Bahrain: The Tiny Island Playing a Big Role in the Middle East

You could say Bahrain punches above its weight: it’s a tiny island nation in the Middle East, but it plays a huge role when it comes to countering Iran, partnering with the U.S. Navy and reshaping the political landscape in the Middle East. I traveled to the capital of Manama to learn more about the small kingdom’s role on the global stage.

I’m Shelby Holliday, a reporter for WSJ. Subscribe to join me as I explain some of today's most pressing geopolitical events, from superpower showdowns and conflicts to supply chain snarls and natural resource struggles.

0:00 Bahrain: Small Island, Big Influence
0:28 Global Security and Countering Iran
1:47: The Abraham Accords and Middle East Peace
3:20: Attracting Tourists and Investment

#Bahrain #Coordinates #ShelbyHolliday

[WSJPodcasts]

What country do you want to see us visit next? My “Coordinates” series is designed to dive into a specific place that’s strategically important to its region and the world. Leave a comment if you have any thoughts!

[Shivwanders]

I live and grew up in Bahrain, and set up my business here but the opportunities seem to be in neighboring countries like Qatar and Saudi Arabia. The small country advantage can be majorly applied to investing in things like public parks and green spaces (which we have almost none of), but is instead wasted in investing in things like malls which we simply don't need more of, given that the rates of obesity are skyrocketing due to little emphasis on public health and a mobile city. What I am seeing a lot is people saving up and going elsewhere for these little luxuries and spending their money on travels (as I do) and is going through brain drain which will not have good long term effects for the economy.

[AtharieAlSalem]

Bahrain could be the island getaway of the Middle East if the country just starts getting smart about its tourism efforts. We have such beautiful water and beaches, and such amazing natural resources that are not being maintained or used fully and little by little go to waste. Theres some amazing tourist places like Muharraq or the forts etc. But much more can be created! There is so much opportunity for desert tourism or rock climbing installations, there’s so much room for more media coverage, more and more pearl diving marketing or water sports. I see so much potential, I wish the tourism authority takes it instead of just putting that money into more malls. We don’t need more malls, go to Kuwait for that! We are a gorgeous little island that has a people like no other, and they need to do it justice. I love my country and it can definitely be a tourist vacation hotspot with the right marketing and efforts. Living here and experiencing so much of the parties, events, meeting people, it’s like nowhere else. Just needs a push.

Other than that, you forgot to mention that Bahrain is the home of Motorsport in the Middle East. Way more significant than whatever US military news there is. Also it’s a prominent MMA platform with the BRAVE competition.

[Disha]

One of the best places in the world to live. Love Bahrain! 🇧🇭 ❤

[Kalsanady]

We as Bahraini people, do not agree to the official act of making peace and normalization treaties with what is called Israel, Palestine is the first and the most important humanitarian case to us.

[abhiram]

So, Bahrain is an important ally for the US in the Middle east just like Japan and South Korea are in the Asia.

[abdulrashid]

I love bahrain and live there. I feel a 2% dirty journalism in this report.

Reading between lines (Usual Western media)

1) Showcasing only israeli trade relation and thats the only topic covered. Bahrain is doing 100s of things and trade relations MOU's between other countries, they are not showcased. china plays huge role

2) Reporter "We can only photograph palace not video graph Palace". Why do you want to say this? Can we take a video tour of Whitehouse?. its the same rule applies here. you dont say it when reporting US news.

3) Reporter: "Majority of saudi's come to enjoy bahrain, like alcohol ". Do you have enough evidences to say this Majority peice? I know many of people who never touched alchohol till today and they have been visiting bahrain every week.

[Ntifragility]

"Security efforts for countries around the world"???
Efforts for US INTESREST in the the world.

[hus]

Oh, Shelby, what a brilliant reporter you are. This report is comprehensive. I remember growing up in the gulf and many people who used to visit Bahrain on weekends, specially Saudis who wanted to enjoy cinema and concerts. Now as Saudia turned 180 and their entertainment industry is booming, Saudis today spend their weekends in their own country or in the still entertainment capital city of the Middle East Dubai. Bahrain need to specialize in something or it will suffer. Also this is the country that's the most unstable by GCC standards. Majority shia population who get religious instructions from Iranian political shia clerics.

I can see the good research you have done when you mentioned the intense relationship Bahrain has with Qatar. To this day, no diplomatic relations have resumed, unlike UAE and Saudia have done.

[AllaahuAkbarr]

The Palestinians are facing the same fate as the Native Americans in 1900s
Allahu Akbar Allah is the greatest

[ahmedaladraj]

As a Bahraini and a Muslim regardless of what the Bahraini government might want you to believe, we do not condone or support israel and its crimes against humanity and Palestine, Palestine is the only country that exists and no self respecting Bahraini will tell you otherwise. #FreePalestine 🇵🇸

[gardinerb]

I was station in Bahrain back in 05 and 06 when I was in the navy and I really enjoy being there

[SomethingSeemsOff]

Very cool seeing how far the Arabian countries have come in the past 20-30 years. Progress has been slow, but *progress is progress!*

[darkkforest]

_Security efforts for countries around the world..._

Aight imma head out. Too much B.S for today.

[NoMadKid]

In our region, Bahrain is basically Vegas/Macao of the gulf.

[Rebecca-zrlu]

God, I do pray for deliverance from wickedness and from evilness. Thank you for abounding grace. Thank you for healing all legal and financial troubles and difficulties In Jesus mighty name. Amen 🙏 🤍

[kosahemdok]

Making peace with a oppressor does not bring peace to this world rather does the opposite. 🇵🇸🇮🇷🇶🇦

[alamroX]

You could say 0% corporate tax and that’s a big thing for its location

[Keyhan-cc]

As an Iranian i'm glad it didn't return to Iran, it would be left empty if it did, i will visit bahrain one day 🇮🇷🇧🇭

[AllaahuAkbarr]

Bismillah Hir rahman nir raheem
Jerusalem is the Eternal capital of Palestine 🇵🇸😍❤😊😊
Allahu Akbar Allah is the greatest