Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MANAMA1200
2004-07-28 13:37:00
CONFIDENTIAL
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

MUSLIM WORLD OUTREACH IN BAHRAIN

Tags:  BA EAID KDEM KPAO OEXC OIIP OPRC PGOV PHUM PREL 
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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).

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