MUSLIM WORLD OUTREACH IN BAHRAIN

C O N F I D E N T I A L SECTION 01 OF 03 MANAMA 001200 SIPDIS NEA/PPD MQUINN, PAGNEW E.O. 12958: DECL: 072712 TAGS: BA EAID KDEM KPAO OEXC OIIP OPRC PGOV PHUM PREL SUBJECT: MUSLIM WORLD OUTREACH IN BAHRAIN REF: A. A) STATE 155954 ¶B. B) MANAMA 01115 ¶C. C) MANAMA 000722 ¶D. D) MANAMA 336 ¶E. E) 03 MANAMA 2686 ¶F. F) 03 MANAMA 002087 Classified By: CDA SUSAN L. ZIADEH, REASONS 1.4 (B&D). ¶1. (C) SUMMARY: Bahrain is an Islamic state with a population that is 98 percent Muslim. Bahraini contacts have discussed the potential of a possible shift towards conservatism in Bahrain. However, some groups, such as Beit Al Qura,an, the Bahrain Women,s Society, and the Bahrain Youth Forum Society, are willing to directly engage with the USG to counter anti-Americanism and support moderate Islamic voices in the community. In addition, there are groups where direct engagement is a more sensitive subject. Discover Islam and Ahl Al Beit Society are groups that will not accept USG funds or host USG officials but would consider USG funded literature and American visitors who discuss topics relating to Islam. Post has steadily engaged Muslim communities via educational, cultural, and media resources. The teaching of English is a primary tool for engaging Muslim communities. The English language is a commodity that is in high demand in Bahrain due to its status as a second language. In addition, the exposure of Bahrainis to diverse American teachers and ideas, via English language teaching, encourages moderation through cultural exposure. END SUMMARY -------------- The Local Context -------------- ¶2. (C) Islam is the official religion of the Kingdom of Bahrain with a population that is 98 percent Muslim. Muslim citizens adhere to the Shi,a and Sunni sects of Islam, with Shi,a constituting about two-thirds of the indigenous population. The Bahraini Constitution provides for freedom of religion, however there exist some limits on this right. The Government subjects both Sunni and Shi,a Muslims to some government control and monitoring, and there continues to be government discrimination against Shi,a Muslims. As a result Shi,a Muslims often resent minority Sunni Muslim rule. ¶3. (C) There are some warning signs indicating the potential of a possible shift towards conservatism in Bahrain from both Sunni and Shi,a communities. In February 2004 Chairman of Al Asala Islamic society (the Sunni Salafi society in Bahrain) called to cancel the performance of Nancy Agram, a Lebanese singer, in Bahrain (See reftel E). Young disaffected and bored Shi,a villagers demonstrated during the concert, which was subsequently disrupted and ultimately cancelled. Weeks later, a rabidly anti-American Representative of Al Minbar Islamic Society, the political wing of Al Eslah Islamic Society (Muslim Brotherhood),called for the termination of the television show &Big Brother,8 which was recorded in Bahrain, due to &immoral acts.8 The show was consequently cancelled (See reftel D). In June 2004 a Parliamentarian sub-committee passed a proposal for the segregation of Bahrain University students, based on gender, to be debated in Parliament. -------------- Groups to Engage -------------- ¶4. (U) In Bahrain there are some groups that can be directly engaged by the USG to counter anti-Americanism and support moderate Islamic voices. Beit Al Qur,an is an Islamic cultural center and museum that is owned by a moderate Sunni who seeks out and cooperates with the USG. Most recently Beit Al Qur,an featured the &Edifices of Islam8 exhibition by US artist/architect Wahbi Alhariri-Rifai and hosted public lectures and discussions sponsored by the U.S. Embassy. The Bahrain,s Women,s Society (BWS) has emerged as a leader among Bahrain,s NGOs (See reftel B). Several BWS members have participated in International Visitors (IV) programs. One BWS IV participant is creating a child abuse hotline based on her experience in the U.S. The Bahrain Youth Forum Society is an independent, politically oriented youth organization composed of university students and young professionals. This group displays a willingness to listen to America,s story although some condemn American policy (See reftel E). ¶5. (U) In addition, there are groups where direct engagement is more sensitive. These groups will not accept USG funds or host USG officials but will consider USG funded literature and American visitors who discuss topics relating to Islam. Discover Islam is a Sunni institution, subsidized by Saudi