The debacle in Bahrain cuts close to the British bone. The Ministry of Defence has
helped train at least 100 Bahraini officers and supplied a range of equipment to the Gulf state. Egypt was important because of its regional role and ties to the United States. But there was no
link to London, anymore than there was one to Paris or Berlin. Bahrain is different.
Only a few months ago, British officials were applauding the Khalifa dynasty for taking steps towards democracy. But the fact is simple: the steps were insufficient – not by British standards, but by Bahraini ones. It should serve as a wake-up call to the Foreign Office and those in government with close ties to Bahrain.
After an unsure start, Foreign Secretary William Hague has had an excellent revolution with his Middle East tour a great move.
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