Keep Us Strong WikiLeaks logo

Currently released so far... 5415 / 251,287

Articles

Browse latest releases

Browse by creation date

Browse by origin

A B C D F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W Y Z

Browse by tag

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z
QA
YM YI YE

Browse by classification

Community resources

courage is contagious

Viewing cable 08MANAMA61, NDI IN BAHRAIN: UPDATE

If you are new to these pages, please read an introduction on the structure of a cable as well as how to discuss them with others. See also the FAQs

Understanding cables
Every cable message consists of three parts:
  • The top box shows each cables unique reference number, when and by whom it originally was sent, and what its initial classification was.
  • The middle box contains the header information that is associated with the cable. It includes information about the receiver(s) as well as a general subject.
  • The bottom box presents the body of the cable. The opening can contain a more specific subject, references to other cables (browse by origin to find them) or additional comment. This is followed by the main contents of the cable: a summary, a collection of specific topics and a comment section.
To understand the justification used for the classification of each cable, please use this WikiSource article as reference.

Discussing cables
If you find meaningful or important information in a cable, please link directly to its unique reference number. Linking to a specific paragraph in the body of a cable is also possible by copying the appropriate link (to be found at theparagraph symbol). Please mark messages for social networking services like Twitter with the hash tags #cablegate and a hash containing the reference ID e.g. #08MANAMA61.
Reference ID Created Released Classification Origin
08MANAMA61 2008-02-03 12:12 2011-02-18 21:09 UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY Embassy Manama
VZCZCXRO8194
PP RUEHDE RUEHDIR
DE RUEHMK #0061 0341229
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
P 031229Z FEB 08
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 7570
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE PRIORITY
RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT  PRIORITY
RHMFIUU/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL PRIORITY
RHEHNSC/NSC WASHDC PRIORITY
UNCLAS MANAMA 000061 
 
SIPDIS 
 
SIPDIS 
SENSITIVE 
 
DEPT FOR NEA AND DRL 
 
E.O. 12958: N/A 
TAGS: KDEM PGOV BA
SUBJECT: NDI IN BAHRAIN: UPDATE 
 
REF: 07 MANAMA 0661 
 
1.(SBU) Summary: Following a protracted negotiation over the terms of its relationship with the Bahrain Institute for Political Development (BIPD), NDI has successfully conducted one parliamentary training project and has received positive GOB reaction for further programs in February, March, and April. End summary.

2.(SBU) NDI and the BIPD concluded a partnership agreement in July 2007 that paved the way for NDI's return to Bahrain (reftel). During the negotiations, BIPD Board of Trustees President Lulua Al-Awadi pressed to bring NDI "under the umbrella" of the BIPD in order to exert maximum control over its activities. NDI Senior Adviser Scott Bates declined to accept those terms, and Al-Awadi eventually agreed to a "partnership" arrangement. Bates noted in a meeting with Charge on January 30 that Al-Awadi continues to "needle" NDI in the press.

3.(SBU) Bates was in Manama to meet with BIPD and GOB officials in preparation for a parliamentary training program on February 21. The program aims to educate MPs how to better communicate with their constituents about the work they have done on their behalf. Bates said that BIPD Executive Director Ibrahim Al-Rumaihi had proven easy to work with and was supportive of the parliamentary training project. NDI plans to conduct training for MPs in March and April as well. NDI also hopes to conduct a program for MPs in the fall, contingent on a pending grant request, on the role of political societies in the legislative / executive relationship.

4.(SBU) The February program follows on the heels of a similar training program conducted on October 31, 2007. At that time, Bates was pleased with NDI's reception and the newly cooperative relationship with the BIPD, but believed that the real test would come during future visits as NDI sought to reconnect with previous partners on an informal basis. During the meeting with Charge, Bates said that NDI had encountered no resistance from the BIPD or others in meeting informally with its "old friends."

5.(SBU) Comment: After a rough patch in 2006 and 2007, during which NDI suspended operations in Bahrain, it has now resumed an ambitious slate of activities and seems to have established a cooperative relationship with the BIPD. ********************************************* ******** Visit Embassy Manama's Classified Website: XXXXXXXXXXXX********************************************* ******** HENZEL