Congressional Members Oppose US-Bahrain Arms Sale
\nPOMED Wired – 06 Oct. 2011<\/p>\n
Josh Rogin writes that \u201ca growing group of lawmakers and non-governmental organizations are gearing up to oppose the State Department\u2019s\u201d proposed $53 million arms sale to Bahrain, and that \u201cSen. Ron Wyden (D-OR) and Rep. Jim McGovern (D-MA) are circulating a resolution that would stop the sale from going through.\u201d Senator Wyden told Rogin that \u201dproviding arms to a government that is actively committing human rights violations against peaceful protestors is at odds with United States foreign policy goals,\u201d adding that \u201dwe should be promoting democracy and human rights in the region and not rewarding a regime that is jailing and in some cases killing those who choose to peacefully protest their government and anyone who supports them.\u201d Sen. Joe Lieberman (I-CT) and Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-SC) also expressed reticence about the proposed arms sale.<\/p>\n
Cole Bockenfeld, the Director of Advocacy at the Project on Middle East Democracy, attests that \u201cfailure to [re-energise diplomatic efforts toward Bahrain] risks an escalation of violence that could endanger the relationship both parties hold dear.\u201d Bockenfeld suggests that the Obama Administration can assist the reconciliation process by encouraging the withdrawal of GCC forces from Bahrain and expediting the confirmation and deployment of Ambassador-designate Thomas Krajeski. Bockenfeld concludes that \u201cthe U.S. Administration and the Bahraini government have a responsibility to act and deliver meaningful reform and accountability, or risk the very scenario both wish to avoid.\u201d …source<\/a><\/p>\n