US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1285

S E C R E T MANAMA 001285 
 
SIPDIS 
 
STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/REA, EUR/RPM, PM/RSAT, EAP/RSA, 
OSD/STRATEGY, OSD/EUR, JCS/STRATEGY 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2014 
TAGS: MARR, MCAP, MOPS, PARM, PREL, KPAO, BA, NATO 
SUBJECT: GLOBAL DEFENSE POSTURE REVIEW:  CROWN PRINCE 
EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF U.S.-BAHRAINI PARTNERSHIP 
 
REF: A. STATE 174698 
 
     B. STATE 174197 
 
Classified by Charge D'Affaires Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 
1.5 (b) and (d). 
 
1.  (S) Charge presented Refs A and B talking points on the 
U.S. global defense posture review to Crown Prince (CP) 
Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa August 15 during a meeting 
that also covered joint counter-terrorism efforts, the 
security situation, and the Saudi proposal for Muslim troops 
to Iraq (septels). The CP is also the Commander of the 
Bahrain Defense Force. In presenting the points, the Charge 
underscored that United States relations with our allies will 
remain steadfast and we seek their input and close 
coordination. 
 
2.  (S) The CP responded that the U.S. and Bahrain have a 
long history of shared strategic military objectives and a 
mutually beneficial mil-mil relationship.  He noted that 
prior to the first Gulf War, the United States conducted its 
regional military operations out of Bahrain and Oman, and 
only branched out to other Gulf countries during and after 
the run-up to the war.  He cautioned about the U.S. changing 
its strategic relations with countries in the region, 
particularly as it relates to economic security, protecting 
the transport of oil from the region. 
 
3.  (S) The Crown Prince stressed the importance the Gulf 
countries place on their relationships and partnerships with 
the United States.  Although steady cultivation of 
relationships may not be the most efficient way of doing 
business, it is the most politically sound and effective way 
in this part of the world.  Maintaining the stability of U.S. 
military assets in the region is the best means to ensure 
flexibility in the use of those assets.  While not 
specifically citing Bahrain, the CP said that military 
build-ups at Forward Operating Sites may not be guaranteed in 
the heat of a crisis because host governments may have to 
make extremely sensitive political calculations to permit the 
entry of new troops and materiel.  By contrast, mobilization 
of assets already in place is a much easier and 
straightforward decision.  In closing, the Crown Prince asked 
that we let him know if there are any Bahrain-specific ideas 
under consideration.  The Charge assured him that we would 
continue to consult with him and the GOB as this process 
unfolds. 
 
ZIADEH