Stand Up Against the Bully

Iran has stepped on some toes, and those toes are not happy with it!  Bahrain and other Arab nations are in the middle of trying to work out an agreement that would provide protection both politically and militarily to the countries of the GCC Union.  The talks have been sparked by Iran's growing threat in the Middle East.  Iran has been vocal of its disapproval regarding the union of some Arab states, specifically citing Bahrain and saying that the kingdom should listen to its people rather than unite with Saudi Arabia. The Iranian Prime Minister has even gone far enough to say, "If Bahrain is supposed to be integrated into another country, it should be Iran and not Saudi Arabia."  Iran is trying to tell Bahrain that if they are going to "join a gang," they must join the "Iranian gang" or none at all.  Iran has tried to turn this situation into the old school yard conflict - join my gang or you'll be sorry.
But Bahrain is loyal.  Loyal to their culture and heritage; loyal to their people; loyal to their "schoolmates" of the GCC.  A media advisor to His Highness, King Hamad, tweeted that a union would materialize soon between the Arab states.  Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar are committed.  The United Arab Emirates and Kuwait have some reservations.  Oman is the least enthusiastic about the proposal.

Bahrain has also issued a formal protest against Iran on the grounds of, "a gross violation of their sovereignty.  “These statements represent a flagrant interference in the internal affairs of the kingdom, and gross violation of its sovereignty and independence, (and they) constitute completely unacceptable conduct,” the ministry said in a statement carried by Bahrain’s official BNA news agency late on Tuesday.
Bahrain is going to protect its people.  The GCC Union will help them do that.  And Iran will disapprove.  The future will tell us their reaction, but one thing is for sure.  Bahrain is not going to be pushed around by this bully.

To read entire article, please visit Arab News.