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Sunday, February 5, 2012

Congress protests Obama on Bahrain arms sale

FRIDAY, FEB 3, 2012 12:07 PM EASTERN STANDARD TIME

18 representatives and three senators point to continued human rights abuses in letter to Hillary Clinton

 
U.S. Secretary of State Clinton
U.S. Secretary of State Clinton  (Credit: Reuters)
Here’s a quick update on the Obama administration’s recentdecision to sell arms to the regime in Bahrain, which has been accused of widespread human rights abuses in suppressing a protest movement in the Gulf nation.
Three senators and and 18 representatives — all Democrats — have signed a letter to Secretary of State Hillary Clinton condemning the deal (and remember, the administration still isn’t saying what equipment, exactly, it’s sending to Bahrain). Here’s the key section of the letter:
We recognize the limited nature of the sales, and we acknowledge that the Bahraini government has taken some positive steps with respect to human rights in recent months. However, it has not done enough to justify the sale of any military items or services to Bahrain. Moreover, if the Administration wishes to reward the Bahraini government for any progress, there are other methods that do not involve strengthening the Bahraini military or security forces.
Tragically, even a brief survey of reports from reliable sources makes clear that the Bahraini government continues to perpetrate significant human rights violations.

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