King Hamad Al Khalifa biography | birthday, trivia | Bahraini Royalty | Who2 King Hamad Al Khalifa Biography Royalty Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is the latest head of the family that since 1783 has ruled the country of Bahrain, an archipelago of 30 islands tucked in a gulf between Saudia Arabia and Qatar. King Hamad, whose earlier posts included that of defense minister (1971-1988), became emir in 1999 upon the death of his father. His title changed to King in 2002, when Bahrain, formerly an emirate, became a constitutional monarchy. The Khalifa family is of the Sunni branch of Islam, and the fact that most Bahranis are Shiite Muslims has contributed to political tensions, including those in which government forces fired on apparently peacful protesters in February 2011. The protests were a symptom of the country’s religious divide, but they were also a call for greater democracy. In that way they resembled the secular uprisings that swept Tunisia, Egypt and Lybia in early 2011, but King Hamad remained in power in the years that followed.

Extra credit King Hamad has multiple wives, but the number (and their names) vary depending on the source. His official biography says he “married his cousin” on 9 October 1968; this is apparently Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa. They have four children, including Hamad’s eldest, Shaikh Salman, born 21 October 1969, who became Bahrain’s crown prince. Other children include sons Abdullah (b. 1975) and Khalifa (b. 1977), and daughter Najla (b. 1981). King Hamad has other sons and daughters with at least two other wives. King Hamad Al Khalifa Biography (Royalty) Best known as: Emir, then king, of Bahrain from 1999-present Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is the latest head of the family that since 1783 has ruled the country of Bahrain, an archipelago of 30 islands tucked in a gulf between Saudia Arabia and Qatar.

King Hamad, whose earlier posts included that of defense minister (1971-1988), became emir in 1999 upon the death of his father. His title changed to King in 2002, when Bahrain, formerly an emirate, became a constitutional monarchy. The Khalifa family is of the Sunni branch of Islam, and the fact that most Bahranis are Shiite Muslims has contributed to political tensions, including those in which government forces fired on apparently peacful protesters in February 2011. The protests were a symptom of the country's religious divide, but they were also a call for greater democracy. In that way they resembled the secular uprisings that swept Tunisia, Egypt and Lybia in early 2011, but King Hamad remained in power in the years that followed. Extra credit: King Hamad has multiple wives, but the number (and their names) vary depending on the source. His official biography says he "married his cousin" on 9 October 1968; this is apparently Princess Sabika bint Ibrahim Al Khalifa.

They have four children, including Hamad's eldest, Shaikh Salman, born 21 October 1969, who became Bahrain's crown prince. Other children include sons Abdullah (b. 1975) and Khalifa (b. 1977), and daughter Najla (b. 1981). King Hamad has other sons and daughters with at least two other wives. Copyright © 1998-2017 by Who2?, LLC. All rights reserved. Advertisement Advertisement Bahrain Bahrain Bahrain is a small island country situated near the western shores of the Persian Gulf. Saudi Arabia lies to the west and is connected to Bahrain by the King Fahd Causeway. Bahrain is the site of the ancient land of the Dilmun civilization and was one of the earliest areas to convert to Islam in 628 AD. The Al Khalifa royal family has ruled the country since 1783. Bahrain has the first post-oil economy in the Persian Gulf because the Bahraini economy does not rely on oil. Since the late 20th century Bahrain has heavily invested in banking and tourism sectors.

The United States designated Bahrain a major non-NATO ally in 2001, but it is also labelled as an authoritarian regime in the 2012 Democracy Index, where it ranks just 150th out of 167 states. --------------------------------------- Some samples of the front and back sides of Bahrain's colorful currency. --------------------------------------- The King Faud Causeway that links Bahrain with next-door Saudi Arabia is an engineering marvel. At 16 miles long, the causeway took five years to build and is meant to symbolize the close relationship between the two kingdoms. It is the closest that one can get to Saudi Arabia without a visa. Saudi observation tower just across the border from Bahrain on the King Faud Causeway. --------------------------------------- A few photographs of Bahrain Fort. The first Bahrain Fort was built around three thousand years ago on the northeastern edge of the island. The present fort dates from the sixth century AD. Archaeological excavations carried out since 1954 have unearthed antiquities from seven different stratified layers, created by various occupants from 2300 BC up to the 18th century.

It was once the capital of the Dilmun civilization and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2005. --------------------------------------- There is a very informative museum adjacent to the Bahrain Fort ruins with detailed explanations of various past civilizations. One of the many oddities on display is a "bathtub sarcophagus" of old. --------------------------------------- Thought to be a form of sacrifice, several bowls containing skeletons of sea snakes were also uncovered here. --------------------------------------- A cache of coins from the 2nd Century BC. --------------------------------------- Before oil was discovered, pearl cultivation was one of Bahrain's principal industries. --------------------------------------- After taking a taxi out to Bahrain Fort, I decided to walk the six miles from the fort back to my hotel just to enjoy the city of Manama and take in some of its modern architecture and lovely seaside corniche pathways. --------------------------------------- One of the main reasons for my decision to walk back to the hotel was so that I could stop by the Bahrain World Trade Center to take in its grandeur from up close. The towers were built in 2008 and are the first skyscrapers in the world to integrate wind turbines into its design.

The two towers are linked via three skybridges, each holding a 225kW wind turbine. Each of these turbines measures 95 feet in diameter and is aligned north, which is the direction from which air from the Persian Gulf blows in. The sail-shaped buildings on either side are designed to funnel wind through the gap to provide accelerated wind passing through the turbines. --------------------------------------- Normal tourists can't get anywhere near any of Bahrain's royal palaces, but I was able to snap a couple photographs of the light pink walls and onion dome of Gudaibiya Palace on my walk along the island's main eastern highway. --------------------------------------- The Al Fateh Grand Mosque is the largest mosque in Bahrain and one of the largest mosques in the world, encompassing 6500 square meters and having the capacity to accommodate over 7000 worshippers at a time. The mosque was built by the late Sheikh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa in 1987. Closed on Fridays to all but Muslims, it is available for tours by infidel foreigners the other days of the week. Inner courtyard inside the Al Fateh Grand Mosque. Looking up at the huge dome from inside the Al Fateh Grand Mosque.

