SECRETARY OF THE NAVY DISCUSSES MILITARY

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001988 SIPDIS SIPDIS E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2016 TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS BA REGION BILAT OFFICIALS SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY DISCUSSES MILITARY RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTER OF DEFENSE Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). -------------- Summary -------------- ¶1. (S) Minister of Defense General Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed Al Khalifa told Secretary of the Navy Winter November 26 that the long standing presence of the US Navy in Bahrain and the warm relationship between Bahrain and the US is a stabilizing force given Bahrain's "unpredictable neighbors." He stated Bahrain's determination to strengthen the relationship, and to work together to manage any future threats, especially through joint exercises and training. Referring to Iranian aspirations for regional hegemony, he said that Iran is insisting that cooperation on Gulf Security should be with them and that the US not be involved. The minister stated a need to update plans and operations to meet new scenarios, especially Iran. On Iraq, Shaikh Khalifa said the Iraqi government needs to step up and deal with the situation and other countries should play a role, not only the US. He said that the lack of stability in Iraq can affect Gulf security and other allies, and offered as an example how Saudi Arabia has dealt with its terrorist problem, saying hard decisions must be made. Reiterating his concern that Bahrain faced an ever growing missile threat, he asked that the US consider how to help with increased air defense assets. End Summary. -------------- -------------- Past, Present and Future Relationship with US Navy -------------- -------------- ¶2. (C) Defense Minister Shaikh Khalifa referred to Bahrain as our naval forces' home town for the past 50 years, characterizing the US Naval presence as a stabilizing force given unpredictable neighbors like Iran. He spoke positively of the current relationship, highlighting Bahraini participation in Combined Task Forces 150 and 152 currently operating in the region. Secretary Winter said that stability in this region is critical to the world economy, and that threats to oil platforms and from piracy are best handled by partnering with friends like Bahrain. When asked by the Secretary what he could do to help further develop relations between Bahrain and the US Navy, Shaikh Khalifa stated the need for joint exercises with the US, and assistance in updating plans to respond to evolving threats. Secretary Winter concurred with conducting frequent exercises SIPDIS to ensure changing staffs are trained and to keep up with threat changes both at sea and ashore. Rear Admiral Swift, Deputy Commander, Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), noted that participation by Bahrain's frigate and the presence of a Bahraini liaison officer on the NAVCENT staff were both very helpful. Shaikh Khalifa noted that Iran had recently procured a new air defense system from Russia and said that Bahrain must update its plans and exercises based on Iran's increased capability. The Secretary stated that finances, the economy, and strategy all drive such sales. Export sales are especially attractive, he added, and may drive bad decisions. ¶3. (S) The minister discussed the TPS-59 Radar system due to be operational in Bahrain by the end of March 2007. The system will give increased protection capability, but it is not integrated with any other Bahraini or US assets. In order for the system to be useful, there must be a way to integrate it with existing communication facilities and command centers. The equipment that will satisfy this requirement is the TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operations Module. The Letter of Offer and Acceptance is expected to be delivered in December 2006. Secretary Winter indicated that his office will coordinate to ensure that there is no unnecessary delay in the procurement process. -------------- The Growing Iranian Threat -------------- ¶4. (S) Shaikh Khalifa said that Iran is insisting that cooperation on Gulf Security should be with them and the US should not have any influence. He expressed concern about Iranian intervention in Iraq and Lebanon, noting that Iran is active in the Gulf with the same intentions. He said that Bahrain has always kept Iran on its side of the water and that even without a nuclear capability, Iran is already creating mischief in the region. "Imagine how much more aggressive they will be if they have a bomb." -------------- MANAMA 00001988 002 OF 002 Iraqi Government Needs To Do More -------------- ¶5. (S) The minister asked the Secretary's views of the situation in Iraq. Secretary Winter noted that there are many challenges but stated that during his recent trip to Iraq, he found the morale of the troops to be very high. Many troops told him they want to complete the mission, and then go home, in that order. Some areas are calm, but others need work. We are working to bridge the cultural gap by providing cultural training and education, but we're not there yet. Shaikh Khalifa said that the Iraqi government needs to do more, that it cannot only be the US government dealing with this situation. He said that the Iraqis need to do their own job. Other countries need to show support as well. He expressed concern over the potential for problems in Iraq to spread throughout the region, affecting allies such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan. The solution to problems in Iraq may be found in how Saudi Arabia dealt with their terrorist problem, saying that hard decisions would have to be made. The situation in Saudi Arabia is much better; they took stringent measures to send the message. -------------- Bilateral Air Defense Agreement -------------- ¶6. (S) Noting that Bahrain was among three countries that were hit by missiles during Desert Storm, Shaikh Khalifa expressed concern about the missile threat from Iran. He requested the US consider providing missile defense equipment and training, specifically the Patriot system. He asked the US to consider a bilateral approach, as a regional approach may take too long. He then stated, "We are looking for the deployment of increased air defense assets either from your side or from ours." Secretary Winter said he would raise this issue upon his return to determine options and see if there is a way to move on it. ¶7. (U) Secretary Winter cleared this cable. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** MONROE