team+2+Bahrain

**Bahrain **



=**Overview of Bahrain** =  Bahrain is officially called the Kingdom of Bahrain and is a small island state located off the coasts of Saudi Arabia near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. The Kingdom of Bahrain is a hereditary kingdom governed by the Al-Khalifa family. The state of Bahrain is considered one large island that consists of about 33 smaller islands, and is also home to many large structures. Bahrain is also known very well for it's oil and pearls, and has even been listed as the second most attractive tourist location in the Middle East. The country benefits from underground aquifers that provide life-sustaining water, despite being located in a desert region. The discovery of oil in Bahrain has led to rapid development in this area. The total land area of Bahrain is 706,550 square kilometers, and the main island, Bahrain Island, comprises 85 percent of the country's total land area. The capital city of Manama is situated on Bahrain Island, which is linked to the Saudi Arabian mainland by the King Fahd Causeway. Two of the smaller islands, Al Muharraq and Sitrah, are also linked to Bahrain Island by causeways. According to the U.S. Department of State, the indigenous population of Bahrain is 98% Muslim.

=**History** =  Bahrain was known as Dilmun in the ancient times, and was an important center of trade. The islands were rule by the Persians in the 4th century A.D., and then by the Arabs until 1541, when the Portuguese invaded them. The island first became Christian, and then Islamic. It was during the 15th and 16th centuries when Bahrain was under Portuguese control, and in 1521, the Portuguese allied with Hormuz and seized Bahrain from the Jabrid ruler Migrin ibn Zamil, who was also killed during this takeover. This Portuguese rule lasted for about 80 years, and they relied on Sunni Persian governors during this time. In 1602, the Portuguese were expelled from the islands by Abbas I of the Safavid dynasty of Iran, who declared Shia Islam the official religion of Bahrain. Over the next two centuries, Iranian rulers gained control of Bahrain. [|Nasr Al-Madhkur's] clan restored rule in Bahrain in 1753 when they invaded the country.

=Al-Khalifa Family - History of Power (Thru the 1970's) =

As a result of the 1782 Battle of Zubarah, Nasr Al-Madhkur lost the islands of Bahrain because of his befeat by the Bani Utbah tribe. In 1783 Ahmad ibn Al Khalifah took over after gaining power of the Bani Utbah, and still is the ruling family in Bahrain. However, there was a brief moment when the [|Al Khalifa family] family didn't hold its powers. After Bahrain was invaded by the Omanis and Al Sauds, it was governed by the son of Sayyid Sultan who was twelve years old at this time. However, the Al Khalifa family regained its powers in 1820, and has since been the ruling family in Bahrain. It was the al-Khalifa clan who ultimately took control of the Bahrain, and signed the first of many treaties that would establish Bahrain as a British protectorate in 1820. As a result, the British controlled the foreign and security policies of Bahrain. Bahrain could not give any of their territory away to any countries other than the United Kingdom. As part of the agreement, Bahrain also couldn't have any other relationships with foreign countries without consent from the British. In return, the British agreed to support the rule of the Al Khalifa family in Bahrain. In addition, the British agreed to protect Bahrain from invaders and aggression from other countries. However, the discovery of oil in this part of the world in 1932 turned Bahrain into one of the most flourishing and modernizing places in the world. As Bahrain continued to grow and develop even more, British influence continued to grow as well. Following World War II, there was a widespread anti-British feeling throughout the Middle East in the 1950's, which led to riots in Bahrain. However, the British did not pull out of Bahrain until the 1970's, and Bahrain finally gained its full independence from British rule on August 15, 1971.

=Al-Khalifa Family - Changes in Bahrain (1999-2002) =

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa acceded to the throne in March of 1999, following the death of his father, who had been Bahrain's ruler since 1961. After his accession, Shaikh Hamad established a committee to create a plan to transform Bahrain from a heredity emirate to a constitutional monarcy within two years, in November of 2000. This National Action Charter was presented to the Bahraini public in February 2001. In the first public vote in Bahrain since the 1970s, 94.8% of voters overwhelmingly endorsed the charter. In addition, Shaikh Hamad pardoned all political prisoners and detainees during the same month. This included those who had been imprisoned, exiled or detained on security charges. He also abolished the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

One year after the endorsment of his National Action Charter, Shaikh Hamad pronounced Bahrain a constitutional monarchy and changed his status from Amir to King. He also announced that the first municipal elections since 1957 would be held in May 2002, and that a bicameral parliament, with a representative lower house, would be reconstituted with parliamentary elections in October 2002.