Built entirely of fiberglass and weighing more than 60 tons, it is the largest fiberglass dome in the world. The mosque's qibla, showing the direction towards Mecca and from which calls to prayer are announced. A couple shots from the second floor of the mosque of worshippers down below. --------------------------------------- Walking from Al Fateh Mosque to Bahrain National Museum along the eastern corniche. --------------------------------------- A shot of the exterior of the Bahrain National Museum. The interior of the museum contains several lifelike displays of Bahraini home life, bazaars, and a surprisingly large and intricate recreation of a dhow at sea complete with a squadron of pearl divers. --------------------------------------- A couple snapshots of the promenade in front of the Bahrain National Theatre with views of the island of Muharraq across the water. --------------------------------------- One last look at Bahrain from the sky. Always amazing to see what people can reclaim and create from the sea. Meet the world’s other 25 royal families - The Washington Post Meet the world’s other 25 royal families The inside track on Washington politics. Be the first to know about new stories from PowerPost. Sign up to follow, and we’ll e-mail you free updates as they’re published.

You’ll receive free e-mail news updates each time a new story is published. You’re all set! Got it By Caitlin Dewey and Max Fisher July 22, 2013 This map shows the world's monarchies, divided into those that rule directly and those that simply reign. (Max Fisher/Washington Post) With all the attention around Britain’s forthcoming Royal Baby, you’d think the U.K. had a monopoly on monarchs -- infant or otherwise. In reality, there are 26 monarchies in the world, a fascinating network of kings, queens, sultans, emperors and emirs who rule or reign over 43 countries in all. It goes without saying, of course, that most royal families have a considerably lower international profile than the Windsors. That has a lot to do with Britain’s imperial history: Sixteen countries, including Canada and Australia, are still technically subjects of the British monarchy, which also once ruled much of the world. Beyond Queen Elizabeth II, the other monarchies vary widely in how much power they hold, how they're seen, how their family got there and even in what they're called.

Here’s a quick tour of the world's 25 other royal families, plus its two elected monarchies, in Malaysia and the Vatican. We've divided them into monarchs who rule -- who have real, direct political power -- and those, like the Windsors, who merely reign. Monarchs who rule Saudi Arabia: Saudi Arabia is an absolute monarchy, which makes Abdullah bin Abdul Aziz the king and prime minister. His deputies, Salman and Muqrin, are also from the ruling House of Saud, and the king-appointed cabinet includes more members of the royal family. While the monarchy is hereditary now, future Saudi kings will be chosen by a committee of Saudi princes, per a 2006 decree. (There are plenty of them: according to some estimates, the ruling family includes as many as 30,000 people .) Kuwait: Sabah Ahmed al-Sabah, age 84, has ruled Kuwait since 2006, when the previous emir died, setting off a minor succession crisis because the next-in-line was physically unable to recite the oath of office, possibly because of age-related health issues.

Sabah took over instead; he rules the oil-rich nation as emir and head of the royal family, which has been in some form of power since the early 1700s. Then-Crown Prince Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani of Qatar at the opening of the 33rd Gulf leaders summit in Bahrain. (EPA) Qatar: Emir Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani is a recent addition to this list, having taken over in June after his father's peaceful abdication. The al-Thani family is known for ostentatious wealth and for working aggressively to expand their country's regional, oil-funded influence. They've ruled Qatar since 1825 and underwent a series of forced abdications in the 20th century, typically instigated by sons or nephews eager to take the throne. United Arab Emirates: As its name suggests, the United Arab Emirates is a federation of seven districts, each of which is governed by a hereditary monarch who bears the title of emir. Traditionally, the emir of Abu Dhabi is also the federation president.

Today that's Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan, who's been in charge since his father died in 2004. He is thought to have personal wealth of about $5 billion . King Mswati III of Swaziland (AFP/Mohd Rasfanmohd) Swaziland: King Mswati III has been the absolute monarch of this small southern African country since inheriting the crown from his father in 1986, when he was barely 18 years old. His formal title is Ngwenyama, an honorific that also means lion. Brunei: Sir Hassanal Bolkiah has been Brunei’s sultan and prime minister since 1967, and he appoints virtually all of Brunei’s ruling bodies, including the Legislative Council and the Supreme and Sharia Courts. His 1,800-room palace, the Istana Nurul Iman , is considered the world’s largest private residence. Oman: Sultan Qaboos bin Said has ruled Oman, its government, its treasury and its military since he overthrew his father in a 1970 palace coup.

His family has ruled since the 1700s, although it lost its East African territory in the 1800s. Bahrain: The al-Khalifa family, which is Sunni, has ruled over this small and majority-Shiite island nation since 1783. The current monarch, Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa, took over in 1999 and in 2002 changed his title from emir to king. Though the constitutional monarchy grants Shiites some role in the government, it's not much, and pro-democracy protests have roiled the country since 2011. Jordan: King Abdullah II has ruled since 1999, and though he isn’t technically the head of government -- Jordan has an appointed prime minister -- he has very real political powers, including the ability to veto any law and dissolve parliament at will. His successor, Crown Prince Hussein, is 19 years old. Morocco: King Mohammed VI voluntarily shrank some of his powers when, in the wake of the Arab Spring uprisings of 2011, he enacted a series of reforms to Morocco’s government, a constitutional monarchy.

While he still has significant powers -- including appointing the prime minister and members of the government -- he can no longer dissolve the parliament or call for new elections. The Vatican: Yes, the pope is considered the monarch of this European city-state. Here's a video explaining it: Monarchs with some political power Monaco: Prince Albert II has ruled since 2005 and holds a large political role, despite the fact that Monaco has an elected legislature. He gets to appoint the minister of state, for instance, but only from a list of three preselected candidates. Thailand's King Bhumibol is the world's longest-reigning monarch. (Pairoj/AFP/Getty Images) Thailand: King Bhumibol Adulyadej has reigned for a remarkable 67 years, beating England’s Queen Elizabeth, who has served since 1952. He holds a number of little-used, but still important, constitutional powers, including the ability to veto legislation and pardon criminals. Bhumibol is also an interesting figure on his own merits: The 85-year-old king is an accomplished jazz musician and has patented a waste water aerator.

Liechtenstein: In a rare move among Western European countries, Liechtenstein actually voted to increase the powers of Prince Hans Adam II in the early aughts. The prince can veto any legislation and dissolve the parliament at will, among other powers. Technically, these official duties have been transferred to his son, Prince Alois, but Hans Adam remains chief of state. Tonga: King George Tupou V took the throne from his father in 2006 and promptly promised to cede most of his powers to the country’s prime minister. Tonga had been an absolute monarchy, but violent, pro-democracy rallies shortly before Tupou’s coronation caused huge damage in the capital and killed eight people. Bhutan's King Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk married the non-royal Jestun Pema in October 2011. (AP Photo) Bhutan: Jigme Khesar Namgyel Wangchuk is the Druk Gyalpo of Bhutan, which means Dragon King. Jigme formally took the throne in 2008, two years after his father’s abdication.

