In 1783, the al-Khalifa family captured Bahrain from the Persians. In order to secure these holdings, it entered into a series of treaties with the UK during the 19th century that made Bahrain a British protectorate. The archipelago attained its independence in 1971. Bahrain's small size and central location among Persian Gulf countries require it to play a delicate balancing act in foreign affairs among its larger neighbors. Facing declining oil reserves, Bahrain has turned to petroleum processing and refining and has transformed itself into an international banking center. King HAMAD bin Isa al-Khalifa, after coming to power in 1999, pushed economic and political reforms to improve relations with the Shia community. Shia political societies participated in 2006 parliamentary and municipal elections. Al Wifaq, the largest Shia political society, won the largest number of seats in the elected chamber of the legislature. However, Shia discontent has resurfaced in recent years with street demonstrations and occasional low-level violence.
Titel: Bahrainona
Bovenstaande gegevens zijn gedeeltelijk ontleend aan het CIA World Factbook 2006.
| 2008-01-06 | | The defense minister, Sheikh Khalifah ibn Ahmad Al Khalifah, is dismissed and the state minister for defense affairs, Sheikh Mohammad ibn Abdullah Al Khalifah, is asked to act in place of the defense minister. |
| 2006-12-02 | | In the second round of parliamentary elections, the Shi`ite opposition wins 2 more seats (Al Wefaq 1 and an allied independent 1), for a total of 18, while Sunnis win 9 (Al Menbar 3, Al Asala 1, independents 5) for a total of 22. Turnout is about 69%. The prime minister, Sheikh Khalifah ibn Sulman Al Khalifah, resigns on December 10, but he is immediately asked to form a new cabinet, the composition of which is announced on December 11, with no change in key portfolios. |
| 2006-11-25 | | In parliamentary elections, the Shi`ite grouping Al Wefaq wins 16 seats, the Sunni groups Al Asala and Muslim Brotherhood 4 each, and independents 4; the remaining 12 seats will be decided in a second round on December 2. |
| 2005-09-26 | | Sheikh Khalid ibn Ahmad Al Khalifah is named foreign minister. |
| 2005-01-14 | | Sheikh Ahmad ibn Muhammad Al Khalifah is appointed finance minister in a cabinet reshuffle. |
Bron: www.rulers.org
Op bovenstaande tekst is een disclaimer van toepassing.
