Currently released so far... 5268 / 251,287
Articles
Browse latest releases
2010/12/01
2010/12/02
2010/12/03
2010/12/04
2010/12/05
2010/12/06
2010/12/07
2010/12/08
2010/12/09
2010/12/10
2010/12/11
2010/12/12
2010/12/13
2010/12/14
2010/12/15
2010/12/16
2010/12/17
2010/12/18
2010/12/19
2010/12/20
2010/12/21
2010/12/22
2010/12/23
2010/12/24
2010/12/25
2010/12/26
2010/12/27
2010/12/28
2010/12/29
2010/12/30
2011/01/01
2011/01/02
2011/01/04
2011/01/05
2011/01/07
2011/01/09
2011/01/10
2011/01/11
2011/01/12
2011/01/13
2011/01/14
2011/01/15
2011/01/16
2011/01/17
2011/01/18
2011/01/19
2011/01/20
2011/01/21
2011/01/22
2011/01/23
2011/01/24
2011/01/25
2011/01/26
2011/01/27
2011/01/28
2011/01/29
2011/01/30
2011/01/31
2011/02/01
2011/02/02
2011/02/03
2011/02/04
2011/02/05
2011/02/06
2011/02/07
2011/02/08
2011/02/09
2011/02/10
2011/02/11
2011/02/12
2011/02/13
2011/02/14
2011/02/15
2011/02/16
2011/02/17
2011/02/18
2011/02/19
2011/02/20
2011/02/21
2011/02/22
2011/02/23
2011/02/24
2011/02/25
2011/02/26
2011/02/27
2011/02/28
Browse by creation date
Browse by origin
Embassy Athens
Embassy Asuncion
Embassy Astana
Embassy Asmara
Embassy Ashgabat
Embassy Ankara
Embassy Amman
Embassy Algiers
Embassy Addis Ababa
Embassy Accra
Embassy Abuja
Embassy Abu Dhabi
Embassy Abidjan
Consulate Amsterdam
American Institute Taiwan, Taipei
Embassy Bujumbura
Embassy Buenos Aires
Embassy Budapest
Embassy Bucharest
Embassy Brussels
Embassy Bridgetown
Embassy Bratislava
Embassy Brasilia
Embassy Bogota
Embassy Bishkek
Embassy Bern
Embassy Berlin
Embassy Belgrade
Embassy Beirut
Embassy Beijing
Embassy Banjul
Embassy Bangkok
Embassy Bandar Seri Begawan
Embassy Bamako
Embassy Baku
Embassy Baghdad
Consulate Barcelona
Embassy Copenhagen
Embassy Conakry
Embassy Colombo
Embassy Chisinau
Embassy Caracas
Embassy Canberra
Embassy Cairo
Consulate Curacao
Consulate Casablanca
Consulate Cape Town
Embassy Dushanbe
Embassy Dublin
Embassy Doha
Embassy Djibouti
Embassy Dhaka
Embassy Dar Es Salaam
Embassy Damascus
Embassy Dakar
Consulate Dubai
Embassy Kyiv
Embassy Kuwait
Embassy Kuala Lumpur
Embassy Kinshasa
Embassy Kigali
Embassy Khartoum
Embassy Kampala
Embassy Kabul
Embassy Luxembourg
Embassy Luanda
Embassy London
Embassy Ljubljana
Embassy Lisbon
Embassy Lima
Embassy Lilongwe
Embassy La Paz
Consulate Lagos
Mission USNATO
Embassy Muscat
Embassy Moscow
Embassy Montevideo
Embassy Monrovia
Embassy Minsk
Embassy Mexico
Embassy Mbabane
Embassy Maputo
Embassy Manama
Embassy Managua
Embassy Malabo
Embassy Madrid
Consulate Munich
Consulate Montreal
Consulate Monterrey
Consulate Milan
Embassy Pristina
Embassy Pretoria
Embassy Prague
Embassy Port Au Prince