The coronation was delayed to give 26-year-old Jigme more administrative experience. Reforms in the late 1990s reduced the king's powers. The Wangchuck monarchy is just over 100 years old, having unified the small Himalayan country under its rule with help from the British Empire. Ceremonial or figurehead monarchs Norway: Norway’s King Harald V has a number of important-sounding but entirely ceremonial roles, including appointing the Norwegian cabinet and the prime minister -- with the approval of the parliament, of course. The monarchy is hereditary, and 40-year-old crown prince Haakon Magnus will take over from his father. From left: Swedish Queen Silvia, King Carl XVI Gustaf, Crown Princess Victoria and Prince Daniel and their daughter, Princess Estelle. (EPA/Jonas Ekstromer) Sweden: Sweden is one of the few monarchies that allows female succession, which means Princess Victoria Ingrid Alice Desiree will become queen at the end of her father’s reign, so far of 40 years. King Carl XVI Gustaf, the current monarch, is a ceremonial figure.

The Netherlands: The Netherlands’ King Willem-Alexander took the throne only three months ago, after his mother Beatrix gave up her reign of 33 years. The Netherlands has a bicameral parliament, so the monarch doesn’t rule directly. But King Willem-Alexander still has an important role as the president of the Council of State, an advisory body with roots in the 16th century. No law may be submitted to parliament unless it goes to the council first. Spain: Spain's 75-year-old King Juan Carlos I has little power now, but he was instrumental in bringing democracy to Spain. The dictator Francisco Franco named Juan Carlos to succeed him, but shortly after Franco's death, the new king dismantled the Francoist regime and kickstarted the process that would lead to Spain's 1978 constitution. Three years later, Juan Carlos also gave a televised address that shut down the attempted "23-F" coup. Greenland: Greenland is part of a the Kingdom of Denmark, though it has governed itself through an elected parliament since 1979.

Denmark’s Queen Margrethe II is still the queen in name there, however; the 73-year-old queen has reigned since 1972 and is to eventually pass the throne to her son Frederik. Luxembourg: Luxembourg styles itself as a “Grand Duchy,” not a kingdom, so Henri Guillaume goes by the title Grand Duke Henri. He represents, in the words of the official government Web site , “a symbol of stability, a single figure at the head of state, above the daily political business.” Then-Crown Prince Philippe of Belgium and his wife, Mathilde, arrive at the wedding of Crown Princess Victoria of Sweden in 2010. (EPA/Jochen Luebke) Belgium: Belgium’s 53-year-old King Philippe inherited a divided country when he was sworn in July 21 , hours after his father abdicated. His position is symbolic but important, given Belgium’s current political climate: Philippe has advocated for greater unity between the country’s warring Flemings and Francophones. Lesotho: King Letsie III has reigned formally since 1996, and informally since 1990, when his father was in exile.

He is a “living symbol of national unity,” per the national constitution, and he has no political powers. Cambodia: King Norodom Sihamoni was tapped to take over from his father in 2004, when Thailand’s Royal Throne Council picked him from a pool of eligible male royals. Sihamoni's post is a symbolic one, but he had earlier served in real political roles, including as Cambodia’s ambassador to UNESCO. Malaysia: The structure of the monarchy in Malaysia is ceremonial and unique. Each state has a hereditary leader, called a sultan; every five years, the sultans elect one of their members to serve as king. Since 2011, Tuanku Abdul Halim Muadzam Shah has held the throne. Japanese Crown Princess Masako, Emperor Akihito and Empress Michiko attend an orchestra concert on July 7 in which Crown Prince Naruhito played viola. (AFP/Kazuhiro Nogi) Japan: Japan's Yamato dynasty traces its origins back to 660, making it the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world.

The 79-year-old Emperor Akihito has reigned since 1989 and is, according to legend, the 125th emperor in his line, though there's some debate as to the exact count of emperors. His seat is called the Chrysanthemum Throne and sits in the Imperial Palace in Kyoto. world NITLE Arab World Project "Bahrain". Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2001. © 2000 Microsoft Corporation. All rights reserved. I. INTRODUCTION Bahrain, officially Kingdom of Bahrain (Mamlakah al-Bahrain in Arabic), independent country in western Asia, comprising 33 islands on the western side of the Persian Gulf. The main island, also called Bahrain, lies 24 km (15 mi) east of Saudi Arabia and 29 km (18 mi) west of Qatar. The capital and largest city of Bahrain is Manama. Bahrain entered recorded history about 5,000 years ago as a commercial trading center. Long under the influence of more powerful neighbors, it came under the domination of Iran in the 17th century.

The al-Khalifa family, originating from the central Arabian Peninsula, established themselves as Bahrain's rulers in 1783 and has ruled ever since. A series of treaties in the 19th century gave Britain control over Bahrain's defense and foreign affairs. Dominant British influence lasted until Bahrain became independent in 1971. More than 60 percent of Bahrain's population is native-born, in contrast to the populations of the other Persian Gulf states of Kuwait, Qatar, and the United Arab Emirates, where foreign-born inhabitants outnumber the native population. Bahrain also contrasts with its neighbors in that Shias (the major sectarian movement of Islam) outnumber Sunnis (who form the vast majority of Muslims worldwide). In the 1930s Bahrain became the first Arab state in the Persian Gulf region to develop an oil-based economy, but its modest petroleum reserves have caused it to diversify into various manufacturing and service areas. II. LAND AND RESOURCES Bahrain's total area is 707 sq km (273 sq mi), a little less than that of New York City. The main island of Bahrain is by far the largest, with an area of 562 sq km (217 sq mi).

The country lacks dramatic topographical features, such as mountains or valleys. The main island consists of a low desert plain that rises to a low central escarpment where Bahrain's highest point, Jabal ad Dukhan (134 m/440 ft), is located. The smaller islands, which include Al Muharraq, Umm an Na'san, Sitrah, Jiddah, and the Hawar Islands, are generally low-lying, some only a few feet above sea level. Parts of Manama are being expanded through land reclamation. Bahrain lacks rivers, lakes, and other permanent bodies of water. It obtains water for drinking and irrigation from underground aquifers. Despite harsh desert conditions, Bahrain supports varied plant and animal life. Many plants are halophytes (plants that are salt tolerant) and xerophytes (plants that are drought resistant), including flowering desert shrubs. There are many palm trees, although increased groundwater salinity has reduced their numbers.

