Education Provides Better Future

An education convention was held in Dubai.  The event was called "Teaching and Learning in the Knowledge and Technology Era."  Issues discussed centered around social media and how to use it to improve the education, and thus, the future, of individuals, people, communities, and society.

To read full article, please visit Gulf Daily News.

Article on Anniversary of February 14

We are ten years on from a significant moment in the Kingdom of Bahrain’s history: the ratification of the new constitution that was the result of the reforms of the year before.  On 14 February 2001, voters from all communities in Bahrain came out to vote in overwhelming numbers in support of the country’s new National Action Charter.  

The charter, instigated by His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa and developed with a cross section of Bahrain society, set out a framework for reform.  The following year saw a new constitution and parliamentary elections, and we have since seen many new measures affecting politics, society and the economy in Bahrain.

When Bahrain held the vote on the National Action Charter it was made clear that this was just the beginning and that reform would be an ongoing and evolving process. This is as true today as it was then.  Bahrainis today have access to better education, better jobs, more freedom and greater opportunities than before.  Our Vision 2030 sets out how this improvement will continue, but I believe it is just as important to recognize how far Bahrain has come, as it is to see where it should go next.

It is in this spirit that we have produced this overview of a decade of reform in the Kingdom.  As we look back, as well as forward, we see ten years of democratic development, and the strides that have been taken in economic and social reform.  In Bahrain as well as in every other society, democratic development – the evolving set of relationships between a people and their government - is a process, not an event.  It is important, when we evaluate our current position, that we view our time as a video, not a snapshot.   

Most of the world called the events of early 2011 the Arab Spring.  They forget that in Bahrain, the Spring of greater political participation and more government transparency started eleven years ago, with the popular referendum on the National Charter.  We celebrate today the tenth anniversary of the new Constitution, approved the following year as the embodiment in law of those reforms approved by the voice of the people.

I believe those reforms paved the way for the most extraordinary period of growth in recent memory.  In spite of declining revenues from oil and gas exports, Bahrain has thrived in the past ten years.  Why? Because on the foundation of the reforms of 2001 and the Constitution of 2002, Bahrainis built a modern state and attracted modern investments by establishing a free market economy, allowing personal freedom unsurpassed in any Arab country, and keeping the government out of the way of investors and entrepreneurs.  Bahrain earned far more in 2010 from investments than from selling oil, by building a modern economy on the foundation of law.

We can see a recent example of the importance His Majesty places on that foundation of law, by his handling of the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry.  After the King called for the BICI, and asked them to investigate what happened, who was to blame, and what the government needed to do to address the situation, he and the Crown Prince sat to hear the report, and pledged to implement its recommendations.  This is a continuation of the process His Majesty began in 2001.

The great loss from the past year has been the damage to Bahrain’s reputation.  Bahrain always was known for progress and development in business, and for openness and tolerance.  People have come here for many years, knowing they may practice their religion freely, find relaxation and entertainment, and pursue business and investment opportunities freely.  We welcome them, and will continue to welcome them.    

Now, a shadow looms over this peaceful Kingdom.  There is an increasing threat that internal divisions will lead to strife, which in turn may lead to foreign intervention from Iran.  We cannot allow that threat to spoil our progress. We must remember that we are on a journey, together.  If we pause today to reflect on how far we have come, and look forward to where we are going, we will realize that we are indeed on a road to progress.  We have our problems in Bahrain, but they would be worse if foreign forces came in and took control.  Some international observers say the government has violated human rights, and the government has admitted as much, and promised to reform how it deals with its citizens.  I applaud the governments pledge to reform, and I also ask those critics how much respect human rights would receive if Bahrain were under the control of the ayatollahs in Tehran.  Bahrain will continue to reform, but it will be at a pace determined by Bahrainis.  We must be careful not to allow foreign enemies to interfere with our existing freedoms.

Freedom comes gradually in stable societies. A violent revolution, on the other hand, is like water flowing suddenly into a valley: it can cause great damage and loss of life and property if it runs out of control.  But if the water comes in gradually, softly, it becomes the giver of life and the source of all nourishment.  Bahrain is not Egypt, or Tunisia, or Syria.  We have a proud tradition of openness and tolerance, and have been growing more democratic and free over the time of the reign of King Hamad.   We can’t let internal divisions and strife take over, and ruin what we have built.  