Embassy Phnom Penh
Embassy Paris
Embassy Paramaribo
Embassy Panama
Consulate Peshawar
REO Basrah
Embassy Rome
Embassy Riyadh
Embassy Riga
Embassy Reykjavik
Embassy Rangoon
Embassy Rabat
Consulate Rio De Janeiro
Consulate Recife
Secretary of State
Embassy Stockholm
Embassy Sofia
Embassy Skopje
Embassy Singapore
Embassy Seoul
Embassy Sarajevo
Embassy Santo Domingo
Embassy Santiago
Embassy Sanaa
Embassy San Salvador
Embassy San Jose
Consulate Strasbourg
Consulate Shenyang
Consulate Shanghai
Consulate Sao Paulo
Embassy Tunis
Embassy Tripoli
Embassy Tokyo
Embassy The Hague
Embassy Tel Aviv
Embassy Tehran
Embassy Tegucigalpa
Embassy Tbilisi
Embassy Tashkent
Embassy Tallinn
USUN New York
USEU Brussels
US Mission Geneva
US Interests Section Havana
US Delegation, Secretary
UNVIE
Embassy Ulaanbaatar
Browse by tag
AF
ASEC
AR
AORC
AJ
AM
AMGT
AE
AU
AGMT
AG
AS
AFIN
APER
ABUD
ATRN
AL
AEMR
ACOA
AO
AX
AMED
ADCO
AODE
AFFAIRS
AC
ASIG
ABLD
AA
AFU
ASUP
AROC
ATFN
AVERY
APCS
AER
ASECKFRDCVISKIRFPHUMSMIGEG
AEC
APECO
CU
CO
CH
CDG
CIA
CACM
CDB
CI
CS
CVIS
CA
CBW
CASC
CD
CV
CMGT
CLINTON
CE
CJAN
CG
CF
CN
CAN
COUNTER
CIS
CM
CONDOLEEZZA
COE
CR
CY
CTM
COUNTRY
CLEARANCE
CPAS
CWC
CT
CKGR
CB
CACS
COM
CJUS
CARSON
CL
COUNTERTERRORISM
EG
ECON
ETTC
EFIN
EZ
ETRD
EUN
ELAB
EU
EINV
EAID
EMIN
ENRG
ECPS
EN
ER
ET
ES
EPET
EUC
EI
EAIR
EAGR
EIND
EWWT
ELTN
EREL
ECIN
EFIS
EINT
EC
ECONEFIN
ENVR
ECA
ELN
EFTA
EXTERNAL
EINVETC
ENIV
EINN
ENGR
EUR
ESA
ENERG
EK
ENGY
ETRO
ETRDEINVECINPGOVCS
ETRDEINVTINTCS
ENVI
ESENV
ELECTIONS
ECUN
EINVEFIN
ECIP
EINDETRD
IV
IR
IS
IZ
IAEA
IN
IT
ICTY
IQ
ICAO
INTERPOL
IPR
INRB
IRAJ
INRA
INRO
IO
IC
ID
IIP
ITPHUM
IWC
ISRAELI
IRAQI
ICRC
IMO
IF
ILC
IEFIN
INTELSAT
IL
IA
IBRD
IMF
INR
IRC
ITALY
ITALIAN
KGIC
KDEM
KTIP
KOMC
KNNP
KWBG
KU
KPAL
KGHG
KAWK
KISL
KPAO
KHLS
KSUM
KSPR
KJUS
KCRM
KGCC
KPIN
KDRG
KTFN
KG
KBIO
KHIV
KSCA
KN
KS
KCOR
KZ
KE
KFRD
KIPR
KPKO
KNUC
KMDR
KPLS
KOLY
KUNR
KIRF
KIRC
KACT
KRAD
KCOM
KMCA
KV
KHDP
KVPR
KDEV
KWMN
KMPI
KFRDCVISCMGTCASCKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KCFC
KTIA
KPRP
KAWC
KCIP
KCFE
KOCI
KTDB
KMRS
KLIG
KBCT
KICC
KGIT
KSTC
KPAK
KNEI
KSEP
KPOA
KFLU
KNUP
KNNPMNUC
KO
KTER
KHUM
KRFD
KBTR
KDDG
KWWMN
KFLO
KSAF
KBTS
KPRV
KNPP
KNAR
KWMM
KERG
KFIN
KFRDKIRFCVISCMGTKOCIASECPHUMSMIGEG
KTBT
KCRS
KRVC
KSTH
KREL
KNSD
KTEX
KPAI
KHSA
KR
KPWR
KWAC
KMIG
KSEC
KIFR
KDEMAF
MOPS
MARR
MNUC
MX
MASS
MCAP
MO
MIL
MTCRE
ML
MR
MZ
MPOS
MOPPS
MTCR
MAPP
MU
MY
MA
MG
MASC
MCC
MEPP
MK
MTRE
MP
MDC
MAR
MEPI
MRCRE
MI
MT
MQADHAFI
MD
MAPS
MUCN
MASSMNUC
MERCOSUR
MC
OVIP
OPDC
OPRC
OIIP
OFFICIALS
OSAC
OAS
OEXC
ODIP
OREP
OFDP
OTRA
OSCE
OPIC
OECD
OPCW
OSCI
OIE
OIC
OTR
OVP
PARM
PREL
PTER
PHUM
PGOV
PINR
PINS
PREF
PK
PE
PBTS
POGOV
PROP