(As more and more freshwater is withdrawn from underground aquifers, saltwater from the Persian Gulf seeps into the aquifers, making the groundwater more salty.) An abundance of marine life, including groupers, mackerels, shrimps, pearl oysters, and dugongs (sea cows), thrives in Bahrain's surrounding waters. Land animals include scorpions, snakes and other reptiles, hares, hedgehogs, and gazelles. The government funds a conservation program to breed the endangered white, or Arabian, oryx (a type of antelope) at Al Areen Wildlife Park. Petroleum and natural gas constitute Bahrain's principal natural resources. However, the country's reserves of petroleum and natural gas are far smaller than those of its neighbors. Only about 4 percent of the land is suitable for farming. Bahrain's surrounding waters contain considerable numbers of fish and shellfish. Bahrain experiences extremely hot and humid summers between April and October, with temperatures regularly rising to 43°C (110°F) and sometimes reaching 52°C (125°F). Winters are milder, with temperatures ranging between 10° and 20°C (50° and 70°F).

Annual rainfall averages about 100 mm (about 4 in) and falls almost entirely during the winter months. Seasonal winds periodically cause sandstorms and rough seas. The shimal, a northerly wind, blows in June and July, and the gaws comes from the south before or after the shimal. Oil spills and other discharges from large tankers, oil refineries, and distribution stations have damaged coastlines, coral reefs, and sea vegetation. No natural freshwater resources exist, so groundwater and seawater are the only sources for all water needs. Rapid depletion of aquifers has caused groundwater to become saline. In some areas, industrial pollutants have contaminated water sources with heavy metals. Agricultural development has been neglected, and the limited arable land has been degraded. Erosion of farmland has brought desertification. Bahrain's Environmental Protection Secretariat has worked to reverse environmental damage, especially in marine areas. III. THE PEOPLE OF BAHRAIN Bahrain's population was estimated at 656,397 in 2002, giving the country a density of 929 persons per sq km (2,406 per sq mi).

About 92 percent of the population resides in urban areas, primarily in Manama, its suburbs, and the nearby city of Al Muharraq on the island of the same name. Manama serves as the country's governmental and commercial center, while Al Muharraq is the site of Bahrain International Airport. The country has a high population growth rate, 1.67 percent (2002 estimate). This high growth rate results primarily from a continued relatively high birth rate. Males account for 56 percent of the population. The higher number of males occurs almost entirely within the age group from 15 to 64 years. This difference and its concentration in that one age group reflect the fact that about 60 percent of Bahrain's workforce is foreign and male. Native Bahraini Arabs account for 63 percent of the population. The various minorities include South and Southeast Asians (accounting for 13 percent of the total population), other Arabs (10 percent), and Iranians (8 percent). Other groups, including western Europeans and Americans, make up the remaining 6 percent. Some tensions exist between native Bahrainis and nonnative groups, especially in times of high unemployment. The official language is Arabic.

English, Farsi, and Urdu are also widely spoken. Almost all Bahrainis and the majority of nonnatives follow Islam. About 70 percent of all native Bahrainis belong to the Shia branch of Islam, and the remainder, including the ruling al-Khalifa clan, are Sunnis. Non-Muslims, including Hindus, Buddhists, Christians, and Jews, account for 15 percent of the total population. High unemployment among the Shia population has caused considerable discontent on the part of this group toward the Sunni-dominated government. Bahrain established the first public education system in the Persian Gulf region in 1919. Education is free and, between the ages of 6 and 15, compulsory. The literacy rate was estimated at 98.5 percent in 2001, representing a steady increase over the previous several decades. The rate is somewhat higher among males (98.2 percent) than among females (98.7 percent). The University of Bahrain was established in 1986 in Manama. Another institution of higher education, also in Manama, is the College of Health Sciences, founded in 1976, which trains physicians, nurses, and other health professionals.

In many ways Bahraini society is relatively open and liberal, reflecting its long history as a trading nation. Merchants, including the ruling clan, have long been the dominant class, establishing a business-oriented culture that values accumulation of wealth. Among university graduates women outnumber men, and women play an increasingly important role in business and professional life. At the same time, Bahraini society continues to be shaped by conservative Islamic values, especially in the Shia population in rural areas. The family is the principal social unit, and most women remain in the home. In urban areas many women do not wear the traditional Islamic veil and some Bahrainis wear Western clothing. Traditional dress predominates in rural areas. For men, traditional dress includes a loose cotton garment called a thobe, which can be covered with a woolen robe called a bisht in cool weather. Women traditionally wear a concealing cloak called an abayya. In Manama many restaurants serve Western-style food, but at home most Bahrainis eat traditional foods, including lamb, fish (especially hamour, a kind of grouper), rice, and dates. Coffee, a favorite beverage, plays an important social and ceremonial role. The modern forms of entertainment found in Manama, such as motion pictures, cater primarily to foreigners.

Traditional Bahraini culture reflects its Islamic, mercantile, and Arab Bedouin roots. Graceful dhows, Arab boats used for fishing and pearling, exhibit a high degree of craftsmanship, as do traditional jewelry and the elegant residences of rulers and merchants. Traditional performing arts include ceremonial dances accompanied by drums, readings of the Qur'an (Koran, or Islamic scripture), and storytelling. Bahraini poets carry on established traditions while also exploring new themes. Celebrations of birth and marriage continue to be important ceremonial occasions. The Bahrain National Museum, which opened in 1988 in Manama, features exhibits of crafts, historical documents, and archaeological artifacts. IV. ECONOMY Since the discovery of crude oil on the main island in 1932, oil production and refining have dominated Bahrain's economy. Natural gas occurs along with the crude oil and comes out of the same wells. For a long time, the gas from the wells was allowed to escape into the air. In 1979 the government set up a company to collect and process the natural gas into propane, butane, and naphtha. Depletion of Bahrain's limited oil reserves has prompted efforts to develop other industries.

For example, in the 1970s the government established Aluminum Bahrain (ALBA); aluminum smelting remains an important industry. In a further effort at diversification, the government has promoted tourism. The government controls the oil and gas industry, most heavy manufacturing, and the bulk of the transportation and communications sectors, but it has undertaken efforts to privatize the economy. Banking, light manufacturing, and commerce are in private hands. Bahrain's gross domestic product (GDP) was $8 billion in 2000, or $11,540 per capita. Services, including public administration, banking, and tourism, accounted for 59 percent of the GDP. Industry accounted for 40 percent, with manufacturing responsible for 19 percent and oil and gas extraction for most of the remainder. Agriculture contributed 1 percent of the GDP. Of Bahrain's labor force of 312,401 people in 2000, 54 percent worked in industry, 43 percent in services, and 1 percent in agriculture.

