June 3rd, 2008 by Adam

Ali Eteraz analyzes the implications of Bahrain’s naming of the Arab World’s first Jewish ambassador. The ambassador, Houda Noono, will be Bahrain’s ambassador to the United States, and Bahrain’s third female ambassador. Eteraz sees this as evidence of regional attitudes that indicate slowly increasing engagement with Jews by Arab states. There are also reports that Bahrain may give full citizenship rights to Jewish returnees, a monumental step as Gulf nations are hesitant to allow immigrants come in and acquire citizenship.

A senior Bahrani official claims the appointment is not a public relations stunt. “This move is not propaganda. It reflects a climate of tolerance toward minorities in Bahrain,” the official continues. Bahrain, in which a Sunni monarchy rules a Shiite majority, is a key U.S. ally. Nathan Guttman in an article at Forward, says the appointment is “…being described by Middle East experts not only as a sign of an increased effort by Bahrain to include women and religious minorities in the political process, but also as an indication that the country is taking seriously America’s concerns about democracy and equality in the monarchy.”

Posted in Bahrain |