PINL
PL
POL
PBIO
PSOE
PHSA
PKFK
PO
PGOF
PA
PARMS
PORG
PM
PMIL
PTERE
PF
PALESTINIAN
PY
PGGV
PNR
POV
PAK
PAO
PFOR
PHALANAGE
PARTY
PRGOV
PNAT
PROV
PEL
PINF
PGOVE
POLINT
PRL
PRAM
PMAR
PGOVLO
PHUMBA
PHUS
PHUMPREL
POLITICS
PEPR
PSI
PINT
PU
POLITICAL
PARTIES
PECON
SOCI
SY
SENV
SA
SP
SNAR
SG
SCUL
SR
STEINBERG
SF
SW
SU
SL
SMIG
SO
SN
SHUM
SZ
SYR
ST
SANC
SC
SAN
SIPRS
SK
SH
SI
TS
TU
TX
TBIO
TW
TSPA
TH
TIP
TI
TRGY
TC
TR
TT
TERRORISM
TO
TFIN
TD
TSPL
TZ
TPHY
TK
TNGD
TINT
TRSY
TP
UK
UN
US
UNGA
UNSC
UNO
UNMIK
UV
UY
UP
UG
USEU
USUN
UZ
UNESCO
UE
UAE
UNEP
USTR
UNHCR
UNDP
UNHRC
USAID
UNCHS
UNAUS
UNCHC
Browse by classification
Community resources
courage is contagious
Viewing cable 09MANAMA587, BAHRAINI CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
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.
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. #09MANAMA587.
Reference ID | Created | Released | Classification | Origin |
---|---|---|---|---|
09MANAMA587 | 2009-10-06 11:11 | 2011-02-18 21:09 | CONFIDENTIAL | Embassy Manama |
VZCZCXYZ1198
RR RUEHWEB
DE RUEHMK #0587/01 2791159
ZNY CCCCC ZZH
R 061159Z OCT 09
FM AMEMBASSY MANAMA
TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC 8950
INFO RUEHZM/GULF COOPERATION COUNCIL COLLECTIVE
RHBVAKS/COMUSNAVCENT
RHMFISS/HQ USCENTCOM MACDILL AFB FL
C O N F I D E N T I A L MANAMA 000587
SIPDIS
E.O. 12958: DECL: 10/06/2019
TAGS: PGOV SOCI PINR BA
SUBJECT: BAHRAINI CIVIL SOCIETY ORGANIZATIONS
REF: A. 04 MANAMA 1503
¶B. 08 MANAMA 168
¶C. MANAMA 22
Classified By: CDA Christopher Henzel for reasons 1.4 (b) and (d).
1.(SBU) Summary: This message serves as a primer on Bahrain's primary civil society organizations (CSOs). It should be read in conjunction with septel describing the relationship between CSOs and the Ministry of Social Development.
2.(SBU) There are over 500 civil societies in Bahrain, all of which were required by law to register initially with the Ministry of Social Development (MSD). Most of them are either sports organizations or essentially defunct. The GOB classifies the remainder as professional, human rights, women's rights, youth, or topical (i.e. pro-animal or pro-environment) organizations. Churches and religious groups must also register with the MSD. There are numerous organizations, primarily human rights-focused or religious, that are not registered either because they failed to apply, applied and were denied, or had their registration revoked. In some instances, the MSD may determine that a group must also seek approval from another ministry, such as the Ministry of Justice and Islamic Affairs or the Ministry of Information and Culture.