Almost 60 percent of the labor force was foreign-born, because native Bahrainis generally lacked the skills required for employment in many fields and many foreign workers were willing to work for low wages. Unemployment, estimated at 15 percent in 1996, remains a serious problem. Since the mid-1990s, unemployment has contributed to widespread, sometimes violent, political discontent among Shias, who are traditionally less advantaged and more prone to unemployment than the Sunnis. Like its Gulf Arab neighbors, Bahrain has aimed for agricultural self-sufficiency, and it now produces about 75 percent of the fruits and vegetables that its population consumes. The main crops are dates, tomatoes, onions, and melons. The country also produces a large part of its milk, poultry, and egg requirements. Beginning in the mid-1960s the government encouraged the growth of small-scale manufacturing. To this end, it offered tax incentives and low-interest loans to entrepreneurs. Factories in Bahrain produce plastics, ceramic tiles, paper products, and carbonated beverages.

After 1975, when the Lebanese Civil War began, Bahrain took over much of Lebanon's financial services industry, especially in the form of offshore banking units (OBUs). These OBUs are units of large multinational banking companies that operate in small (usually island) countries and dependencies where regulation is not as strict as in their home countries. Although declining oil revenues and fears aroused by civil unrest have hurt the banking sector, Bahrain remains a significant regional financial center. In 1989 the government established a small stock exchange, which it linked to Kuwait's stock exchange in 1997. Bahrain is a major air transportation hub, and together with the governments of Qatar, Oman, and United Arab Emirates member Abu Dhabi it operates an international airline called Gulf Air. The airport at Al Muharraq is a large international facility. Manama has a major port that serves as the home port for the Fifth Fleet of the United States Navy. In addition, nearby Mina' Salman serves as the major commercial port, while Sitrah contains the oil port. A well-developed road network, consisting of 3,261 km (2,026 mi) of roads, links the country's population centers.

Causeways link the island of Bahrain to the islands of Al Muharraq and Sitrah. In addition, the King Fahd Causeway, opened in 1986, links Bahrain to Saudi Arabia. A national bus company operates throughout the country. There are no railroads. Many Bahrainis rely largely on walking to get around, especially in rural areas, although the heat of summer limits physical activity. Bahrain has an extensive and sophisticated communications network, including two AM radio stations, three FM stations, and two television stations. There are two daily newspapers in Arabic and one in English, seven weeklies covering various subject areas, and a number of other periodicals. The government exercises censorship over reports and commentary on domestic affairs. Bahrainis generally stay well informed about international events through foreign publications and satellite television links. In 1995 Bahrain gained access to the Internet, the worldwide computer-based information network. Bahrain's currency is the Bahraini dinar (0.38 dinars equal U.S.$1; 2000), issued by the Bahrain Monetary Agency. In rural areas many transactions are made by bartering and trade rather than by using cash.

Imports of crude petroleum from Saudi Arabia for processing at Bahrain's oil refinery account for more than one-third of Bahrain's imports. Other imports include machinery and transportation equipment, food, and chemicals. Exports include petroleum and petroleum products, aluminum, and manufactured goods. Bahrain's major trading partners are Saudi Arabia, India, Japan, the United States, and the United Kingdom. Bahrain belongs to a wide range of international and regional economic organizations. Because of its slight oil production, Bahrain is not a member of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), but it is a member of the Organization of Arab Petroleum Exporting Countries (OAPEC), which seeks to coordinate Arab oil policy. Bahrain is a founding member of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) and has participated in various council initiatives aimed at promoting economic cooperation among its members. Following independence in 1971, Bahrain became a member of the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). V. GOVERNMENT The al-Khalifa family has ruled Bahrain since 1783. Bahrain gained full independence from Britain in 1971, adopted a constitution in 1973, and substantially revised the constitution in 2002.

Under the 2002 constitution, Bahrain is a constitutional monarchy, ruled by a king (prior to 2002, the al-Khalifa ruler was called an emir). The constitution states that the succession of the office of king automatically passes from ruler to son, making Bahrain unique among the monarchies of the Persian Gulf in this regard. The king appoints a prime minister and a cabinet, the Council of Ministers. The constitution also provides for a bicameral legislature, the National Assembly. The two houses of the National Assembly are the Consultative Council, whose 40 members are appointed by the king; and the Chamber of Deputies, whose 40 members are elected by direct popular vote by citizens 20 years of age or older. Both appointed and elected legislators serve four-year terms. All legislation approved by the National Assembly must be ratified by the king in order to become law. Bahrain's legal system draws upon Islamic religious law (the Sharia), tribal law, English common law, and other sources. All residents are subject to the jurisdiction of Bahraini courts, which guarantee equality to all before the law. The court system consists of civil and Sharia courts, both of which have courts of appeal.

The country's highest court is the Supreme Court of Appeal. The 2002 constitution established a Higher Judicial Council to supervise the functioning of the court system. The king chairs the council and appoints judges proposed by the council. Bahrain is divided into 12 municipalities, administered from Manama by a central municipal council whose members are appointed by the king. Thus, the central government largely controls local governmental affairs. Political parties are technically not allowed, although informal political groups emerged in 1973 when the National Assembly was elected. The king has said he would favor the creation of political parties if doing so would not disrupt social unity. The Bahraini Defense Force (BDF) numbered 11,000 in 2001. The BDF includes some Jordanian officers, as well as Pakistani and Sudanese enlisted men. Foreign personnel, chiefly Americans and Britons, contract with the BDF to supply support services. The BDF consists of an 8,500-member army, a 1,500-member air force, and a 1,000-member navy. The navy receives assistance (in the form of the loan of a frigate and training for personnel) from the U.S.

Navy, whose Fifth Fleet uses Bahrain's harbor facilities. There is a separate 1,000-member Coast Guard. Military service is voluntary. However, native Shias are generally not accepted into the armed forces, because the Sunni ruling establishment does not trust the Shias, believing that dissidents might find their way into sensitive positions. Upon its independence in 1971, Bahrain became a member of the United Nations and the Arab League, which promotes common Arab interests. It also belongs to the Organization of the Islamic Conference. Because of its small size, Bahrain does not play a leading role in regional or international organizations. However, it participates actively in the Gulf Cooperation Council's defense security measures. VI. HISTORY Archaeological evidence indicates that Bahrain was inhabited at least 50,000 years ago. The inhabitants may have first practiced agriculture about 8,000 years ago. By about 4000 BC Bahrain was the center of the advanced Dilmun trading culture, which had connections with the civilizations of Mesopotamia and the Indus Valley (see√äIndus Valley Civilization). Dilmun seems to have been a federation of sorts that was centered on the Persian Gulf shore.

