VZCZCXYZ0001
PP RUEHWEB
DE RUEHMK #0521/01 2431148
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 311148Z AUG 09 ZDK
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 8894
INFO RUEHVV/ISLAMIC CONFERENCE COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT PRIORITY
UNCLAS MANAMA 000521
SENSITIVE
SIPDIS
STATE FOR NEA, NEA/ARP (SISK), AND S/P (BEHRMAN)
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL OEXC SOCI SCUL BA
SUBJECT: FOLLOW-UP TO THE CAIRO SPEECH: OPPORTUNITIES FOR
MUSLIM ENGAGEMENT IN BAHRAIN
REF: (A) STATE 71325 (B) MANAMA 353 (C) MANAMA 435
1.(SBU) Summary: The President's June 4 speech in Cairo elicited a favorable reaction from most Bahrainis, who are
anticipating increased engagement based on the initiatives outlined in the President's remarks. In response to ref A,
Post recommends that existing programs - such as academic and professional exchanges that facilitate people-to-people
interaction - be expanded. Post also suggests that increased resources be devoted to encouraging American students and
scholars to come to Bahrain for research and academic study. To further economic engagement, Post believes that Bahrain
could benefit from entrepreneurship and technical assistance training programs, and activities to support business
linkages between small and medium enterprises. Lastly, science and technology is an under-exploited field in Bahrain,
and contacts are eager to undertake steps to establish a scientific center of excellence. End summary.
2.(SBU) The Bahraini leadership continues to express optimism (ref B) about the President's speech, as well as general
willingness to take concrete steps to help implement his ideas on educational, economic, and scientific partnerships
(ref C).
3.(U) Embassy Manama already manages a broad range of activities that address the objectives highlighted in President
Obama's June 4 speech and help achieve the goals of the Mission's Strategic Plan, including enhancing regional security,
countering terrorism and violent extremism, expanding trade and economic growth, strengthening democratic institutions
and citizen empowerment, and supporting Middle East peace. Recent examples include: -- U.S. speaker program on
entrepreneurship and small business, especially for women, as well as a visit by a Fulbright Specialist analyzing the
economic benefits to Bahrain from the U.S.-Bahrain Free Trade Agreement; -- Representational events supporting the new
Bahraini-American Cultural Exchange Society, and the recipients of the Crown Prince International Scholarships, which
highlighted the importance of people-to-people cultural and academic exchanges; -- An incoming Fulbright scholar
assigned to the Bahrain Teachers College to assist in national educational reform efforts; -- U.S. speaker program in
Bahrain for an American Imam and other Ramadan-related activities to promote religious tolerance and interfaith
dialogue; -- Amplification of the President's message during Post interactions with GOB officials, members of the
business community, civil society activists, journalists, academics and faculty, and students; and -- The July, 2009
joint State/CENTCOM regional ambassadors' conference focusing on Middle East peace, regional security, and
counterterrorism efforts.
4.(SBU) These and other outreach activities have been well-received. One Embassy contact recently praised the Mission's
efforts to implement the President's goals saying that the American Embassy is trying to make a difference and engage
with Bahraini society. Nevertheless, the most often repeated request is for the Embassy to expand its efforts and "do
more," specifically with regard to exchange opportunities; English language learning; and training in business,
leadership development, and entrepreneurship.
5.(SBU) Post believes that many of the President's objectives for engagement with Muslim communities can be achieved in
Bahrain through expansion of already existing exchange programs and scholarships. Academic exchanges such as the NESA
Undergraduate Fulbright Program, the Fulbright Graduate Program, the Youth Exchange and Study (YES) Program, and the
MEPI Student Leaders Program are highly competitive and make substantial inroads in creating a positive image of America
and countering extremist views, especially among traditionally under-served populations in the country. These exchanges
have successfully provided a vehicle for Post to engage with disenfranchised Shi'a youth and counter negative
perceptions of the United States. However, many of these positive gains can be lost when the bureaucracy does not
adequately support people-to-people exchanges. A recent example is the cancellation of year-long scholarships of YES
participants only days before their scheduled departure, a decision which resulted in negative local press coverage and
which tarnished the reputation of the program in Bahrain.
6.(SBU) Bahrainis would welcome more American students and scholars to their academic institutions, recognizing the role
the Fulbright candidates play in transferring knowledge, creating professional linkages, and strengthening the capacity
of Bahraini society. The Ambassador recently met with the President of the University of Bahrain (UoB), Dr. Ebrahim
Janahi, and discussed President Obama's initiatives. During the meeting, Dr. Janahi asked that the State Department fund
additional Fulbright candidates or opportunities for American university students to study in Bahrain. Post has already
established a linkage between American University and UoB students by facilitating a joint class via digital video
conference in spring 2009. Additionally, Post has been in dialogue with NEA/PPD and American partner organizations about
the inclusion of Bahrain in the National Security Language Initiative -Youth program, which would bring American high
school students to Manama. Local partners, including the Bahraini-American Cultural Exchange Society and others, have
queried Post on how they can assist in exchange efforts by providing home stays and other support.
7.(SBU) Exchanges aside, Bahraini academics, journalists, and civil society activists are interested in promoting global
understanding and interfaith dialogue. UoB officials told Ambassador that they would like to establish a venue that
encourages national and international dialogue on social empowerment, religion, and other issues. Ten years ago, the
University of Bahrain established an American Studies Center, which could be graduated into a Center for U.S.-Muslim
Engagement. Sufficient staffing, including appointment of a dynamic director to provide management and partnering with
relevant local organizations would help boost the center's capabilities.
8.(SBU) One challenge to program implementation is a lack of English language proficiency, especially among
disenfranchised youth. There is a considerable need to develop English language skills of young Bahrainis. Post has
successfully implemented English language training for Ministry of Education teachers and has funded English language
studies for approximately 400 traditionally under-served Bahraini youth through the Access Microscholarship Program. The
latter was linked to an internship program developed in partnership with the American Culture and Education Center and
offered participants an opportunity to use their English in a work setting and gain professional experience. Similar
internship opportunities for youth and young professionals in the United States would be beneficial.
9.(SBU) The GOB and business leaders are eager to enhance job creation and economic development in the country. Post
encourages the creation of a corps of business volunteers to partner with counterparts in Bahrain, with special focus on
experts in small and medium enterprises who can conduct research and provide training and workshops for local Bahraini
business owners and entrepreneurs. Specialists who can initiate trade development programs with the Bahraini Chamber of
Commerce and Industry and the local chapter of the American Chamber of Commerce would be welcomed. Post could also build
on or expand successful MEPI initiatives such as the Women's Corporate Leadership Program, Vital Voices Program, or
Women in Technology program that expands the entrepreneurial capacity of Bahraini women. Establishing a partnership with
a U.S. business school to develop short-term exchanges on entrepreneurship for Bahraini business leaders would also
enhance economic development.
10.(SBU) In our view science and technology are fields that remain under-exploited in Bahrain and that could be
strengthened to offer numerous possibilities for exchanges, partnerships, internships, and professional opportunities.
The Bahrainis are eager to establish a regional center of scientific excellence (ref C) and are seeking guidance on how
to submit a proposal. ERELI