3.(SBU) Following are the major, non-professional, civil society organizations operating in Bahrain: Human Rights ------------
4.(C) Bahrain Human Rights Society (BHRS); Led by former Wa'ad (legacy socialist party) board member Abdulla Alderazi. BHRS has established a reputation as a respected human rights NGO and enjoys a solid working relationship with both the government and opposition. In our experience, BHRS is generally the most balanced in its approach, carefully considering available evidence from all sides before issuing statements. The group maintains good contacts within the international human rights community and has proven capable of running programs and grants from MEPI and non-USG sources. BHRS focuses primarily on the GOB's respect (or lack thereof) for the rights of Bahrainis. It usually does not deal with the concerns of third-country nationals in Bahrain, or of Bahrainis abroad.
5.(C) Bahrain Center for Human Rights (BCHR) (unregistered): Led by Shia secularist Nabeel Rajab. Rajab broke from BHRS to found BCHR in 2000, and maintains collegial relations with other human rights activists. The GOB ordered BCHR disbanded and blocked access to its offices in 2005 after then-executive director Abdulhadi Al Khawaja, an outspoken Shia rejectionist now working for the international human rights NGO Front Line, criticized the government and royal family (ref A). Al Khawaja was charged in January for calling for the overthrow of the regime (ref C). Rajab's credibility suffered in June when he stood by assertions that GOB security forces abducted and beat a Shia man, Jaffer Kadhem. The investigation later showed that Kadhem was in a relationship with the sister of the two men who attacked him to defend the family's honor. Kadhem, the young woman, and her family subsequently confirmed the sequence of events to police and other human rights entities. BCHR maintains relations with the rejec tionist Haq movement. BCHR focuses on GOB activities towards Bahrainis and on Bahrainis abroad.
6.(C) Bahrain Human Rights Watch Society (BHRWS): Led by Shura Council member Faisal Fulad (Note: The 2005 Bandar report alleged Fulad was involved in attempts to change the demographics of Bahrain's sectarian population. End Note). BHRWS was founded and previously led by now-Ambassador to the U.S. Houda Nonoo. Most Bahrainis see BHRWS as closely tied to the government, especially given that it registered only months after BCHR was ordered dissolved. Nonoo and Fulad stridently deny the allegation. The group currently focuses on treatment of expatriate workers and Bahrainis abroad; little focus on alleged GOB actions towards incarcerated Bahrainis.
7.(C) Bahrain Transparency Society (BTS): Led by Shia oppositionist Abdulnabi Al Ekry. BTS' credibility took a big hit in early 2008 when the previous board "misplaced" all of its files and financial records. Al Ekry and a new board took office that spring with the goal of restoring the group's reputation. Transparency International (TI) threatened to cancel BTS' affiliation, but relented when the board was replaced. Al Ekry, a former exile, remains an outspoken critic of both the government and of other NGOs. BTS focuses on government actions towards Bahrainis and corruption. (NOTE: BTS received grants from MEPI Washington in 2005-2006, but failed to account adequately for several thousand dollars. Despite Al Ekry's attempts to clear the books, BTS still has one MEPI grant for which financial accountability paperwork remains outstanding. Post remains skeptical of working again with BTS given this history. End Note.)
8.(C) Migrant Workers Protection Society (MWPS): Bahraini Mona Al Moayyed is the titular head of MWPS, while British national Beverly Hamadah runs day-to-day activities. MWPS focuses on assisting migrant workers, chiefly through its shelter. MWPS leadership believes it must tread carefully because its membership is overwhelmingly expatriates (there are only four Bahrainis in the society - one of whom is a naturalized Indian) and its clientele are exclusively third country nationals. Fearing it might provoke powerful business interests, MWPS avoids involvement in political advocacy and focuses on providing direct assistance to those in need. Originally part of BCHR, MWPS registered as a separate organization after the GOB ordered the Center dissolved. Though often critical of the government, MWPS maintains excellent relations with the GOB, and sits on the national Trafficking in Persons committee chaired by the Foreign Ministry. Women's Rights --------------
9.(C) Bahrain Women's Union (BWU): Led by Mariam Al Ruwaie. BWU was established to bring several women's societies together under one umbrella. It maintains a reputation as an effective advocate for a range of women- and family-specific concerns, although it has kept the adoption of a comprehensive personal status law for Sunnis and Shia as its primary focus. When the government, faced with strong opposition from the Shia community, adopted a Sunni-only family law in June, BWU continued to push for a Shia family law, while training women, lawyers, and judges in the new legislation. BWU works closely with both Freedom House and Vital Voices.
