US embassy cable - 04MANAMA1383

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001383 
 
SIPDIS 
 
NOFORN 
 
DS/IP/ITA 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2014 
TAGS: ASEC, PTER 
SUBJECT: SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE (SEPQ) 
 
REF: STATE 185263 
 
Classified By: AMB William T. MONROE for reasons 1.5 (b and d) 
 
POLITICAL VIOLENCE 
 
1. (C) DEMONSTRATIONS 
 
A. Yes 
B. Yes 
C. Yes 
D. 500-4,000 
E. Yes, anti-American demonstrations are usually triggered by 
US Military Action or US Foreign Policy. 
F. In the last 12 months, some demonstrations have at times 
become violent.  Numerous incidents of rock throwing and 
physical assault against police officers were reported. 
G. No 
H. Not in the last 2 years (April 5, 2002). 
I. Yes there have been anti-government demonstrations in the 
last twelve months concerning democratic reform and 
unemployment concerns. 
J. Yes 
K. 500-4,000 
L. The majority of demonstrations are peaceful. However, 
violent demonstrations have taken place in the last 12 months 
M. No 
 
2. (C) MACRO CONFLICT CONDITIONS 
 
A. There are no current interstate or intrastate conflicts in 
Bahrain.  However, Shi'a dissatisfaction remains an area of 
concern and deeply motivated by the government's (Sunni) 
domination of the political process.  The Embassy closely 
monitors Bahrain's political reforms and the populations' 
reactions. 
B. No specific region although all anti-government activities 
take place in Manama. 
C. Yes 
D. Yes.  Both the Sunni and Shi'a sects have demonstrated 
anti-Americanism in the past.  Anti-Americanism is not 
endemic in Bahrain and is usually demonstrated in response to 
some USG foreign policy position or military action.  For 
example, hostilities in Iraq have triggered demonstrations in 
the last 12 months. 
 
3. (C) HOST COUNTRY CAPABILITIES 
 
A. Yes, law enforcement agencies are reasonably well trained 
and responsive. 
B. Yes, Post is in the mid-stage of a three year ATA training 
program with numerous sectors of the Government of Bahrain. 
So far, training provided by ATA and DOD has been well 
received and noticeably increased the skill level of the 
recipients. 
C. No 
D. Yes 
E. Yes 
F. Yes.  In the last twelve months the security services have 
made notable arrests in the area of anti-terrorism.  The GOB 
arrested 6 Al-Qaida supporters.  They are presently in jail 
pending trial. 
G. Yes 
H. Very good 
I. Average 
J. Average 
 
INDIGENOUS TERRORISM 
 
4. (C) ANTI-AMERICAN TERRORIST GROUPS 
 
A. Yes 
B. 3 Groups:  Hizballah, Al-Qaida and The Islamic Front for 
the Liberation of Bahrain. 
C. No 
D. N/A 
E. No 
F. No 
G. Country-Wide 
H. N/A 
 
5. (C) OTHER INDIGENOUS TERRORIST GROUPS 
 
A. No 
B. N/A 
C. No 
D. N/A 
E. N/A 
 
TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM 
6. (S/NF) TRANSNATIONAL TERRORIST INDICATORS 
A. Yes, Hizballah and Al-Qaida have a known presence in 
country. 
B. The cells have been known to have an operational, 
financial and support presence. 
C. GOB is not sympathetic to groups, but has not dealt 
forcefully in eliminating them. 
D. No 
E. Yes. Although Bahrain is well known as a moderate country, 
it is nonetheless an Islamic country.  Hizballah, Al-Qaida 
and other Islamic terrorist groups proclaiming resistance to 
the United States' presence in the region have generated some 
sympathies.  This does not however, necessarily translate 
into a call to arms. 
F. The EAC is aware of this presence and is particularly 
concerned with the Iranians.  There has been IRGC 
surveillance of US military facilities in the past, but none 
reported recently.  The EAC is also aware and concerned about 
a Chinese trade office located 30 meters from the Embassy 
parking lot.  There is no information linking these hostile 
intelligence services to potential anti-American terrorist 
acts. 
G. Possession of weapons is illegal in Bahrain.  The EAC 
considers weapons and explosives to be unavailable in 
Bahrain.  The EAC is concerned about the flow of weapons into 
Bahrain from Saudi Arabia. 
MONROE