-Cari VanDouser


 * Politics **

Bahrain was not recognized as a country until 1973, when it declared independence from British rule. After the UN instated Bahrain as a sovereign state, the country's leader, Sheikh [|Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifah], implemented a series of constitutional reforms. Among these was the establishment of a National Assembly, which consisted of thirty constituents and fourteen appointed members. Despite outcry from the constituents, al-Khalifa did not relegate legislative control the National Assembly, but continued to issue laws by decree. Tension between the National Assembly and al-Khalifa came to a head in 1974, after the Sheikh issued a harsh security law. Under the new law, government officials were able to indiscriminately detain and arrest anyone seen as a threat to Bahrain's security. The Sheikh superseded the National Assembly's protests, and dismantled the organization in 1975. Fifteen years of Al-Khalifa's oppressive regime resulted in the 1990s Uprising in Bahrain, in which Islamists and leftists united in protest against the government. Only after Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifah stepped down from governance did the protesting cease.

Constitutional Monarchy
In 1999, Bahrain's political atmosphere drastically changed. After Hamad ibn Salman Al Khalifah succeeded his father as ruler, he began introducing more progressive legislation and institutions. Hamad abolished the 1974 security law, which effectively freed all political prisoners. In 2002, both men and women participated in the country's first parliamentary election. Thanks to al-Khalifah's referendums, Bahrain became a constitutional monarchy. Shī´a and Sunnī parties have profited fr om the parliamentary system; using the new political platform to further religious agendas. Islamist parties have won important election victories in each parliamentary election. However, their success was temporarily halted in March 2006, when a group of municipal counsillers returning from a Malaysian conference disappeared in Bangkok. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">The <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif;">counsillers explained their layover in Thailand as a "fact-finding mission."

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">While the public generally embraced these political reforms, several Islamic groups took issue with the Shura Council's appointment as upper chamber, and boycotted the 2002 election. They believed that the upper chamber should be composed of elected (not appointed) officials. However, the strength of their argument was diminished when the Al Wefaq National Islamist Society stated that religious leaders alone should have the right to amend certain laws (e.g. the family law, designed to increase women's rights). The strong Shī´a and Sunnī presence in politics has also caused a backlash among Bahrain's liberal set, which viewed these religious parties as threats to inherent personal rights and freedoms. Academics, journalists, and businessmen banded together in 2001 to form Al Muntada (“The Forum”), a society designed to address the overwhelming religious presence in Bahraini politics. In response to the large Islamist influence, Bahraini women formed their own society (The Supreme Council for Women).

The 2011 Bahraini Uprising
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">The advent of 2011’s Arab Spring is the cause of Bahrain’s most recent political developments. During the 2011 Bahraini uprising, the largely Shī´a populace protested for greater political freedom and equality, and called for Hamad’s resignation as king. In response, Hamad declared marital law, as well as a three-month state of emergency. The police reaction to the protesters was harsh; accounts of midnight house raids, arrests, beatings, and denial of medical service have been reported. The Uprising's most notable incident occurred on February 14th, 2011, when protesters rallied at the Pearl Monument. They occupied Pearl Roundabout, an area near the financial district of Manama. On the morning of February 18, police raided the encampment with Bahrain Defense Force tanks. At least six civilians died; many more were injured. The protestors disembarked a week later, after the government ordered the demolition of the Pearl Monument. The Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry was created by King Hamad in June 2011 to investigate reports of police brutality.

-Kristen Overberg

=Economy=

According to the U.S. Department of State (2011): Currency || 3.7% Dinar || <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Bahrain was the first Gulf state to discover oil, which is an industry that its government revenues are heavily dependent upon. According to the U.S. Department of State, petroleum production and refining account for more than 60% of Bahrain's export receipts, 70% of government revenues, and 11% of GDP. Saudi Arabia provides most of the crude for refinery operation through pipeline and Bahrain also receives a large portion of the net output and revenues from Saudi Arabia's Abu Saafa offshore oilfield. The Bahrain National Gas Company operates a gas liquefaction plant that utilizes gas piped directly from Bahrain's oilfields. It is estimated that gas reserves should last about 50 years at present rates of consumption
 * GDP || $20.59 Billion ||
 * GDP per capita || $38,400 ||
 * GDP real growth rate || 4.5% ||
 * Unemployment rate

