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