Bahrain is very different than Iran, Arab and more devout on their religion. Even if your friend was moderate, when he went back, he had to conform. Every Iranian I ever met up until the last 10 years or so would always laugh about Mohammed and his fantasies. Some of them changed to something else, others were what I would call culturally muslim but non-believing, like a lot of Jews these days. Since 9-11, have noticed that a lot of the people coming from Iran actually pray and wear the clothing. I am disgusted with our country for letting them in, and sad that 40 years of Islamic fundamentalism has changed the character of that country.
When he went back, Iran still held the hostages.