Security Overview for Bahrain

Bahrain, a relatively open, Western-leaning monarchy, has recently experienced - like much of the region - rising civil unrest due to the slow introduction of political reforms. The Shia' majority has conducted a series of demonstration in outlying areas and in the Pearl Roundabout in central Manama aimed at the Sunni ruling family. Since a violent effort by the security services to clamp down on protests in March 2011, most demonstrations have been relegated to outlying Shia' villages and are quickly suppressed with a significant police presence. Avoid all demonstrations as a precaution.

The country is also prone to acts of politically related arson and vandalism, labor-related protests, and riots related to sectarian issues. Most violent demonstrations have occurred in the Shia' village districts of the greater Manama metropolitan area. Radical Shia' opposition groups have also planned and carried out attacks in Bahrain. Most attacks involve Molotov cocktails, small percussion bombs, and more recently car bombs. Most attacks targeted police stations, police vehicles, and public property. Although such unrest usually does not target foreign business interests, foreigners and their property can become collateral victims of violence.

Despite absence of terrorist attacks targeting foreign interests, several factors suggest the country could see such attacks in the future. Bahrain is home to a large US naval base and its good relations with the US could draw the ire of Islamist militants or Iranian agents. Bahrain's proximity and easy access from Saudi Arabia, and the desire of Islamist groups to strike at oil-related interests, increase the possibility of attacks. Lastly, the rising influence of Islamist groups could increase the number of potential attackers. The terrorism threat in Bahrain will likely continue to rise.

The overall crime rate is rising, though violent crime is rare. The most common type of crime involving foreigners is petty theft; such incidents occur mostly in popular tourist areas. Personnel and visitors should follow the same common-sense precautions they would in any large city. Avoid dark areas at night and be alert for pickpockets and muggers. Avoid travel to low-income Shia' neighborhoods and villages. Women, especially young Western women traveling alone, may encounter verbal harassment.

The threat of kidnapping in Bahrain is low.

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How we determine a country's overall security rating

Each country's current overall risk rating is determined by considering categorical assessments in kidnapping, crime, security services, civil unrest, terrorism and geopolitical stability.

Minimal Threat

Most countries in this category have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with a low rate of unemployment. These countries have overall low rates of crime. Violent crime is almost non-existent. Petty crimes do occur, but are usually limited to petty theft and pick pocketing. Police and military services are trained and trustworthy, but may lack investigative and crime fighting equipment and skills. Strikes and demonstrations are rare and if they occur are usually well planned and managed and rarely spurn violent incidents. There are no known insurgent or terrorist groups.

Low Threat

Most countries in this category will have a stable political infrastructure and economic system with some unemployment. These countries have low crime rates. Violent crimes are rare and usually involve associated persons. Petty crimes such as theft and pick pocketing are a concern and travelers may be directly targeted. Risks can usually be mitigated with simple security measures. Police and military services are well trained and trustworthy but may lack adequate investigative equipment. Incidents of civil unrest such as strikes and demonstrations may disrupt daily life, but are usually non-violent and well coordinated. These countries may experience rare instances of domestic terrorist activity but are not threatened by international terrorism. Anti-government groups may be present but have little or no impact.

Moderate Threat

Most countries in this category will have a somewhat stable political infrastructure and economic system but unemployment and rising inflation cause some instability. These countries have moderate levels of crime. Violent crimes such as sexual assault and murder occur, but few are random incidents. Petty crimes, especially theft or destruction of unattended property, are common. Incidents of armed assault also occur. More threatening crimes are usually limited to urban areas or certain parts of the country. Police and military services may suffer from corruption and lack of training, but are generally adequate for investigations. Strikes and demonstrations can disrupt daily life and may easily spur violence. This country may have a variety of anti-government and domestic terrorist groups that are organized and outspoken against the government and may conduct incidents of violence. Small cells of international terrorist organizations exist but incidents of terrorism are not common.

High Threat

Most countries in the category have unstable political infrastructure and economic system with high rates of unemployment and inflation. Violent and petty crimes are common in most areas and random acts of violence do occur. Some areas may have a general state of lawlessness. Traveling alone, especially at night, should be avoided. There will be a large infiltration of arms in the population. Police and military services lack training and equipment. Both institutions are prone to corruption. Strikes and demonstrations are common and usually violent. Domestic terrorist and insurgent groups are active and well organized. They conduct bombings and other violent acts against government, local and international interests. International terrorist groups exist and may conduct activities within the country and abroad. The country may be involved in cross border warfare.

Extreme Threat

Most countries in this category lack a political infrastructure with any democratic premise and have a high rate of corruption. The economy is unstable with a high rate of unemployment. There is a very high rate of violent and petty crime. A general state of lawlessness exists in most urban and remote areas. Overland travel through the country must be avoided. Many domestic terrorist or rebel groups exist and are frequently active; areas of the country may be controlled by rebel factions. International terrorist operations may be well organized and active. Anti- government actions and large demonstrations are common and violent. Cross border and internal warfare occur.