Editing Politics of Bahrain (section)

==National security==

===External threats===
Though juxtaposed between much larger neighbours, the tiny island Kingdom of Bahrain does not face any immediate threats from foreign nations. Likewise, it is not currently involved in any international disputes. In the recent past, however, relations between Bahrain and two other Persian Gulf states – [[Iran]] and [[Qatar]] – were less than amicable. The government of Bahrain has made a concerted effort to improve relations with both. Relations with Iran were initially strained over Bahrain's 1981 discovery of an Iranian-sponsored plot to stage a [[coup]]. Bahrain's suspicion that Iran had also instigated domestic political unrest in the 1990s fueled the tension. Bahrain's recent efforts to improve relations with Iran include encouraging [[trade]] between the respective nations, as well as promoting maritime security cooperation. Hostile relations between Bahrain and Qatar stemmed from a longstanding territorial dispute. On March 16, 2001, an [[International Court of Justice]] (ICJ) ruling facilitated a peaceful settlement of the matter. The ICJ granted sovereignty over the [[Hawar Islands]] and [[Qit' at Jaradah]] to Bahrain and sovereignty over [[Zubarah]] (part of the [[Qatar Peninsula]]), [[Janan Island]] and [[Fasht ad Dibal]] to Qatar.{{anchor|Fasht ad Dibal}}

===Insurgencies===
The government of Bahrain does not face any immediate threats from individuals or organizations that seek to undermine its [[sovereignty]]. In the past, however, it has been forced to contend with political uprisings. The government foiled an attempted coup in 1981. The disaffection of Bahrain's [[Shi’a]] majority precipitated a series of violent incidents in the 1990s. [[Legislative]] reforms aimed at addressing the estranged population's underlying grievances initially held the violence in check. In 1996 tensions resurfaced, however, and a number of hotel and restaurant bombings resulted in numerous casualties. The government subsequently arrested over 1,000 individuals for their alleged participation in the incidents and proceeded to hold them without trial.

Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa assumed the throne in March 1999 upon the death of his father, Shaikh Isa bin Salman Al Khalifa, the ruler of Bahrain since 1961. He continued to implement democratic reforms, including the transformation of Bahrain from a hereditary emirate to a [[constitutional monarchy]], and in so doing changed his status from [[emir]] to [[Monarch|king]]. He also pardoned all political prisoners and detainees, including those who had been arrested for their unsubstantiated participation in the 1996 bombings as well as abolishing the State Security Law and the State Security Court, which had permitted the government to detain individuals without trial for up to 3 years.

In February 2011 a series of protests by the Shia majority began which became the [[Bahraini uprising (2011–present)|Bahraini uprising]].

===Terrorism===
The government of Bahrain has actively cooperated with the international community in general and the [[United States]] in particular to combat global [[terrorism]]. Basing and extensive overflight clearances that it has granted U.S. military aircraft contributed to the success of [[Operation Enduring Freedom]]. The government of Bahrain has cooperated closely on criminal investigations linked to terrorism. Likewise, it has taken steps to prevent terrorist organizations from using the nation's well-developed financial system. Not all of Bahrain's citizens have applauded their government's efforts, however, particular vis-à-vis its support for U.S. initiatives. Several anti-American demonstrations took place in 2002, during one of which the U.S. embassy was attacked with firebombs, and again at the onset of [[Operation Iraqi Freedom]] in 2003.

In 2005, Bahrain, as one of the six members of the [[Gulf Cooperation Council]] (GCC), agreed to intensify coordination in the fight against terrorism in response to instability in the region. They called for a clear definition of terrorism so that it could be differentiated from other criminal activities or activities such as rightful struggles against the foreign occupation for example.