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Internal Reforms Increase Bahrain's Attractiveness as an Ally to the
WestBahrain has been an important Western ally,
serving as a Western air base during the Persian Gulf War in 1991 and the
Iraq War in 2003. It continues to serve as the base of the United States'
Fifth Fleet, which patrols the Gulf.
The emir, Sheik Isa ibn Sulman al-Khalifah, died
in 1999 after four decades of rule. He was succeeded by his son, Sheik
Hamad ibn Isa al-Khalifah, who gave himself the title of king but also
began a sweeping democratization of the country: censorship has been
relaxed and draconian laws repealed, exiles have been repatriated, and the
stateless Bidoons have been granted citizenship. In a Feb. 2001
referendum, which permitted women to vote for the first time, Bahrainis
overwhelmingly supported the transformation of the traditional monarchy
into a constitutional one. In Oct. 2002, Bahrain had its first
parliamentary election since 1973. In 2006, the U.S. and Bahrain signed a
free-trade agreement.
See also
Encyclopedia:
Bahrain
.
U.S. State Dept. Country Notes:
Bahrain
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