The Tumultuous Origins of A 'Cornerstone' U.S. Navy Ally

摘要

For more than six decades, the U.S. Navy has had a presence on the island of Bahrain. In the wake of recent protests challenging Bahrain's ruling family, the cordial relationship between the Al Khalifa and the American flag officers who served in such positions as commander, Middle East Force, and, more recently, commander, U.S. Fifth Fleet, has attracted media interest. King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa inherited his position as head of state following the passing of his father, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, in 1999. The Crown Prince, Shaikh Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, his first-born son, is in line to assume the throne.