Congressional Members Oppose US-Bahrain Arms Sale

Josh Rogin writes that “a growing group of lawmakers and non-governmental organizations are gearing up to oppose the State Department’s” proposed $53 million arms sale to Bahrain, and that “Sen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) are circulating a resolution that would stop the sale from going through.” Senator Wyden told Rogin that ”providing arms to a government that is actively committing human rights violations against peaceful protestors is at odds with United States foreign policy goals,” adding that ”we should be promoting democracy and human rights in the region and not rewarding a regime that is jailing and in some cases killing those who choose to peacefully protest their government and anyone who supports them.” Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) also expressed reticence about the proposed arms sale.

Cole Bockenfeld, the Director of Advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy, attests that “failure to [re-energise diplomatic efforts toward Bahrain] risks an escalation of violence that could endanger the relationship both parties hold dear.” Bockenfeld suggests that the Obama Administration can assist the reconciliation process by encouraging the withdrawal of GCC forces from Bahrain and expediting the confirmation and deployment of Ambassador-designate Thomas Krajeski. Bockenfeld concludes that “the U.S. Administration and the Bahraini government have a responsibility to act and deliver meaningful reform and accountability, or risk the very scenario both wish to avoid.”