Bahrain was the first place on the Arabian side of the Gulf where oil was discovered. It couldn't have come at a better time for Bahrain as it roughly coincided with the collapse of the world pearl market. Unfortunately, it was also the first country in the area where oil ran out.
In the 1970s and 80s, Bahrain experienced a huge degree of growth, partly from the rising price of oil, but also because in the 1970s it was well ahead of most of the Gulf in terms of infrastructure. Lately, Bahrain's status as an entrepôt has declined, surpassed by phenomenal growth and development in Dubai. However, Bahrain's economy has become more diversified and less dependent on oil. Bahrain recently appears to be heading for another first.
Along with being the first country to run out of oil, it is the only country in the Gulf making strides towards democracy. The emir, upgrading his status to king, revived the dormant parliament and held elections in 2002, for the first time in 30 years. Women ran as candidates, although none were elected.
The country faces an internal challenge from its dispossessed Shi'a majority, which does not share in the prosperity that marks the rest of Bahraini society. With the restoration of democracy, it is hoped that the Shi'ites will feel less isolated from the political and economic life of the country.
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Photo and commentary by Carol J. Riphenburg, Ph.D.
riphenbu@cdnet.cod.edu