Bahrain has seen significant internal and diplomatic developments in recent months, indicating far-reaching changes in long-held policies. These include the release of unprecedented numbers of prisoners, including many considered to be political prisoners; steps toward resuming relations with Iran; and closer relations with Russia and China.
The changes seem to be driven by the desire to alleviate domestic sectarian tensions, as well as to align Bahrain’s policies with those of the other Gulf Cooperation Council states on both Iran and a “multi-alignment” strategy more generally, while preserving critical security relations with the U.S. and Israel.
But while the moves represent a notable shift in the country’s domestic and international orientation, they also remain vulnerable to tensions that could make them a hard balance to maintain.