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Unfortunately, Bahrain’s crude oil reserves are expected to run out in 10-15 years, which has sparked efforts to diversify economic activities. In addition to diversification efforts, Bahrain has limited its oil production at about 40,000 barrels per day. The efforts to enlarge its range of production and operation has made Bahrain one of the most diversified economies in the Persian Gulf and its oil revenues have aided greatly in advancement of infrastructure in transportation and telecommunications as well as the development of service industries such as information technology, healthcare, and education. Other major economic activities include production of aluminum, construction, and finance.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Aluminum is Bahrain's second largest export after oil. The Aluminum Bahrain, also knows as Alba, is one of the biggest industrial companies in Bahrain and the Middle East and it is the world's fourth largest aluminum smelter. According to Arabian business.com, Alba generated 50 percent of its sales in Bahrain, 20 percent elsewhere in the region and 10 percent in Europe. Alba chief executive officer Laurent Schmitt, on the topic of future sales says, "We will increase our sales in Europe [this year, 2011] and have a slight decrease in the Middle East... because we want to develop our value-added products' share." [|Interview Article]

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Bahrain is a regional financial and business center, and competes with Malaysia as a worldwide center for Islamic banking. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">In 2008, Bahrain was named the world's fastest growing financial center by the City of London's Global Financial Centres Index <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">It currently has 32 Islamic commercial, investment and leasing banks as well as Islamic insurance companies, giving it the largest concentration of Islamic financial institutions in the Middle East. Bahrain's development as a major financial center has been the most widely advertised aspect of its diversification effort. In 2006, Bahrain implemented a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with the United States, which is the first and only FTA between the U.S. and a Gulf state.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Tourism in the region has proved to be another important source of income and it makes up about 9% of the country’s GDP. Unfortunately, Bahrain has developed a negative image because of protests and unrest within the country, events that have hurt the tourist industry and caused the cancellation of the 2011 Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix.

**Economic Future**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Bahrain is a mixed economy, meaning it has an economic system in which both the state and private sector direct the economy. The public sector has been the driving force behind much of the country’s economic growth; a downfall of because the lack of development within the private sector. The Bahrain Economic Development Board puts emphasis on empowering the private sector and positioning it to be the engine of economic growth in order to create a more sustainable economy. The EDB also stresses investment in training and education for Bahrainis young citizens who are entering the work force, which may aid in tackling the country’s unemployment problem. The Unemployment Insurance System (UIS) is a ministry designed to reduce the unemployment rate as well. The system allows unemployed citizens, who are registered with the ministry, to receive financial assistance for six months based on their qualification and experience. The ministry then helps the citizen find employment, and in some cases, helps them find a training program. Unless they resigned or were fired for reasons of violating job ethics, Bahraini employees are entitled to financial assistance for losing their job. The unemployment assistance is then equal to 60 percent of their last received salary in their previous job. The fund of the UIS is financed through contributions from Bahraini employees and employers and has helped reduce unemployment significantly. Bahrain has reduced its rate of joblessness from 16% in 2002 to 3.7% in 2010.

**Political and Social Impact of the Iranian Revolution**
Bahrain’s social and political development was greatly impacted by the Iranian Revolution in 1979. This revolution was sparked by the spread of Islamism or “Political Islam,” throughout the Middle East in the 1970’s. Bahrain had pluralist traditions as a result of its intricate demographic make-up, which required Sunni and Shia Muslims to live together. Arab nationalism and Marxism reinforced tolerance between the two sects as both ideologies pushed for social progression, secularism, and potential western influence through open-border trade. Despite tolerance, there was a growing conservative trend in Bahrain, which flourished after the fall of Iran’s Shah, Mohammad Reza Pahlavi. The events prior to the Revolution as well as the aftermath encouraged Shia Islamist difference throughout the Middle East. Iran under Ayatollah Khomeini saw Bahrain as their co-religionists and their ticket to the exportation of the Islamist revolution. Lack of effective resistance by the "Left" allowed the Islamist movement to grow and strengthen within Bahrain. In 1981, the Islamic Front for the Liberation of Bahrain planned an assassination of Bahrain’s leadership and an Islamic Uprising. The aim of this plan was to overthrow Bahrain’s government and to establish religious leadership. The overthrow was a failure and Bahrain went on to join a political and economic union of the Arab states called the Gulf Cooperation Council, during the Ian-Iraq War.

