 
exchange programs and their value to bilateral relations and 
mutual understanding. 
 
11. (U) COMMENT: Post will continue to engage Muslim 
audiences by expanding on current programs and maintaining 
communication.  The recipients of Micro Scholarships will 
more than double this academic year while new student 
exchange programs may be implemented.  Post is seeking 
increased funding to expand the Fulbright student program. 
MEPI small grant projects will commence this fall.  Embassy 
officials are also poised to find and reach out to other 
potentially receptive audiences in Bahrain. END COMMENT 
 
 
ZIADEH 
 
ZIADEH