It included parts of the Arabian mainland and traded with inland sections of what is now Saudi Arabia. Thus, early in its history, Bahrain established its character as a cosmopolitan commercial state, based on its location on major trade routes that passed through the Persian Gulf region. Dilmun achieved its greatest wealth and power in about 2000 BC. In about 600 BC the Babylonian Empire (see√äBabylonia) absorbed Bahrain, which until modern times included part of the adjacent eastern Arabian mainland (now part of Saudi Arabia). Macedonian conqueror Alexander the Great had been about to add Bahrain (known to the Greeks as Tylos) and the Arabian Peninsula to his empire when he died suddenly in 323 BC. Eastern Arabia subsequently came under the influence of the Seleucids, Alexander's successors in Syria, Mesopotamia, and Persia. In the 3rd century AD it came under the control of the Sassanids, a Persian dynasty. In the early 7th century the Byzantine Empire defeated the Sassanids and drove the Persians from their eastern Arabian outposts.

By 650 the entire Arabian Peninsula had come under the rule of the followers of the prophet Muhammad, founder of Islam. Bahrain became part of the empire of two successive Islamic dynasties, the Umayyads (661-750) and the Abbasids (750-1258), then entered a long turbulent period when it often acted as a buffer between larger competing powers. In 1521 the Portuguese, who were in the midst of exploration and conquest in many areas of Africa and Asia, occupied Bahrain. In 1602 a group of Bahrainis seized the Portuguese fort and appealed to Iran (known as Persia by the Western world until the 1930s) for assistance. Their appeal led to Iranian domination, usually exercised through Arab vassals, for almost two centuries. In the mid-18th century the al-Khalifa, a prominent family among the 'Utub tribe from the central Arabian Peninsula, established control over parts of Qatar. They seized Bahrain in 1783, ending Iranian influence in eastern Arabia. By the end of the 18th century the al-Khalifa had moved their capital to Bahrain.

Meanwhile, Britain and The Netherlands increased their commercial influence in the region. By the late 18th century the British had bested the Dutch for supremacy in the Persian Gulf. Beginning in 1820 Britain imposed a series of treaties on Bahrain and its neighbors; treaties imposed in the 1860s brought Bahrain under still closer British sway. British influence brought increased order to the maritime affairs of Bahrain and the other Persian Gulf states and led to the expansion of the pearling trade, which had been a major economic activity in the region as early as the 9th century AD. In the early 20th century pearling was Bahrain's principal source of income. Its pearling fleet included about 900 ships, and close to half the male population was engaged in harvesting and selling pearls. An economic depression in Europe in the 1920s severely hurt the pearl business, and the introduction of cultured pearls in the early 1930s effectively ended it. Petroleum was discovered in Bahrain in 1932, the first such discovery on the Arabian coast of the Persian Gulf. The discovery assured the country's continued prosperity.

Oil provided the ruling family with an independent source of income, strengthening its position against potential challenges from the wealthy merchant class. In addition, it made possible the creation of modern infrastructure (roads, water supply, and so forth) and social services. Consequently, Bahrain developed a modern state administration before the other states under British protection: Kuwait, Qatar, and the seven Trucial States (later the United Arab Emirates). Bahrain thus acquired a greater commercial and strategic importance. As a result, Britain exercised its influence there more strongly than in the other protected states, and Britain's naval forces in the Persian Gulf established their home port at Al Jufayr. In January 1968 the British government, acting to cut expenditures, announced that British forces would withdraw from positions east of Suez, Egypt, by the end of 1971, thus ending Britain's protection over Bahrain, Qatar, and the Trucial States. Initially, these states considered forming a union, but that idea fell through in part because the other states feared that Bahrain's greater population and more advanced development would enable it to dominate such a union. Meanwhile, Bahrain faced an Iranian claim to its territory, first advanced in 1928.

However, Iran accepted the results of a United Nations survey in May 1970 that confirmed the population's preference for independence. Bahrain became an independent state on August 15, 1971. Emir Isa bin Sulman al-Khalifa, who had assumed power in 1961, remained as monarch. The Council of State, created in 1970 to advise the emir, became his cabinet. The emir announced the creation of a constituent assembly to draft and ratify a constitution. Just over half of its members were elected in December 1972 by Bahraini male voters, with the balance appointed by the emir. The constituent assembly approved a constitution, which the emir put into force in December 1973. The constitution called for a legislature, the National Assembly, with very limited political powers. In an election held that month, male voters elected the assembly. However, the cabinet and the assembly disagreed on many matters, including trade union and internal security issues, the U.S. Navy's lease of Bahrain's facilities (dating to 1949), and especially how much power the assembly would have.

The emir dissolved the assembly by decree in August 1975. Bahrain's modest oil resources prompted the government to consider ways to diversify the economy. The government initiated an aluminum industry and other industrial enterprises. It also created banks and encouraged foreign banks to set up offshore banking units (OBUs) in Bahrain. Events in the late 20th century demonstrated how much Bahrain's stability depended on the stability of the Persian Gulf region. The Islamic Revolution of Iran, which brought a Shia government to power on the other shore of the gulf in 1979, heightened tensions between Sunnis and Shias in Bahrain. In 1981 and 1985 the Bahraini authorities reportedly foiled Iranian-inspired Shia plots to overthrow the government. The Iran-Iraq War (1980-1988) brought further instability to the region. Concern over possible escalation of the war prompted fears about the weakness of Bahrain's military. Bahrain joined other Arab nations in the region to found the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981, thereby receiving assistance with intelligence monitoring and gaining approval from the other member states to purchase weapons from the United States.

In 1987 Bahrain provided vital facilities for U.S. naval forces escorting Kuwaiti vessels through the Persian Gulf to shield them from possible attack by Iran, which accused them of carrying Iraqi oil. It also played a key role in supporting naval vessels of the United States and other countries operating against Iraq during the Persian Gulf War (1991). In 1991 and 1994 Bahrain solidified its security arrangements with the United States, confirming its role as an American support base in the region. Political unrest among Bahrain's Shias continued in the later 1990s, and the government's often harsh responses drew international criticism. In 1994 Shias calling for the restoration of the National Assembly, which had been dissolved in 1975, held protests that led to skirmishes with police. After several months of protests, the emir began negotiations with the Shia leaders, but the talks dissolved by mid-1995. In 1996 many Shias were arrested. By the beginning of 1999, about 40 people had died as a result of incidents related to Shia unrest.

In 1999 Emir Isa bin Sulman al-Khalifa died and was immediately succeeded by his son Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa. The new emir chose a path of reform. He commissioned the drafting of a new national charter and pardoned hundreds of political prisoners. In February 2001 the government held a referendum on the charter, which would transform Bahrain into a constitutional monarchy governed by a king and a new, bicameral legislative body. Almost 90 percent of eligible voters cast their ballots, and the charter was overwhelmingly endorsed. The country's amended constitution subsequently went into effect in February 2002. Elections for the Chamber of Deputies, the elected house of the legislature, were scheduled for October. "Bahrain". Microsoft® Encarta® Online Encyclopedia 2002 (2 Aug.

