bahrain

SAB 03
Written Submission from Brigadier Peter Sincock, Chairman The Bahrain Society in UK
1. Introduction
It is my privilege to be the current Chairman of the Bahrain Society in UK, a non-political, bilateral
Society, which aims, through a variety of meetings and events, to foster relations between
UK and Bahrain. There are over 400 members the majority of whom have lived in Bahrain, some
for many years, and who want to maintain contacts and interest in a country they have come to
admire.
I personally worked in Headquarters British Forces Gulf between 1968 and 1970, was the British
Defence Attache resident in Riyadh but accredited to Bahrain between 1988 and 1991 and I have
visited on many occasions since retiring from the Army in 1992, most recently in October 2012.
2. Impressions of Bahrain
My overall impressions of Bahrain have always been of a friendly and well organised country
which strives to maintain a neutral stance in the Gulf, is a stalwart member of the increasingly
successful Gulf Cooperation Council and which values its special relationship with the United
Kingdom.
In the 1960s, living in Bahrain was easy for members of the British Armed Forces and it was
obvious in many ways that Bahrain valued highly its then relationship with us.
I was responsible then for advice to Gulf countries which were considering establishing or
increasing their own armed forces prior to British withdrawal from the Gulf in 1971. I got to know
and like many of the senior Bahrainis, including the present King, during that period.
Returning in 1988 it was good to see that Bahrain had developed into a successful and economically
viable small country which looked back on its long association with UK as a cornerstone of it
defence and foreign policy.
Although it has always been known that there were differences between the Sunni and Shia'a
elements of the population in the background these did not then cause serious problems. There are
many examples from then of inter-marriage, successful Shia'a businesses and senior positions in
Government held by Shia'a. The present problems are caused by only a small percentage of the
Shia'a while the vast majority are happy with the status quo.
Iran in the 1960s claimed Bahrain as part of its territory and two seats in the Iranian parliament
were reserved for the non-existant Bahraini members. This was not then a problem within Bahrain
and was treated by many as a joke. Later in the Shah of Iran's reign the claim was dropped but was
resurrected soon after the Ayatollahs came to power.
I believe strongly that many of Bahrain's problems in recent times, and particularly the organised
rioting in February/March 2011, have been caused by meddling in Bahrain's affairs by its powerful
neighbour across the Gulf. Iran seems intent on exporting its version of the Muslim faith wherever
it can.
An indication of the freedom of expression in Bahrain is shown by the wealth of places of worship.
There are, of course, mosques to suit all forms of Islam, there are Christian churches, Hindu
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