10.(SBU) Bahrain Women's Society (BWS): Led by Wajeeha Baharna. BWS frequently works with BWU, particularly on family law. Post has worked with BWS' "Be Free Center," which works with abused children, and advocates on behalf of stateless children. In 2006, BWS withdrew a MEPI grant application in protest over the Israeli incursion into Lebanon, citing the use of cluster munitions on areas inhabited by children. BWS began reexamining its relationship with the USG early this year, and has explored grant opportunities through both the MEPI small grant program and the Forum for the Future alumni program.
11.(C) Supreme Council for Women (SCW): Led by Lulwa Awadhi (septel), and chaired by the King's wife Sheikha Sabeeka. SCW's members are primarily wealthy, middle-aged and older women, many of whom are the wives of prominent government officials and businessmen. SCW advocacy often overlaps with that of the BWU. Since SCW sees itself as a government organization, not a CSO, its relationship with BWU has been tumultuous, although it has improved since 2005. SCW has proven difficult for us to work with, and we typically ascribe those difficulties to Awadhi. SCW focuses on family law and developing the political capacity of Bahraini women. It also has an affiliate youth branch that is fairly active.
12.(SBU) Bahrain Businesswomen's Society (BBS): Led by Mona Al Moayyed. BBS members are generally prominent businesswomen, and the society focuses on empowering and creating opportunities for women in business. BBS has a MEPI small grant to advocate for a government set-aside for women-led businesses. Member Afnan al-Zayani sits on the Bahrain Chamber of Commerce board. Youth Societies ---------------
13.(C) Bahrain Youth Society for Human Rights (BYSHR) (unregistered): Led by Mohammed Al Maskati. Al Maskati worked for BCHR and recently married Abdulhadi Al Khawaja's daughter. BYSHR alleges that it has been denied permission to register because of its close relationship with BCHR, while the GOB asserts it is because many of BYSHR's members are below MSD's age threshold. BYSHR maintains relationships with international human rights NGOs. It focuses primarily on domestic GOB activities, although Al Maskati maintains an interest in regional human rights concerns.
14.(SBU) Bahrain Youth Forum Society (BYFS): Led by Fatima Ali. A disgruntled former member, who lost an election to the board, levied corruption charges against BYFS leadership in the summer of 2008. When MSD found the charges baseless, the member (a journalist) brought a civil suit against MSD and BYFS; the suit remains pending. BYFS is a multi-sect society, comprised primarily of well-off Bahrainis in their twenties. The society organizes social activities, but has little to no advocacy focus.
15.(SBU) Other less prominent youth organizations, such as Al-Shebabiya and Bahrain Youth Democratic Society, fluctuate in their activity levels. Many more youth organizations exist on paper and may have offices in the new MSD youth building on Al-Budaiya highway, but are not active. Topical -------
16.(SBU) Environmental Friends Society (EFS): Led by Khawla Al Muhannadi, who works at the Prime Minister's Court. EFS is the fastest growing non-political NGO in Bahrain. Its membership grew from three in 2000 to over 1,000 today. EFS has strong working relations with regional environmental organizations, as well as with Bahrain's municipal councils. EFS has run programs encouraging recycling, protecting marine life, and energy efficiency. 17. (C) Batelco Care Center for Victims of Domestic Violence (BCC): Led by Dr. Bana Buzaboon. BCC obtained initial funding from the parastatal telecom Batelco, but is not otherwise linked to the company. Buzaboon is one of only a handful of clinical psychologists in the country. BCC works with Vital Voices, the National Family Justice Center, and has a MEPI small grant to train judges and lawyers on how to treat victims of domestic abuse. HENZEL