Posted: 10/22/2010 3:34:52 PM EDT
| anybody stationed there now? |
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How is Bahrain now? Last time I was there was 1986, before the Saudi causeway brought in the garbage homosexual cruisers and benders from Saudi Arabia.
Back then you could buy switchblades in the souk, but servicemen and women could only leave base in civilian attire. I could drive 110mph on the highways and not get a ticket. I got a local driver's license by bribing the local examiner with a case of Johnny Walker Black Label. Times have changed according to what I've heard. Before I left, the 1979 revolution in Iran had riled up the Shia majority and they were starting to rebel against the Al-Khalifa regime. There were a series of Amnesty International repudiated crackdowns involving horrible torture and killings of the indiginous population by the Pakistani mercenaries hired by the royal family. Since they're still in power, I'm betting nothing has changed. Say hi to Hamad and Sulman for me at Eid al Fitr if you go.  I used to shake hands with old Sheikh Isa at the Sheikh's Beach whenever he was in attendance with his harem of European beauties.
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You can drive with your stateside drivers license. Speed limits are starting to be enforced with traffic cameras. The Shiite are getting worse but so far no spill over to Americans. Been a few incidents of attempted intimidation by crazy drivers towards US servicemen but nothing to raise an alarm about.
Attitudes towards Americans are still good. It is advised to keep vigilant when out and about. I live about 3 blocks from base and life is good. every restaurant in town delivers. The arogant Saudis are still coming every weekend along with the Kuwaiti crowd. Parliment is still trying to ban alcohol but the Crown Prince won't let it happen. Too much tourism money is brought in because of it. |
