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Wikileaks: Bahrain opposition trained by Hezbollah

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King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa warned senior US military figures that opposition groups in Bahrain were receiving training from Hizbollah in Lebanon.

He also told senior American military figures that Syria was “complicit” in the training by providing the Bahrainis with false passports.

The claims were reported in a leaked embassy cable sent by US diplomats in Bahrain to Washington.

The communiqué was leaked to the WikiLeaks website and handed to The Daily Telegraph.

King Hamad made the claim in a 90 minute meeting on 30 July 2008 with General David Petraeus who at the time was commander of the allied forces in Iraq.

A US cable sent on 13 August 2008 said: “King Hamad related the report that Bahrainis were receiving training from Hizbollah in Lebanon, but admitted he had no definitive proof.

“He also speculated that the Syrian government was complicit, and ‘must be’ helping these Bahrainis travel without passport verification as tourists.” The cable added: “Post has heard versions of this theory from Bahraini officials in the past, but despite our requests the GOB [Government of Bahrain] has been unable to provide convincing evidence.”

Hizbollah, which is considered a terrorist organisation by Washington, is a Shia Muslim militant group and political party based in Lebanon, although it is financially backed by Iran and Syria.

Later in the meeting, King Hamad told Gen Petraeus that Bahrain, a key US ally, had been urged by Iran to support its efforts, and those of “Iraqi insurgents, Hamas, Hizballah, Taliban and Syria to drive American forces from the Gulf”.

King Hamad asked Gen Petraeus: “With friends like these, who needs enemies?”

In another communiqué, Iran was blamed by the minority ruling Sunnis for encouraging discontent among the majority Shia population.

The cable sent in February 2008 from the US embassy in Manama said: “Some Bahraini Sunnis, in and out of Government, suggest to foreigners (and may even believe themselves) that Iran is behind Shia discontent here.” However, the US officials played down this view: “In [diplomatic] post’s view, there is not convincing evidence of Iranian involvement here since at least the mid-1990s.

“Shia discontent stems chiefly from their lower standard of living, unofficial exclusion from sensitive government positions, and Sunni domination of parliament.” The cables also disclose Bahraini unease when an Iranian official spoke publicly of the country as “Iran’s fourteenth province” in February 2009.

A cable, sent on 17 February 2009, said Bahrain was “using this episode to amplify its ongoing campaign (reftel) against allegedly disloyal radicals among Bahrain’s Shia”.

However the cable added: “In private, Bahrain’s leaders do not seem very concerned about the prospect of annexation to Iran.”

The Daily Telegraph

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25 responses to “Wikileaks: Bahrain opposition trained by Hezbollah”

  1. PROPHET.T Avatar
    PROPHET.T

    Your news piece failed to mention ,that the king could not produce any evidence to his claim ,when pressed by General David Petraeus to show any proof that HA was training Bahrain opposition.
    Little objectivity and tiny honesty would make reporting news more credible.

    1. nabilabuzaid Avatar
      nabilabuzaid

      How do you know Prophet either way? were you sitting at the table with General Petraeus and the King?
      Anytime somebody mentions Hezbollah in a negative way you get all defensive. But when Mubarak was being removed from power you’re so excited about his people overthrowing him. I didn’t see the same excitements when the Iranian opposition were being crushed by their gov’t and any much of criticism from you toward the Khameini regime.. but its okay we all know your hidden intentions and propaganda to protect your precious Hezbollah. yah i know you say you don’t care for them but it shows so clearly how you come to their defense on regular basis. Hezbollah is training Drug Cartels in Mexico and arming them. its no secret and I would not be surprised the wave of killings in Mexico was the idea of Hezbollah to intimidate everyone and keep everyone away from snifing on them. Intimidations is their tactics to get what they want. The king could have easily accused Iran directly but he didn’t. that shows there might some truth in what he is saying.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        nabil, I only read one sentence,and it is enough for me to reply; This document which was leaked by wikileaks has been published. Look it up before you talk. I urge you again, to do research before you comment.

        1. nabilabuzaid Avatar
          nabilabuzaid

          Prophet are you telling me a nation of 600,000 people have that much oppression like Egypt or Tunisia. We have heard these countries and Iraq before and Saudis always but never in Bahrain. So what’s the reasons behind all those riots there? ask yourself this question too? or do you have any proofs of the Shiites being oppressed there?

      2. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Nabil,
        My comment was about a claim by Ylibnan that , according to a wikileak document, Bahrain opposition was trained by HA, when that same document ( a fact ignored by Ylibnan story ) stated that there was no evidence ,except for a claim by the king to that effect.When the American general pressed for evidence, the king didn’t have any.
        Back to the Bahrain opposition;Although most of the opposition is Shiia, there are other Bahrain groups protesting against the regime.
        I’m not Bahrainian,but it is no secret that the Shiia of Bahrain constitute more than 70 present of a population of 1.2(not 600k as you claim) million people.They are under represented in a regime ruled by a royal family.
        Being a Lebanese who hates our sectarian system and our stupid differences, I don’t wish sectarian strife on any other country.How ever, I have been very critical of that regime’s excessive use of force.
        That being said, I won’t give myself the right to speak for Bahranian opposition and to their grievances.All I can say is that all monarchs are family run countries.
        You have not seen me attack the royal family of Bahrain , nor have you seen me call for its overthrow,because of the sectarian sensitivities. I do understand the difference between Egypt and Bahrain.,and they are totally different two situations.
        All I wish for Bahranians( all Bahranians) is peace and prosperities. I Would love to see the King and his government act responsibly ,and allow for peaceful demonstrations to take place,and open up its political system so that everyone feels equal.I hope that They all act wisely and find ways of reforming their system,and let it be more democratic,instead of shooting people in the streets.
        Monarchies are not known for their love of democracy and freedom,and there is no need to come up for proof. Shooting at peaceful demonstrators is a criminal act , whether it is done by Egypt,Iran, Libya or Bahrain.There is no ands and buts.Simply said, No Government have the right to send its armed forces and secret police to shoot demonstrators.This is not about Shiia or Sunni or Christians. Egyptians demonstartors are not Shiia, nor are Libyans, yet my passionate support and sympathy goes out to them. So,please, Put your ignorant Lebanese sectarianism aside,and look at the bigger picture here.
        btw,I had saved a copy of that document on a pc that had just crashed. I will find it for you soon, I hope.

