AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES SECURITY THREATS WITH

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 000585

SIPDIS

DEPT FOR DS/IP/NEA, DS/PII, DS/ITA, DS/ATA, NEA/ARPI, S/CT

E.O. 12958: DECL: 04/19/2015
TAGS: ASEC BA PGOV PTER
SUBJECT: AMBASSADOR DISCUSSES SECURITY THREATS WITH
INTERIOR MINISTER


Classified By: AMBASSADOR WILLIAM T. MONROE FOR REASONS 1.4 (b) AND (d)

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SUMMARY
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1. (S) Ambassador met with Interior Minister Shaikh Rashid
Al-Khalifa April 19 to register our concern about recent
threat information and possible surveillance activity, and to
thank the Minister for steps taken by his Ministry to enhance
Embassy security. The Ambassador also reiterated our concern
about four terror suspects currently under surveillance. The
Minister discussed the ban of last month's Shia demonstration
in Sitra, noting that the government is not against
demonstrations in principle (105 have been approved since
last August) but had concerns about this one. The Minister
stated that progress is being made in setting up the Joint
Counterterrorism Center.

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RECENT THREAT INFORMATION IN BAHRAIN
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2. (S) The Ambassador told the Minister that he had requested
the meeting to personally advise him of a recent pattern of
threat information that had raised concerns at the Embassy
and in Washington. The Ambassador began by thanking the
Minister for the superb support the Embassy had received from
the Ministry, including in response to our recent threat
concerns. In the context of threat information in the region
-- ranging from last month's attack in Doha to new threat
information in Jeddah -- new threat information in Manama has
heightened our concern in Bahrain, the Ambassador stated. He
then reviewed this information, including website
instructions on how to prepare an attack against the Embassy,
recent intelligence suggesting terrorists are looking at an
attack here, and five reports of possible surveillance
incidents involving Embassy employees, including the American
Ambassador. The Ambassador then outlined the steps the
Embassy has taken, such as enhanced surveillance detection
activities and more widely varying times and routes. A third
key element, the Ambassador continued, was the visibly
increased police presence provided by the Ministry of
Interior. Reiterating his appreciation for this increased
presence, the Ambassador urged that it be continued as a
deterrent to any surveillance or threat against the Embassy
or its people.


3. (S) Shaikh Rashid, after confirming with his aides on the
type of increased presence provided by the Ministry, vowed to
continue security support for the Embassy, respond promptly
to our requests, and continue to analyze terrorist threat
information in Bahrain and the region.

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STILL CONCERNED ABOUT TERROR SUSPECTS
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4. (S) Ambassador told the Minister that we also remain
concerned about the four terror suspects, including Yasser
Kamal, who are free under surveillance while their court case
proceeds. While we greatly appreciate the cooperation we are
receiving on surveillance of these suspects, there are
invariably gaps in our knowledge of their activities and
intentions. It is our firm belief that they have not
moderated their dangerous anti-American sentiments. It is
critical that we do all we can to keep the suspects under
tight surveillance. Shaikh Rashid agreed that the
surveillance of Kamal and others should be close and said
that he would follow up with BNSA about coverage.

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NEW ANTI-TERRORISM LAW
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5. (C) Shaykh Rashid said that Bahrain needs to move to pass
the new anti-terrorism law. He said he would meet personally
with parliamentarians to encourage support for the
legislation, but it will take time for the law to be approved
- perhaps one year. Ambassador noted that King Hamad's
recent highly-publicized comments supporting the
anti-terrorism law were well timed and positive.

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SECURING THE CAUSEWAY
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6. (S) Shaikh Rashid and Undersecretary Shaikh Daij
Al-Khalifa stated that two large cargo X-Ray scanners have
been delivered and are being tested before installation at
the causeway. Last weekend, the Minister said, a record
14,000 cars entered Bahrain from Saudi Arabia and 2.5 million
cars crossed the border in 2004. Asked about the high number
of cars coming to Bahrain last weekend, Shaikh Rashid said
that the increase is seasonal. Once the weather warms and
the desert loses its attraction as a weekend destination,
Saudis come in greater numbers to Bahrain to enjoy the more
open life here. The vast majority come for entertainment
reasons, he added, and we should not be surprised to see
greater numbers here now. That said, security at the
causeway remains a major concern to the Minister. In
addition to the scanners, he is making personnel changes at
the causeway. NOTE: The first group of seven Explosive
Detector Dogs and handlers provided by DS/ATA will begin work
at the causeway next week. END NOTE.

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CONTROLLING SHIA EMOTIONS
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7. (C) Shaikh Rashid discussed last month's Shia
demonstration in Sitra which was held despite a decision to
ban it. He noted that despite the ban, it was allowed to
proceed, with the police presence there only to intervene in
case of violence or trouble. He said both the Ministry and
the Shia marchers handled the situation well, as the march
proceeded peacefully. The Ambassador commented that the U.S.
welcomes and praises the democratic steps taken by the King
and the government of Bahrain, but worries about backsliding
when demonstrations are banned. Shaykh Rashid said that
Bahrain is not against demonstrations. It has approved 105
demonstrations since last August. The concern in this case
was that there were anticipated requests for further
demonstrations; the Sitra demonstration threatened to develop
into a series of continuing sectarian demonstrations, which
was not good for Bahrain. And police resources were wearing
thin maintaining order during the numerous demonstrations.
"But because of democracy," he added, "we have to allow
demonstrations. We are trying to keep a healthy balance."


8. (C) Shaykh Rashid described continuing efforts to bring
Shia into the ranks of the police. He said he had invited
members of Parliament, educators, Shia leaders and families
to observe a parade and review of the community policing
efforts at the Royal Police Academy last week. NOTE: Shia
comprise a very small percentage of police officers in the
MOI. END NOTE. The community police training program is
designed to create a force of educated Sunni and Shia men and
women to become part of the government system to protect
people and property. Shia leaders, he said, were impressed
and surprised with the efforts being made to integrate the
police. He acknowledged, at the same time, that certain
positions had to remain manned by foreigners. Bahrain is
small, he said, and needs a foreign contingent to deal with
sectarian enforcement.

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JOINT COUNTERTERRORISM CENTER
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9. (C) Ambassador inquired about the progress of the CT
Center and how it has progressed since the FBI National Joint
Terrorism Task Force Team visited in March. Shaikh Rashid
stated how beneficial the visit was to the development of the
CT Center. He said office space at MOI has been identified,
key MOI personnel have been named, and job descriptions and
Standard Operating Procedures are being written.
Negotiations on the operation of the Joint Counterterrorism
Center continue with the Bahrain National Security Agency,
Bahrain Defense Forces and National Guard, he said.
MONROE