U.S. Basing in Bahrain

As the Fifth Fleet and NAVCENT headquarters, the United States Naval Base in Bahrain provides vital services to operations in the Middle East. The U.S. relies on these basing rights to be prepared for potential hostilities with Iran and to support OIF and OEF. Bahrain occupies a strategic location in a volatile neighborhood an on-site military ally provides security against Iran and stability that benefits Bahrains economic ventures. Conversely, impetus to remove the U.S. base is likely to result from negative public opinion for the United States by the Bahraini citizens. Iran is the greatest reason for the continuance of the Bahrain-U.S. alliance. With Irans continued pursuit of nuclear weapons and other advanced weapon technology, the military alliance with the United States is critical to the security of Bahrain. The GOB will continue to pursue social and economic reform to maintain internal stability and avoid public outcry against the U.S. presence. The proactive efforts of the GOB to appease the population will allow Bahrain to maintain the U.S. base and alliance with the United States for the next 20 years.