VZCZCXRO4706
OO RUEHBC RUEHDE RUEHDIR RUEHKUK
DE RUEHMK #1988/01 3371159
ZNY SSSSS ZZH
O 031159Z DEC 06
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC IMMEDIATE 6092
INFO RUCNIRA/IRAN COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT  PRIORITY
RUEKJCS/OSD WASHDC PRIORITY
RUENAAA/SECNAV WASHDC PRIORITY

S E C R E T SECTION 01 OF 02 MANAMA 001988 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
 
E.O. 12958: DECL: 01/30/2016 
TAGS: PREL MARR MOPS BA REGION BILAT OFFICIALS
SUBJECT: SECRETARY OF THE NAVY DISCUSSES MILITARY 
RELATIONSHIP WITH MINISTER OF DEFENSE 
 
Classified By: DCM Susan L. Ziadeh for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d). 
 
------- 
Summary 
------- 
 
¶1.  (S) Minister of Defense General Shaikh Khalifa bin Ahmed 
Al Khalifa told Secretary of the Navy Winter November 26 that 
the long standing presence of the US Navy in Bahrain and the 
warm relationship between Bahrain and the US is a stabilizing 
force given Bahrain's "unpredictable neighbors."  He stated 
Bahrain's determination to strengthen the relationship, and 
to work together to manage any future threats, especially 
through joint exercises and training.  Referring to Iranian 
aspirations for regional hegemony, he said that Iran is 
insisting that cooperation on Gulf Security should be with 
them and that the US not be involved.  The minister stated a 
need to update plans and operations to meet new scenarios, 
especially Iran.  On Iraq, Shaikh Khalifa said the Iraqi 
government needs to step up and deal with the situation and 
other countries should play a role, not only the US.  He said 
that the lack of stability in Iraq can affect Gulf security 
and other allies, and offered as an example how Saudi Arabia 
has dealt with its terrorist problem, saying hard decisions 
must be made.  Reiterating his concern that Bahrain faced an 
ever growing missile threat, he asked that the US consider 
how to help with increased air defense assets.  End Summary. 
 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
Past, Present and Future Relationship with US Navy 
--------------------------------------------- ----- 
 
¶2.   (C) Defense Minister Shaikh Khalifa referred to Bahrain 
as our naval forces' home town for the past 50 years, 
characterizing the US Naval presence as a stabilizing force 
given unpredictable neighbors like Iran.  He spoke positively 
of the current relationship, highlighting Bahraini 
participation in Combined Task Forces 150 and 152 currently 
operating in the region.  Secretary Winter said that 
stability in this region is critical to the world economy, 
and that threats to oil platforms and from piracy are best 
handled by partnering with friends like Bahrain.  When asked 
by the Secretary what he could do to help further develop 
relations between Bahrain and the US Navy, Shaikh Khalifa 
stated the need for joint exercises with the US, and 
assistance in updating plans to respond to evolving threats. 
Secretary Winter concurred with conducting frequent exercises 
 
SIPDIS 
to ensure changing staffs are trained and to keep up with 
threat changes both at sea and ashore.  Rear Admiral Swift, 
Deputy Commander, Naval Forces Central Command (NAVCENT), 
noted that participation by Bahrain's frigate and the 
presence of a Bahraini liaison officer on the NAVCENT staff 
were both very helpful.  Shaikh Khalifa noted that Iran had 
recently procured a new air defense system from Russia and 
said that Bahrain must update its plans and exercises based 
on Iran's increased capability.  The Secretary stated that 
finances, the economy, and strategy all drive such sales. 
Export sales are especially attractive, he added, and may 
drive bad decisions. 
 
¶3.   (S) The minister discussed the TPS-59 Radar system due 
to be operational in Bahrain by the end of March 2007.  The 
system will give increased protection capability, but it is 
not integrated with any other Bahraini or US assets.  In 
order for the system to be useful, there must be a way to 
integrate it with existing communication facilities and 
command centers.  The equipment that will satisfy this 
requirement is the TYQ-23 Tactical Air Operations Module. 
The Letter of Offer and Acceptance is expected to be 
delivered in December 2006.  Secretary Winter indicated that 
his office will coordinate to ensure that there is no 
unnecessary delay in the procurement process. 
 
-------------------------- 
The Growing Iranian Threat 
-------------------------- 
 
¶4.   (S) Shaikh Khalifa said that Iran is insisting that 
cooperation on Gulf Security should be with them and the US 
should not have any influence.  He expressed concern about 
Iranian intervention in Iraq and Lebanon, noting that Iran is 
active in the Gulf with the same intentions.  He said that 
Bahrain has always kept Iran on its side of the water and 
that even without a nuclear capability, Iran is already 
creating mischief in the region.  "Imagine how much more 
aggressive they will be if they have a bomb." 
 
--------------------------------- 
 
MANAMA 00001988  002 OF 002 
 
 
Iraqi Government Needs To Do More 
--------------------------------- 
 
¶5.   (S) The minister asked the Secretary's views of the 
situation in Iraq.  Secretary Winter noted that there are 
many challenges but stated that during his recent trip to 
Iraq, he found the morale of the troops to be very high. 
Many troops told him they want to complete the mission, and 
then go home, in that order.  Some areas are calm, but others 
need work.  We are working to bridge the cultural gap by 
providing cultural training and education, but we're not 
there yet.  Shaikh Khalifa said that the Iraqi government 
needs to do more, that it cannot only be the US government 
dealing with this situation.  He said that the Iraqis need to 
do their own job.  Other countries need to show support as 
well.  He expressed concern over the potential for problems 
in Iraq to spread throughout the region, affecting allies 
such as Kuwait, Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.  The 
solution to problems in Iraq may be found in how Saudi Arabia 
dealt with their terrorist problem, saying that hard 
decisions would have to be made. The situation in Saudi 
Arabia is much better; they took stringent measures to send 
the message. 
 
------------------------------- 
Bilateral Air Defense Agreement 
------------------------------- 
 
¶6.   (S) Noting that Bahrain was among three countries that 
were hit by missiles during Desert Storm, Shaikh Khalifa 
expressed concern about the missile threat from Iran.  He 
requested the US consider providing missile defense equipment 
and training, specifically the Patriot system.  He asked the 
US to consider a bilateral approach, as a regional approach 
may take too long.  He then stated, "We are looking for the 
deployment of increased air defense assets either from your 
side or from ours."  Secretary Winter said he would raise 
this issue upon his return to determine options and see if 
there is a way to move on it. 
 
¶7.   (U) Secretary Winter cleared this cable. 
 
 
********************************************* ******** 
Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: 
http://www.state.sgov.gov/p/nea/manama/ 
********************************************* ******** 
MONROE