1990's Intifada
Between 1994 and 2000, leftists, liberals and Islamists joined forces on a common ground, which was considered the first time this had occurred in the Arab world. This intifada pushed for democratic reform as well as restoration of the National Council and the constitution, which had both been unconstitutionally dissolved in 1975. The current regime was ruled by Shaykh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa who had promised reform but had delivered little. There was also upset due to the governments discrimination against the majority Shia population. After Shaykh Isa's fall in March 1999, his son, Shaykh Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa took charge of everything. Under his control, Bahrain was affirmed a constitutional monarchy.

<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">-Molly Stephens

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">People, Language and Heritage __**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">The population of Bahrain is just over 1.2 million people but with the hopeful outlook on its development as a country, that number is likely to increase rather than decline. Although the majority of the people are Muslim and the main language spoken in Bahrain is Arabic, there are over one thousand Christians living in Bahrain and the English language is widely used throughout the country. Bahraini Muslims choose to keep their religious obligations despite the busy and rapidly growing economy by making sure that they pray five times a day and everything closes on Friday. The weekend is on Friday and Saturday.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Family and Marriage __**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Since almost all of the people in Bahrain are Muslim, it is not surprising that families stay close; so close that they live in the same house. It is very common to see Parents, children, grandparents, and other relatives all living under the same roof. When a woman gets married, she usually goes to live with her husband and his family. In the past, girls got married when they were just 12 or 13 years old but now the girls grow up, get an education and find a job before they become married. Arranged marriages are still very much in practice however the bride and groom have chances to meet and get to know each other before marriage.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Women in Bahrain __**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Women are more socially involved in Bahrain than in other Arab countries. Many are very well educated and hold jobs as well as participate in women societies and organizations. It is not required to cover one’s face with a veil if you are a woman although some women still do. Most important of all, women have the right to vote. Unfortunately, women are considered to be lower in status than a man and weaker so therefore in need of protection. It is just another stepping stone for the women in Bahrain in order to be considered equal to men.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Etiquette and Customs __**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Visitors and social events are the highlight of everyone’s week. It is quite normal to visit a friend or be invited to a social event by the same friend. However, there are certain rules of etiquette that one must follow to make sure that no one is offended, especially the host. When a person enters a room, everyone in the room must stand and it is up to the person who just entered to go around to everyone and shake their hands and then touch their other hand to their heart to give a sign of respect and affection. Women and men are allowed to shake hand but the women must offer first. If you are visiting a friend, it is custom for the host to offer some sort of beverage like water, coffee or tea. To refuse or even politely decline this small offering would consider being an insult to the host and this would be very bad. It is not polite to talk about business at a social event and although dinner is usually served, it is at the of the night so one must be prepared to socialize for quite a while. When it comes to the actual meal, there are also customary things to do so one does not insult the host. For example, one should try a bit of everything that is served only eat with their right hand. After one is done eating, one must remember to leave a little food on the plate so the host knows that gave an ‘abundance’ of food to his guest. After the visit or social event, one must remember to reciprocate the invitation by inviting the host to one’s own house for the same social event.

**__<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">Holidays and New Traditions __**
<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Bahrain celebrates many holidays, like New Year’s Day (January 1st), Labour Day (May 1st), Islamic New Year, the prophet Muhammad’s birthday, and Ramadan. Bahrain’s Independence Day was on August 15th, 1971 when the Bahrain was no longer occupied by the British. However, this day is not celebrated. Instead they have the Bahrain National Day, which is on December 16th. This Day is filled with joy and celebration throughout the country, with extravagant fireworks and parties. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">Although traditionally, Bahrain is like most Arab countries, its’ economy has rapidly developed these past few decades. This has allowed for more modern recreations to be available. For example, Bahrain has its very own Formula One race-track. It hosted the Gulf Air Grand Prix in 2004, the first time an Arab country was the host and then they had their own Bahrain Grand Prix the very next year. Bahrain also has an international circuit which contains a full length drag strip. <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|Formula One Race]



<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman',Times,serif; font-size: 14px;">-Anuj Rama

Overview & History - Cari VanDouser:

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**Culture**

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 * <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 16px;">[|http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bahrain#Culture]
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 * http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Vak6Py78F5

Economy -Molly Stephens

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**Impact of the Iranian Revolution and the 1990's Intifada- Molly Stephens**
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