Topic: U.S. Fifth Fleet

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Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Palestinian statehood: why Arabs have turned on Obama

President Obama, who made Israeli-Palestinian peace a priority from the outset of his administration, is now the US leader with incongruously bad relations with the Arab world. Here are three key causes of the deterioration in ties – and three steps that the can be taken to mend US relations with Arabs and Muslims.
WikiLeaks reveals 5 Arab countries concerned about Iran

At least five Arab countries are keeping a wary eye on Iran, as revealed in the classified US documents publicized by whistleblower website WikiLeaks.
In Pictures: Somali pirates

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Myanmar, 'Arab awakening' top US list of progress on human rights

State Department's annual report on human rights around the world also notes the important role that technology, the Internet, and social media play in advancing individual freedoms.
Bahrain doctor: If US loses the faith of people like me, it loses the Mideast

Washington’s tepid response to Bahrain's crackdown on nonviolent protesters has forced me to question what America really stands for. Obama must tell the ruling family to stop attacking protesters and to drop sham charges against medics like me and hundreds of others.
Backchannels
After Formula One scrutiny, Bahrain hires a fan of Saddam Hussein to improve its image

Well, nothing else is working.
Focus
Bahrain F1 race: How a Sunni backlash kept an uprising at bay

The Formula One race in Bahrain today has put the spotlight back on an uprising here that has faltered due to sectarian distrust.
Backchannels
Teargas on democracy protesters? Bahrain Grand Prix sponsors say 'no problem'

It appears the Formula One Bahrain Grand Prix scheduled for this weekend will go on, despite the use of tear gas and rubber bullets on protesters there. Advertisers don't appear worried about any backlash.
Pressure mounts on Bahrain as hunger striker reaches 62nd day (+video)

Bahrain has been trumpeting its return to normalcy ahead of the Formula One Grand Prix that begins April 20. But now there is increasing pressure to cancel the car race.
Unrest in US ally Bahrain takes a more violent turn

Shiite protesters in Bahrain have begun using Molotov cocktails, while Sunni hard-liners also are urging more extreme measures.
USS Abraham Lincoln returns to Persian Gulf shadowed by Iranian boats

USS Abraham Lincoln passed through the Strait of Hormuz Tuesday with Iranian gunboats, an Iranian drone, and helicopter following. Iran had threatened to close the strait after Western sanctions were tightened last month.
Global News Blog
Americans arrested, deported by Bahrain for supporting democracy protests

The Americans Radhika Sainath and Huwaida Arraf were arrested and deported by Bahrain for showing solidarity with democracy protesters in the kingdom.
Backchannels
Iran keeps issuing threats, US keeps saving Iranian sailors

As Iran has been promoting its naval prowess and ability to shut the Straits of Hormuz, US naval assets have been busy rescuing Iranian sailors.
War with Iran? Consult history.

It sounds like war drums. Tehran says it will execute an alleged US spy and threatens to block the Strait of Hormuz. GOP presidential candidates talk of regime change and military strikes, and Obama is not cowed by Iran. But wars do not often turn out as envisioned.
Backchannels
After Iran threatens US carrier, bluff will probably be called

Crude oil prices surged after Iran dialed the threat-o-meter up to 11 with a vow to attack a US aircraft carrier if it returns to the Strait of Hormuz. The US 5th Fleet is likely to take up the challenge.
As sanctions bite, Iran threatens US aircraft carrier (Video)

Iran threatened to attack a US aircraft carrier if it returned to the Persian Gulf. Sanctions targeting Iran's oil sector prompted a 40 percent drop in Iran's currency value.
Getting the Strait of Hormuz straight: an FAQ

Iran has caused a stir with its threat this week to close down the Strait of Hormuz if sanctions were imposed on Iranian oil exports. Here’s why this small body of water generates so much world attention.
Backchannels
Iran's threats over Strait of Hormuz? Understandable, but not easy

Iran has issued two threats that it could close the Strait of Hormuz, reminding the world how it could spike oil prices if the US or Israel attacks. But it wouldn't be easy. 
Bahrain commission issues brutal critique of Arab Spring crackdown

An independent commission presented its findings to Bahrain's king, offering the tiny Gulf country a road map for moving beyond the violence of recent months and repairing relations with the US.
In Arab Spring, mercy is as mercy does

When Obama promises to support the Arab Spring, he can't then sell weapons to Bahrain, even as that dictatorship gives harsh sentences to doctors who treat wounded protesters.
Palestinian statehood: why Arabs have turned on Obama

President Obama, who made Israeli-Palestinian peace a priority from the outset of his administration, is now the US leader with incongruously bad relations with the Arab world. Here are three key causes of the deterioration in ties – and three steps that the can be taken to mend US relations with Arabs and Muslims.
Bahrain opposition on verge of pulling out of government talks

Al Wefaq, Bahrain's main Shiite political party, is close to pulling out of the national dialogue to discuss reform, arguing it's only a fig leaf for continued autocracy.
Bahrain sentences eight Shiite dissenters to life in prison

The sentences, issued by Bahrain's military tribunal, call into question talks between the government and opposition that were due to start July 1.
Bahrain stages trials of opponents, despite new US criticism

Five of the six trials were held before a military tribunal. The US last week added Bahrain to its list of human rights abusers, which the kingdom called a regrettable 'rush to judgment.'
Backchannels
Sanctions for Syria. But in Bahrain, it's bring on the Grand Prix!

Pay no attention to the human rights violations behind the curtain, Mr. Ecclestone.
Editorial Board Blog
Bahrain protests and Obama's 'drop by' diplomacy

President Obama just happened to 'drop by' a White House meeting with Bahrain's crown prince today even as the government brutally suppresses protests. Why the secrecy?
Backchannels
The House of Saud strikes back

Saudi Arabia isn't taking this whole democracy thing lying down. It's putting down uprisings, beefing up alliances with fellow autocrats, and distancing itself from the US.
Bahrain's abuse of dissenters: four detailed cases

A pattern of widespread abuse emerges from these cases, including detention without trial, beatings, and lack of access to lawyers and family.