GLOBAL DEFENSE POSTURE REVIEW: CROWN PRINCE

S E C R E T MANAMA 001285 SIPDIS STATE FOR NEA/ARP, NEA/REA, EUR/RPM, PM/RSAT, EAP/RSA, OSD/STRATEGY, OSD/EUR, JCS/STRATEGY E.O. 12958: DECL: 08/16/2014 TAGS: MARR MCAP MOPS PARM PREL KPAO BA NATO SUBJECT: GLOBAL DEFENSE POSTURE REVIEW: CROWN PRINCE EMPHASIZES IMPORTANCE OF U.S.-BAHRAINI PARTNERSHIP REF: A. STATE 174698 ¶B. STATE 174197 Classified by Charge D'Affaires Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.5 (b) and (d). ¶1. (S) Charge presented Refs A and B talking points on the U.S. global defense posture review to Crown Prince (CP) Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al-Khalifa August 15 during a meeting that also covered joint counter-terrorism efforts, the security situation, and the Saudi proposal for Muslim troops to Iraq (septels). The CP is also the Commander of the Bahrain Defense Force. In presenting the points, the Charge underscored that United States relations with our allies will remain steadfast and we seek their input and close coordination. ¶2. (S) The CP responded that the U.S. and Bahrain have a long history of shared strategic military objectives and a mutually beneficial mil-mil relationship. He noted that prior to the first Gulf War, the United States conducted its regional military operations out of Bahrain and Oman, and only branched out to other Gulf countries during and after the run-up to the war. He cautioned about the U.S. changing its strategic relations with countries in the region, particularly as it relates to economic security, protecting the transport of oil from the region. ¶3. (S) The Crown Prince stressed the importance the Gulf countries place on their relationships and partnerships with the United States. Although steady cultivation of relationships may not be the most efficient way of doing business, it is the most politically sound and effective way in this part of the world. Maintaining the stability of U.S. military assets in the region is the best means to ensure flexibility in the use of those assets. While not specifically citing Bahrain, the CP said that military build-ups at Forward Operating Sites may not be guaranteed in the heat of a crisis because host governments may have to make extremely sensitive political calculations to permit the entry of new troops and materiel. By contrast, mobilization of assets already in place is a much easier and straightforward decision. In closing, the Crown Prince asked that we let him know if there are any Bahrain-specific ideas under consideration. The Charge assured him that we would continue to consult with him and the GOB as this process unfolds. ZIADEH