BAHRAINIS CONDEMN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES

UNCLAS MANAMA 000839 SIPDIS SENSITIVE BAGHDAD FOR AMBASSADOR ERELI E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL KPAL BA SUBJECT: BAHRAINIS CONDEMN ISRAELI AIRSTRIKES ¶1. (U) Summary: Local media and Embassy contacts were angry at Israel, the U.S., and moderate Arab governments. There were several orderly demonstrations, the largest drawing 3,000 protesters. End summary. ¶2. (U) Bahrainis reacted angrily but without violence to news from Gaza. Contacts and local media focused on the allegedly disproportionate Israeli response to Hamas rockets, criticized the U.S. as unconditionally supportive of Israel, and complained that Arab governments (including by implication Bahrain's) were collaborating with the U.S. and Israel. Several editorials claimed the U.S. had pressured moderate Arab governments to remain silent. ¶3. (SBU) Like almost everything in Bahrain, reaction to Gaza reflects sectarian division. The mainstream Shi'a opposition party, Al Wifaq, organized an orderly rally in support of Gaza Palestinians on December 29 which drew approximately 3,000 marchers. Participants chanted anti-Israel and anti-U.S. slogans. Hizballah flags, and photographs of Hassan Nasrallah were openly displayed, and Israeli and U.S. flags were burned. Simultaneously, the local Muslim Brotherhood party staged a competing demonstration across town. That event drew several hundred participants and was also non-violent. ¶4. (SBU) December 30 Emergency Action Committee meeting reported septel. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ ********************************************* ******** HENZEL