Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
04MANAMA1383
2004-09-08 11:42:00
SECRET//NOFORN
Embassy Manama
Cable title:  

SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE (SEPQ)

Tags:  ASEC PTER 
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This record is a partial extract of the original cable. The full text of the original cable is not available.
S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001383 

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DS/IP/ITA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2014
TAGS: ASEC PTER
SUBJECT: SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE (SEPQ)

REF: STATE 185263

Classified By: AMB William T. MONROE for reasons 1.5 (b and d)

POLITICAL VIOLENCE

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001383

SIPDIS

NOFORN

DS/IP/ITA

E.O. 12958: DECL: 09/10/2014
TAGS: ASEC PTER
SUBJECT: SECURITY ENVIRONMENT PROFILE QUESTIONNAIRE (SEPQ)

REF: STATE 185263

Classified By: AMB William T. MONROE for reasons 1.5 (b and d)

POLITICAL VIOLENCE


1. (C) DEMONSTRATIONS


A. Yes

B. Yes

C. Yes

D. 500-4,000

E. Yes, anti-American demonstrations are usually triggered by
US Military Action or US Foreign Policy.

F. In the last 12 months, some demonstrations have at times
become violent. Numerous incidents of rock throwing and
physical assault against police officers were reported.

G. No

H. Not in the last 2 years (April 5, 2002).

I. Yes there have been anti-government demonstrations in the
last twelve months concerning democratic reform and
unemployment concerns.

J. Yes

K. 500-4,000

L. The majority of demonstrations are peaceful. However,
violent demonstrations have taken place in the last 12 months

M. No


2. (C) MACRO CONFLICT CONDITIONS


A. There are no current interstate or intrastate conflicts in
Bahrain. However, Shi'a dissatisfaction remains an area of
concern and deeply motivated by the government's (Sunni)
domination of the political process. The Embassy closely
monitors Bahrain's political reforms and the populations'
reactions.

B. No specific region although all anti-government activities
take place in Manama.

C. Yes

D. Yes. Both the Sunni and Shi'a sects have demonstrated
anti-Americanism in the past. Anti-Americanism is not
endemic in Bahrain and is usually demonstrated in response to
some USG foreign policy position or military action. For
example, hostilities in Iraq have triggered demonstrations in
the last 12 months.


3. (C) HOST COUNTRY CAPABILITIES


A. Yes, law enforcement agencies are reasonably well trained
and responsive.

B. Yes, Post is in the mid-stage of a three year ATA training
program with numerous sectors of the Government of Bahrain.
So far, training provided by ATA and DOD has been well
received and noticeably increased the skill level of the
recipients.

C. No

D. Yes

E. Yes

F. Yes. In the last twelve months the security services have
made notable arrests in the area of anti-terrorism. The GOB
arrested 6 Al-Qaida supporters. They are presently in jail
pending trial.

G. Yes

H. Very good

I. Average

J. Average

INDIGENOUS TERRORISM


4. (C) ANTI-AMERICAN TERRORIST GROUPS


A. Yes

B. 3 Groups: Hizballah, Al-Qaida and The Islamic Front for
the Liberation of Bahrain.

C. No

D. N/A

E. No

F. No

G. Country-Wide

H. N/A


5. (C) OTHER INDIGENOUS TERRORIST GROUPS


A. No

B. N/A

C. No

D. N/A

E. N/A

TRANSNATIONAL TERRORISM

6. (S/NF) TRANSNATIONAL TERRORIST INDICATORS

A. Yes, Hizballah and Al-Qaida have a known presence in
country.

B. The cells have been known to have an operational,
financial and support presence.

C. GOB is not sympathetic to groups, but has not dealt
forcefully in eliminating them.

D. No

E. Yes. Although Bahrain is well known as a moderate country,
it is nonetheless an Islamic country. Hizballah, Al-Qaida
and other Islamic terrorist groups proclaiming resistance to
the United States' presence in the region have generated some
sympathies. This does not however, necessarily translate
into a call to arms.

F. The EAC is aware of this presence and is particularly
concerned with the Iranians. There has been IRGC
surveillance of US military facilities in the past, but none
reported recently. The EAC is also aware and concerned about
a Chinese trade office located 30 meters from the Embassy
parking lot. There is no information linking these hostile
intelligence services to potential anti-American terrorist
acts.

G. Possession of weapons is illegal in Bahrain. The EAC
considers weapons and explosives to be unavailable in
Bahrain. The EAC is concerned about the flow of weapons into
Bahrain from Saudi Arabia.
MONROE