Posted on 03/18/2011 6:26:49 PM PDT by Hojczyk
The news from Manama, the capitol of the small island state of Bahrain, is that the Fifth Fleet HQ has gone on maneuvers to Oman for an indefinite time frame. In sum, bug out from the proxy war in Bahrain between Riyadh and Tehran.
Am told that the IRGC has staffed and funded the so-called protesters. The social media messaging that now floods the web, #bahrain, is suspect of being an IRGC disinformation campaign. Of most significance, am told the Bahrain confrontation marks the breakdown of the 65 year-long alliance between Washington and Riyadh. The Kingdom has now turned away. China through the Pakistan connection looks like the choice to replace the US.
Spoke Barry Rubin, GLORIA, to learn that Egypt is also tumbling away from the US. Pat Lang, Sic Semper Tyrannis, said that Cairo is looking for another sponsor. What has caused this break between Washington and its allies in the Middle East? Am told that the White House is deaf to experienced diplomats in the region. That the White House is piously ideological in supporting so-called democratic leaning youth protesters despite the evidence that the "yuppie bloggers" are either naive ideologues themselves, without experience in governance or diplomacy, or they are tools of the anarchists, Islamists and Twelvers. Asked Barry Rubin if the US is on the brink of losing Egypt. Answer: over the brink. Asked Pat Lang if there was any repairing break with Riyadh. Answer: no.
I am here in Bahrain alive and well working for fifth fleet. I sent the wife and kids home last night, but I do not think the U.S. Military is going anywhere. I am about to head to work soon.
I’m hoping the Navy doesn’t want this to turn into the movie THE SAND PEBBLES.
God be with you, sir! This old Seabee is prayin’ for all of you.
Ah! Very well! So what’s the report on the street? Are things busting at the seams or are things fairly calm?
Is this a non-story, from your point of view?
I have not felt unsafe yet, but having my four young children see tanks roaming the neighborhood raised an eyebrow. There are a lot of citizen roadblocks that have been put up all over the city. Young men roaming around with clubs, swords, cleavers, etc. Lots of Saudi military equipment around. Everyone is very polite to the Americans for now. The Shias have been starting crap again, but they are largely cut off from Manama. This country was a beacon of economic hope for the region and now it is being turned into a third world hell-hole. It will be difficult for it to recover. If the Shias win and topple the government here, I would not want to be a Sunni. The Shias are vicious. The American media is taking the wrong side. This culture is way different than ours and these people cannot really have democracy like we do because their religion cannot be disconnected from their politics. The King will go, but some butt-head cleric will replace him. There is a ton of freedom here if you ask me. I drive around without the threat of speeding tickets, crime is non-existent, people are respectful, there are no taxes, gas is 80 cents a gallon. What more can these people want in a part of the world where everyone around them lives like crap?!
Hmm... well, take care. There’s some unnerving signals in what you’re saying. Perhaps is it close to time to pull up stakes and bug out? Though of couse I suppose that’s more up to Centcom to decide.
John Batchelor makes a fine living out of blowing smoke up the audiences’ arses.
He also was good listening when I worked night shifts.
Outside of that, take his advice on good wines, but not on geopolitics.
Thank you, both for your service and for current information.
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