Bahrain’s Unwavering Support for US-Led Maritime Coalition Sets it Apart in the Gulf Region

Bahrain is the only Gulf nation openly supporting the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” coalition, which aims to secure maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. The initiative involves 20 countries, but Arab nations are hesitant to endorse it, fearing it primarily benefits Israel. The coalition, announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, aims to defend shipping lanes from Houthi attacks that have affected over 50 countries. Despite Bahrain’s involvement, King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa has not officially commented on the alliance. The Arab media has had mixed reactions, with some viewing Bahrain’s participation as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia has abstained from joining, citing the timing of the Israeli war on Hamas and ongoing peace efforts in Yemen. Experts and analysts have differing perspectives on the coalition’s implications, with some seeing it as a protective measure for global trade, including Saudi interests.

Bahrain has emerged as the sole Gulf nation publicly supporting the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” coalition, aimed at securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. This initiative includes participation from 20 countries, but Arab nations are hesitant to publicly endorse it, perceiving it as primarily benefiting Israel. The coalition, announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is focused on defending shipping lanes from Houthi attacks, which have affected over 50 countries. Despite Bahrain’s involvement, the country’s king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, hasn’t officially commented on the alliance. The coalition has faced mixed reactions in the Arab media, with some viewing Bahrain’s participation as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia has abstained from joining, citing the timing of the Israeli war on Hamas and ongoing peace efforts in Yemen. Experts and analysts offer varied perspectives on the coalition’s implications, with some seeing it as a protective measure for global trade, including Saudi interests.

Source .