2002) Bahrain NATIONAL SECURITY - Flags, Maps, Economy, History, Climate, Natural Resources, Current Issues, International Agreements, Population, Social Statistics, Political System << Back to Bahrain National Security Armed Forces: In 1993 personnel strength 7,150: army, 6,000; navy, 500; and air force, 650. Service voluntary. Army in 1991 had 81 M-60A3 main battle tanks and armored cars. Navy had two corvettes and four missile craft. Air force had McDonnell Douglas F-5 Tigers, General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcons, and Agusta/Bell-212 armed helicopters. Paramilitary: In 1993 coast guard about 400 personnel; police about 9,000. Overview IN 1993 BAHRAIN CONTINUED to be ruled by the Al Khalifa family. The amir, Shaykh Isa ibn Salman Al Khalifa (b. 1933), was the eleventh ruler of the Al Khalifa dynasty, which has ruled the country since 1783.

Originally, the Al Khalifa were a prominent family among the Bani Utub beduin tribes from the interior of the Arabian Peninsula who had settled on the Persian Gulf coast during the eighteenth century. The Al Khalifa initially established a successful commercial port at Az Zubarah on the western coast of the Qatar Peninsula, but this was attacked several times by rulers of Bahrain, at that time part of the Iranian Empire, which intermittently controlled Bahrain from 1602 to 1782. Eventually, with the assistance of a tribal coalition that included the Al Sabah--another Bani Utub family--of Kuwait, the Al Khalifa captured Bahrain from Iran. The first Al Khalifa ruler, Ahmad ibn Muhammad (r. 1783-96), adopted policies that enabled Bahrain's ports to develop into prosperous trade and pearling centers. During the reign of subsequent Al Khalifa rulers, dynastic feuding among heirs, as well as wars with Oman, adversely affected Bahrain's economy and the security of regional trade. The family rivalries prompted Britain, then the paramount power in the area, to impose a series of treaties that made Bahrain a British protectorate by 1868.

An important consequence of Britain's intervention was the regulation of the Al Khalifa succession on the basis of primogeniture. After the death of Shaykh Ali ibn Khalifa Al Khalifa (r. 1868-69) in a dynastic war instigated by his brother and nephew, Britain refused to accept the legitimacy of the victor's rule and forced all factions to acknowledge Ali's son, Shaykh Isa ibn Ali Al Khalifa (r. 1869- 1923), as the rightful heir. Since that time, each Al Khalifa ruler has been succeeded by his eldest son. This practice was unlike succession in most other Arab dynasties, which chose the heir apparent from among several able males within the royal family. The principle of primogeniture was codified in the 1973 constitution. In early 1993, Isa ibn Salman had ruled Bahrain for thirtytwo years, having succeeded to the throne in 1961 on the death of his father, Shaykh Salman ibn Hamad Al Khalifa (r. 1942-61). At the time of Isa ibn Salman's accession, Bahrain was still a British protectorate.

Isa ibn Salman negotiated the termination of the country's dependent status after Britain announced in 1968 that it would withdraw all its defense forces from the Persian Gulf region. When Bahrain achieved complete independence in 1971, Isa ibn Salman assumed the title of amir. The Al Khalifa continued to dominate Bahrain's government and society after independence. The amir's brothers, sons, nephews, and cousins controlled the major decision-making positions. For example, Isa ibn Salman's brother, Shaykh Khalifa ibn Salman Al Khalifa, was prime minister and head of government in late 1992; the amir's eldest son, Shaykh Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa, was deputy prime minister and heir apparent; and six other members of the ruling family served in the cabinet, including Major General Khalifa ibn Ahmad Al Khalifa, who was minister of defense. In 1993 Bahrain's economy continued to experience relative prosperity. Before the discovery of oil in 1932, the country's economy had been based on trade and pearling.

Fortuitously, oil was discovered in commercial quantities just as the development of the cultured pearl by the Japanese caused the collapse of the Persian Gulf pearling industry. By 1935 oil wells and a small refinery were in operation, thus enabling Bahrain to claim distinction as the first Arab state in the region to benefit from the presence of oil resources. Both Shaykh Hamad ibn Isa Al Khalifa (r. 1923-42) and his son, Shaykh Salman ibn Hamad, used revenues obtained from oil concessions and production royalties to institute education and health care programs and various public services. Although oil revenues accounted for more than one-half the government budget until the 1980s, the ruling family recognized that Bahrain's oil wells had a limited productive capacity and that oil reserves probably would be exhausted by the end of the twentieth century. Consequently, the government decided to base the country's long-term economic well-being on commercial and industrial diversification.

Official efforts to encourage jointventure projects resulted in the construction of several enterprises, including an aluminum plant (opened in 1972), a ship repair yard (1977), an iron foundry (1984), a chemical factory (1985), and a pharmaceutical facility (scheduled to open in 1993). In addition, Bahrain's efficient communications system and relatively liberal financial policies enabled the island state to emerge in the 1980s as a principal center for regional banking, insurance, and business operations. The transformation of Bahrain's economy created new occupational groups, in particular an industrial working class and a highly educated professional class. Bahrain's indigenous labor force was unique in the immediate area because foreign workers constituted virtually the entire labor force in the neighboring countries of Kuwait, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Although trade unions and other labor associations were illegal in Bahrain, workers organized their first strike as early as 1943. Labor unrest erupted periodically during the next thirty years but declined after 1974, when the percentage of foreign workers in the industrial labor force began to increase significantly.

The growth of an indigenous class of professionals tended to shift societal interest away from working conditions and wages in the oil industry and toward the issue of political participation. Bahrain's professionals were among the most enthusiastic supporters of the brief experiment with an elected legislature in the early 1970s; since the dissolution of the National Assembly in 1975, professionals have been consistent advocates of a return to democratic political institutions. Two generations of economic and social changes failed to lessen sectarian tensions in Bahrain. The Al Khalifa and their historical political allies are Sunni (see Glossary) Muslims. However, at least two-thirds of Bahrain's population identify themselves as Shia (see Glossary) Muslims. Shia were the original inhabitants of the archipelago when the Al Khalifa seized it from Iranian control in the 1780s. Although the Al Khalifa have not persecuted the Shia, they have habitually excluded them from political power. Shia generally resent their subordinate political status; periodically this resentment flares up as incidents of religious strife.

