Bahrain Stands Alone in Gulf Support for US-Led Maritime Coalition

Bahrain has emerged as the sole Gulf nation publicly supporting the US-led “Operation Prosperity Guardian” coalition, aimed at securing maritime navigation in the Red Sea and Gulf of Aden. While this initiative includes participation from 20 countries, Arab nations are hesitant to publicly endorse it, perceiving it as primarily benefiting Israel. The coalition, announced by US Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin, is focused on defending shipping lanes from Houthi attacks, which have affected over 50 countries. Despite Bahrain’s involvement, the country’s king, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, hasn’t officially commented on the alliance. The coalition has faced mixed reactions in the Arab media, with some viewing Bahrain’s participation as a betrayal of the Palestinian cause. Saudi Arabia has abstained from joining, citing the timing of the Israeli war on Hamas and ongoing peace efforts in Yemen. Experts and analysts offer varied perspectives on the coalition’s implications, with some seeing it as a protective measure for global trade, including Saudi interests. For a detailed exploration of the geopolitical and regional implications of this coalition, read the full article on the Media Line’s website.