Arabia, to promote Islam primarily among foreigners. The organization welcomes non-Arab Muslims as they seek speakers to speak about converting to Islam. Discover Islam twice hosted Jermaine Jackson, an American Muslim. This summer Discover Islam is hosting American human resource trainer Maraim Lemu. Ahl Al Beit Society is a Shi,a Islamic culture organization. They promote Shi,a culture through publishing pamphlets, posters, and flyers to educate people about Shi,aism and Shi,a religious occasions. Ahl Al Beit accepts Embassy pamphlets on Muslim life in America and posters illustrating mosques in America. -------------- Current Efforts By Post -------------- ¶6. (U) Post has steadily engaged Muslim communities via educational, cultural, and media resources. The teaching of English is a primary tool for engaging Muslim communities. English language skills are in high demand in Bahrain due to its status as a second language here. In addition, the exposure of Bahrainis to diverse American teachers and ideas, via English language teaching, encourages moderation through cultural exposure. The Regional English Language Office (RELO),established in September 2002, reaches out to a diverse audience including public school teachers and students, Ministry of Education officials, and the Bahrain University community. RELO conducts workshops at various venues where American Teaching English as a Foreign Language (TEFL) specialists deliver workshops about English Language teaching in the context of critical thinking, democracy, citizenship and social responsibility. ¶7. (U) The American Cultural and Educational Center (ACEC) has been receiving support from Post since its establishment in 2001. Although ACEC was initially exclusive to elite audiences, who are able to pay the relatively high tuition for English classes, Embassy support makes it possible to reach out to a more diverse audience. Post funded a training program for Ministry of Education English language teachers to hone their English skills. ACEC is also hosting and administering the Post funded Micro Scholarship for English Language study that reaches out to economically disadvantaged students from Bahrain public schools. While improving their English language skills, students and trainees are also learning American values of democracy and social responsibility through the American published textbooks, such as the Scholastic,s materials, and enhancement activities such as visits and discussions at the U.S. Embassy. ¶8. (U) The American Studies Center (ASC),of the University of Bahrain, receives grants from Post and offers a minor in American Studies to students who study American literature, culture, history and government. Through ASC, Post has been able to program a number of American speakers for lectures at the University and the community. Most recently James Zogby, founder and President of the Arab American Institute, was invited to discuss American policy in the region and the upcoming Presidential elections (See reftel C). ¶9. (U) Embassy officials also engage Muslim groups by attending majalis, or salons, and participating in public debates about American policy. The Me,tem Al Haddada majlis is composed of middle class Shi,a laborers, teachers, doctors, and some unemployed. The former DCM attended the majlis regularly to explain, argue and defend American policy. The group is critical but willing to participate in a debate with Embassy officials about democratic reform, civic responsibility, and U.S. policy. ¶10. (U) Various Bahrain TV programs provide a venue to reach out to Muslim audiences. &Beyond the News8 is a program dedicated to political debates. The former DCM appeared on this program to explain U.S. policy on Iraq. &Bab el Bahrain8 is an Arabic language program dedicated to provide insight to cultural opportunities in Bahrain. The APAO has appeared on this program to discuss academic/professional exchange programs and their value to bilateral relations and mutual understanding. ¶11. (U) COMMENT: Post will continue to engage Muslim audiences by expanding on current programs and maintaining communication. The recipients of Micro Scholarships will more than double this academic year while new student exchange programs may be implemented. Post is seeking increased funding to expand the Fulbright student program. MEPI small grant projects will commence this fall. Embassy officials are also poised to find and reach out to other potentially receptive audiences in Bahrain. END COMMENT ZIADEH ZIADEH