The Iranian Revolution of 1979-- which resulted in Shia clergy controlling that country's government--tended to exacerbate Shia-Sunni tensions in Bahrain because events in Iran inspired Shia activists in Bahrain to demand more equitable political representation for their community. The Iranian Revolution and the subsequent Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) demonstrated how much Bahrain's political stability and economic prosperity depended on overall regional security. The government sought to contain the spillover effects of these crises by joining with Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in 1981. As a result of its membership, Bahrain obtained GCC intelligence assistance in monitoring the activities of local dissident groups suspected of receiving support from Iran and profited from inclusion in regional economic development plans. In addition, it received GCC approval for a program of enhancing its military capability through the purchase of advanced United States weapons. During the Persian Gulf War of 1991, Bahrain participated in the GCC coalition that sent troops to Saudi Arabia to fight against Iraq and permitted the United States Navy to use its port facilities.

Data as of January 1993 NOTE: The information regarding Bahrain on this page is re-published from The Library of Congress Country Studies and the CIA World Factbook. No claims are made regarding the accuracy of Bahrain NATIONAL SECURITY information contained here. All suggestions for corrections of any errors about Bahrain NATIONAL SECURITY should be addressed to the Library of Congress and the CIA. Please put this page in your BOOKMARKS - - - - - Copyright © 2004 Photius Coutsoukis (all rights reserved) ctr040601 U.S. and the World - Qorvis Always Ready to Lobby for Dictators - AllGov - News Qorvis Always Ready to Lobby for Dictators Thursday, March 01, 2012 Michael Petruzzello, CEO of Qorvis Qorvis, one of Washington, DC’s top lobbying and public relations firms, has continued to help one of its most controversial clients improve its image with American leaders. Since signing a $40,000-a-month contract with the government of Bahrain , the firm has developed strategies for reshaping the perceptions of the oil-rich country and its battles with pro-democracy critics.

Bahrain has been ruled since 1783 by the Al Khalifa family. The current monarch, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, has been in power since 1999. In addition to being a loyal oil ally, Bahrain’s ruling family has allowed the United States Fifth Fleet to be based in their country, providing the U.S. Navy with an optimal location in the strategically-vital Persian Gulf region. Last September the Obama administration sold $54 million worth of weapons to the Al Khalifas despite their lethal crackdown on pro-democracy demonstrators. The main contractors who benefited from the sale were AM General and Raytheon. A few weeks ago, Qorvis arranged for three young Bahrainis to visit Washington and talk about reform—while also criticizing the opposition movement and complaining about negative media coverage in the U.S. The firm also has defended the government’s raid last year on a Doctors Without Borders office in Bahrain, and helped produce pro-regime stories for The Huffington Post. In addition to representing Bahrain, Qorvis clients have included the dictators of Yemen , Saudi Arabia and Equatorial Guinea . Taking on dictatorial governments as clients has cost the firm many of its top employees.

During 2011, more than a third of Qorvis’ partners left the firm to start their own businesses, in part because of decisions to assist controversial regimes. -Noel Brinkerhoff, David Wallechinsky Sayed Mohamed Adnan: From Football Star to Refugee | Al Akhbar English Arabic Edition Sayed Mohamed Adnan: From Football Star to Refugee Al-Akhbar is currently going through a transitional phase whereby the English website is available for Archival purposes only. All new content will be published in Arabic on the main website ( ). Al-Akhbar Management Bahrain's Sayed Adnan Mohamed (R#16) and South Korean Lee Dong-gook (#12) vie for the ball during their Asian Cup 2007 Group D football match at the Bung Karno stadium in Jakarta. (Photo: AFP - Adek Berry) By: Ali Alahrani Published Thursday, October 13, 2011 Last month, Mohamed Adnan watched on his television set as Bahrain beat Indonesia 2-0 in the second round of Asia’s 2014 World Cup qualifiers. Adnan (28) was one of Bahrain’s star football players until his political activism suddenly ended his career.

He had played a total of 79 games in which he scored 13 goals for the Bahraini national team, and in 2009 he was nominated as Asian Footballer of the Year. But Adnan was banned from the team after accusations that he organized an athletes march last February calling for national unity and change in Bahrain’s political establishment. In May, Adnan traveled to Brisbane, Australia to visit his relatives and decided to stay there after his family advised him not to return to Bahrain. “I’m not afraid of arrest. My son and my wife are happy … I feel safer in Australia,” Adnan said in a telephone interview. But he still worries about his relatives in Bahrain. His father was detained and interrogated about Adnan’s whereabouts, while his brother escaped to Qatar for a few months before returning to Bahrain. “I’m lucky. If I had been in Bahrain at that time, I could have also been detained,” Adnan admits, adding that he was ready to turn himself in. Inspired by the revolutions in Tunisia and Egypt, Bahrainis took to the streets on February 14 against the Al Khalifa family, which has ruled the country since 1783.

In the clashes that followed, security forces killed around 41 protesters and injured thousands. Several national team players who participated in the protests, like top scorer Alaa Hubail, were released from detention four weeks ago following pressure from the International Federation of Association Football (FIFA). Other athletes and sports journalists soon followed but are still awaiting trial. “My colleagues were tortured to say that I organized the march just like what happened with Ali Saeed,” Adnan says, referring to the national team’s goalkeeper who was forced into a public confession. “A high-level officer sent me a message by way of the released detainees to return to Bahrain. He said that I could return and they would not touch me,” he adds. But Adnan does not trust the authorities in Bahrain. “If they have nothing to do with me, then why were my colleagues tortured and why were the authorities asking them about me?" Adnan was playing for Al Khor, a Qatari team, when his contract was suddenly terminated. “The team coach told me that they were depending on me to win the Qatari cup, but everything changed after the athletes protest march,” he says.

“They still owe me US$180,000 for the rest of my contract and my agent is trying to get my money." The good news is that when the Australian A-League begins in October, Adnan will be able to play again. He signed a season contract last month with the Brisbane Roar. He says, “I’m happy to play again. I hope I can help my team win the league.” The government’s crackdown has damaged Bahrain's football reputation. Adnan believes that football in Bahrain will need years to recover after what has happened. Other sports have also been affected. The 2011 Formula One Grand Prix event in Bahrain was cancelled in April when teams and drivers refused to come to the country in protest of the regime. Mark Webber, an Australian driver for Red Bull, recently tweeted his disapproval with Formula One’s soft stance. “In my personal opinion, the sport should have taken a much firmer stance earlier this year rather than constantly delaying its decision in the hope of being able to reschedule it in 2011.

It would have sent a very clear message about F1’s position on something as fundamental as human rights and how it deals with moral issues.” Tom Porteous, deputy program director at Human Rights Watch, said in an official statement on May 26 that “racing officials should seriously consider the appropriateness of holding a Formula One event this year in Bahrain in light of the scale of human rights violations there.” Meanwhile, Formula One organizers announced that the 2012 Grand Prix has been rescheduled for April of that year. Tags

Question: The Al Khalifa family has ruled which country since 1783?
Answer: Bahrain