Bahrain: Reform, Security, and U.S. Policy

Kenneth Katzman | Congressional Research Service | 2011-01-05

This report presents a contemporary overview of Bahrain with particular focus on the nation's political structure, reforms and human rights, along with a close look at U.S.-Bahrain security and foreign policy relations. The document's summary opens with the following statement: "After experiencing serious unrest during the late 1990s, Bahrain undertook several steps to
enhance the inclusion of the Shiite majority in governance. However, the Sunni-led government’s efforts to maintain its tight grip on power stirred new unrest among Bahraini Shiites in advance of October 23, 2010, parliamentary elections."