Bahrainis need to understand that we are not alone, and these troubles and how we handle them are not taking place in a dark room.  The international community is watching how we handle them. Investors will decide whether or not to put their money here, based on whether there are continuing protests, and how the government responds to them.  Our enemies will watch for signs of weakness in dealing with those who would disturb the peace; and our allies will decide whether to help us defend ourselves from attacks, based on how we treat our own citizens. 

All our allies and brotherly countries are important to us, but as head of the Bahrain American Council, I believe strongly in the importance of a particular bilateral relationship: the U.S.-Bahrain alliance.  It is what we spend our time and attention caring for, and nurturing.  It is important that we work hard to show Bahrain in the best possible light, to continue to attract investors, businesses, and other interested parties to support Bahrain.  It is also important that we work hard to make Bahrain a great place to live, for all Bahrainis – the kind of country that all our citizens will feel a part of, and want to defend.     

I am happy, on this tenth anniversary of our Constitution, to look back on a decade of reform and progress, of increasing transparency and economic freedom.  I am happy also, to look forward to continued prosperity, and a continued process of opening up opportunities for all Bahrainis to participate in that prosperity, and in the governance of this blessed society. 

Abraham Lincoln Visits Bahrain

The crew of the USS Abraham Lincoln was able to enjoy the many activities that the Kingdom of Bahrain offers before they left on February 5.   A reception was also held on the pier near the Lincoln and was attended by dignitaries and distinguished guests.

For the full article, please visit here.

Bahrain Delegation

Dr. Khalafalla attended the Bahraini Delegation on October 5, 2011.  It was an opportunity for His Majesty's Advisory Council to meet with the Delegation made up of members from the US Senate and House of Representatives.

BAC hosted a dinner in honor of the distinguished guests.

Dr. Khalafalla and Congressman Dan Burton

About BAC

BAC is a non profit organization focused on promoting, developing and improving business and trade relationships between the United States and Bahrain.  It is an organization made of four board members, and two officers.

BOARD

Chairman
Dr. Al Khalafalla

Al Khalafalla is a leading figure in the Muslim and Arab communities in the United States of America and Canada. He has a strong record of services in areas such as immigrants’ education and integration, interfaith dialogues, and public policies that affect immigrants. Currently, he is the President of Bahrain American Council.

Dr. Khalafalla was the recipient for numerous prestige awards such as the Humanitarian Award by the Governor of Virginia in 2009. He served as the executive director of Virginia Institute for Peace 2007-2010 and Chaired Islamic Academy of Virginia 2006-2008. Dr. Khalafalla served as Vice Chair on the Board of A More Perfect Union — a non-profit organization with the University of Richmond. Dr. Khalafalla currently serves in the Advisory Board of TideWater College, Virginia Medical Institute, and  the United States Institute of Peace Darfur Forum.

On September 27, 2008, Khalafalla was appointed as an Ambassador for Peace for his dedication to the African and Middle Eastern Peace Initiatives. The appointment was made by the Universal Peace Federation, which is one of the largest Peace organizations in the world.

Vice Chairman
Ambassador Richard Carlson

Richard W. Carlson is Vice Chairman of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies, a Washington think tank engaged in the War on Terrorism. Ambassador Carlson writes a syndicated newspaper column and hosts the “Danger Zone” radio show on WMAL in Washington, DC. He was formerly the CEO of mBLAST, Inc., an Internet software provider which aggregates and disseminates data for business and industry worldwide. Ambassador Carlson was also a partner in Gately-Carlson, Inc. of Washington, DC, a consulting firm serving international trade and security clients.

He is the former President and CEO of King World Television, a Division of King World Productions formed to locate investment, partnership and production opportunities in public television worldwide. Ambassador Carlson had served as President and CEO of the Corporation for Public Broadcasting.

