Reuters: The US Government to Approve Sale of F-16 Fighters to Bahrain

Reuters reported on March 29 that the Trump administration has announced its intention to lift barriers to the sale of F-16 fighter jets to Bahrain. The plan for this sale was established during the previous administration but had not been implemented due to concerns and criticisms regarding human rights in Bahrain. According to Reuters, the US government has informed Congress of its plans to proceed with the sale of Lockheed Martin F-16 fighter jets and their parts and accessories to Bahrain. Last year, during Barack Obama's administration, the State Department had notified Congress of a roughly $5 billion plan for the sale of the jets. Bob Corker, the chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, also confirmed on September 29 the approval of contracts for the sale of American fighter jets to Bahrain, as well as Qatar and Kuwait, with Qatar and Kuwait having expressed interest in purchasing them three years ago. However, the sale of F-16s to Bahrain had not been realized due to criticisms regarding the human rights situation in the country and reports of its lack of improvement. Reuters cites an unnamed congressional source stating that the Trump administration intends to separate human rights issues from the aircraft sales. Lockheed Martin has not yet responded to the published report. US congressional officials have also not commented on whether there might be opposition to the sale of the jets due to human rights issues. The sale plan also includes engines, radar, air-to-air and air-to-ground missiles, and other parts and equipment. After the official announcement of the aircraft sales plan to Congress, the US legislative body will have 40 days to issue official approval. Bahrain was the center of protests in 2011 aimed at reforming its political and governmental system; predominantly Shia citizens of Bahrain accuse the Sunni royal family of ignoring their rights and practicing discrimination. Over the past years, several protesters and opposition members have been arrested, and the activities of a major political organization have been curtailed. The Bahraini government has also arrested dozens on suspicion of engaging in what it describes as 'terrorist' activities, linking many of them to Iran. Iranian officials, including the Supreme Leader, have stated that they are not indifferent to events in Bahrain but have denied interference in the internal affairs of that country. Both Bahrain and Iran are considered 'unfree' countries by political and civil rights watchdogs like 'Freedom House' in terms of electoral processes, political and civil liberties, and press freedom. Bahrain is the headquarters of the US Fifth Fleet.