He was the US Ambassador to the Republic of Seychelles from 1991-1992. From 1986-1991, he was Director of the Voice of America and Associate Director of the US Information Agency. He was also host of the weekly foreign affairs broadcast, “On The Line,” and had responsibility for Radio Martí broadcasts to Cuba and all US government TV broadcasts overseas, including the Worldnet TV network and the USIA Television and Film Service.

Ambassador Carlson has spent 30 years in journalism and business. He has received 18 major journalism awards, including three Emmys and the prestigious George Foster Peabody Award. His articles have appeared in numerous publications. He has served as a director and trustee of various corporations and foundations.

Board Member
Matthew Freedman — President, Global Impact, Inc.

Matthew Freedman, President of Global Impact, Inc., has advised the Departments of State and Defense. He served as Secretary of State Colin Powell’s Transition Director for the Agency for International Development, the Trade and Development Agency, and the Overseas Private Investment Corporation. He was appointed Special Advisor to the Under Secretary of State for Arms Control and International Security; Deputy to the US Ambassador to the United Nations; and Counselor in the Bureau of Verification, Compliance and Implementation. At the Defense Department he served as Senior Advisor, Department of the Navy. He also was appointed to the Advisory Board for Africa of the Overseas Private Investment Corporation.

Mr. Freedman served as Chief of Party for numerous national and global efforts on behalf of the World Bank, the USG, and the private sector where he hired and managed in-country staffs spanning from Russia to the Philippines. He has managed numerous international electoral campaigns to promote the rule of law from South Africa to South Korea. Mr. Freedman is also a recognized international health expert having advised the USG/Gates Foundation’s Global Alliance for Vaccinations and Immunizations (GAVI), the World Health Organization’s Rollback Malaria Program, and the US Government’s flagship international child health program, BASICS II.

In his earlier career in Washington, Mr. Freedman served in the U.S. government in numerous capacities, including Staff Director in the Office of Public Diplomacy for Latin America and the Caribbean, Office of the Secretary of State; International Development Policy Advisor and Coordinator for Narcotics and Terrorism Control at the Agency for International Development; and staff member at both the Office of Management and Budget and the White House National Security Council.

Mr. Freedman currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Business Council for International Understanding in New York and on the Advisory Board of Indigo Telecom Australia.

Board Member
John Eddy — Partner, Southern Meridian

John Eddy is a Partner with Southern Meridian, a political consulting firm headquartered in California, with offices in Arkansas and elsewhere. Prior to becoming Partner at Southern Meridian, John ran a private finance company with investments in clean energy, banking, and various domestic and international start-up ventures. He served as the National Victory Director for the Republican National Committee (RNC), where he was responsible for direct strategic management and fiduciary oversight of the national political budget. Before being asked to serve at the RNC, John was appointed by President Bush as Deputy White House Liaison at the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) in the Office of the Attorney General.

Mr. Eddy has decades of political experience, beginning over 25 years ago when he was the charter volunteer and lead spokesman for Kids Voting USA, a national citizenship education program for youth. His service as Chairman of the Board for American Majority, a non-partisan grassroots political training organization, is evidence of his continued passion for citizen education. American Majority has trained over 18,000 activists and candidates nationwide and plays a leading role in the conservative grassroots movement. John is an Executive Committee Member for the Republican Party of Arkansas. He also is the state chapter President for United Against a Nuclear Iran, led by Ambassador Mark Wallace.

When John was the RNC’s Deputy Regional Political Director for 16 states, his portfolio included the East and West coasts as well as various coalitions such as Eastern Europeans, Irish Americans, and various outreach groups. He helped organize support for a NATO nuclear missile defense shield, working with former Strategic Arms Reduction Treaty (START) negotiator General Edward L. Rowny. He led delegations to the National Security Council and addressed the prestigious American Foreign Policy Council concerning Bush Administration efforts to support democratic movements in Eastern Europe.

John and his wife enjoy supporting Our House, a shelter for working homeless people; Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Arkansas; KIPP Delta Public Schools; The Pat Tillman Foundation; the Arkansas Chapter of the National Multiple Sclerosis Society; and the Arkansas Pregnancy Resource Center.

OFFICERS

• President — Dr. Al Khalafalla
• Treasurer — Benjamin May