        1. nabilabuzaid Avatar
          nabilabuzaid

          Prophet when wikileaks was spreading rumors the Defense Minister Murr you were copying links after links to show what he was saying about Hezbollah. So now they’re spreading rumors about Hezbollah and you don’t seem too excited about that lol. All I was saying it seems like a country with 600,000 people seem to be that oppressed especially we never heard about the oppression there. I do not care about the King or the rulers and neither defending their rules and they have no rights to rule the country for decades without free elections and given chances to somebody else. Yes the Hotties look good in pictures but my hunch Hezbollah is telling me what Lebenase did during the war and protest so my hunch its copycat of what we did lol. In the end I hope all these rulers go away and democracy prevails in Middle East. I do not frankly care about March 14th if they don’t serve their country. The only reasons I am so against hezbollah is because of their actions instead of being true resistance as they claim.

    2. nabilabuzaid Avatar
      nabilabuzaid

      How do you know Prophet either way? were you sitting at the table with General Petraeus and the King?
      Anytime somebody mentions Hezbollah in a negative way you get all defensive. But when Mubarak was being removed from power you’re so excited about his people overthrowing him. I didn’t see the same excitements when the Iranian opposition were being crushed by their gov’t and any much of criticism from you toward the Khameini regime.. but its okay we all know your hidden intentions and propaganda to protect your precious Hezbollah. yah i know you say you don’t care for them but it shows so clearly how you come to their defense on regular basis. Hezbollah is training Drug Cartels in Mexico and arming them. its no secret and I would not be surprised the wave of killings in Mexico was the idea of Hezbollah to intimidate everyone and keep everyone away from snifing on them. Intimidations is their tactics to get what they want. The king could have easily accused Iran directly but he didn’t. that shows there might some truth in what he is saying.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        nabil, I only read one sentence,and it is enough for me to reply; This document which was leaked by wikileaks has been published. Look it up before you talk. I urge you again, to do research before you comment.

      2. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Nabil,
        My comment was about a claim by Ylibnan that , according to a wikileak document, Bahrain opposition was trained by HA, when that same document ( a fact ignored by Ylibnan story ) stated that there was no evidence ,except for a claim by the king to that effect.When the American general pressed for evidence, the king didn’t have any.
        Back to the Bahrain opposition;Although most of the opposition is Shiia, there are other Bahrain groups protesting against the regime.
        I’m not Bahrainian,but it is no secret that the Shiia of Bahrain constitute more than 70 present of a population of 1.2(not 600k as you claim) million people.They are under represented in a regime ruled by a royal family.
        Being a Lebanese who hates our sectarian system and our stupid differences, I don’t wish sectarian strife on any other country.How ever, I have been very critical of that regime’s excessive use of force.
        That being said, I won’t give myself the right to speak for Bahranian opposition and to their grievances.All I can say is that all monarchs are family run countries.
        You have not seen me attack the royal family of Bahrain , nor have you seen me call for its overthrow,because of the sectarian sensitivities. I do understand the difference between Egypt and Bahrain.,and they are totally different two situations.
        All I wish for Bahranians( all Bahranians) is peace and prosperities. I Would love to see the King and his government act responsibly ,and allow for peaceful demonstrations to take place,and open up its political system so that everyone feels equal.I hope that They all act wisely and find ways of reforming their system,and let it be more democratic,instead of shooting people in the streets.
        Monarchies are not known for their love of democracy and freedom,and there is no need to come up for proof. Shooting at peaceful demonstrators is a criminal act , whether it is done by Egypt,Iran, Libya or Bahrain.There is no ands and buts.Simply said, No Government have the right to send its armed forces and secret police to shoot demonstrators.This is not about Shiia or Sunni or Christians. Egyptians demonstartors are not Shiia, nor are Libyans, yet my passionate support and sympathy goes out to them. So,please, Put your ignorant Lebanese sectarianism aside,and look at the bigger picture here.
        btw,I had saved a copy of that document on a pc that had just crashed. I will find it for you soon, I hope.

  2. PROPHET.T Avatar
    PROPHET.T

    Your news piece failed to mention ,that the king could not produce any evidence to his claim ,when pressed by General David Petraeus to show any proof that HA was training Bahrain opposition.
    Little objectivity and tiny honesty would make reporting news more credible.

    1. Avatar
      Anonymous

      How do you know Prophet either way? were you sitting at the table with General Petraeus and the King?
      Anytime somebody mentions Hezbollah in a negative way you get all defensive. But when Mubarak was being removed from power you’re so excited about his people overthrowing him. I didn’t see the same excitements when the Iranian opposition were being crushed by their gov’t and any much of criticism from you toward the Khameini regime.. but its okay we all know your hidden intentions and propaganda to protect your precious Hezbollah. yah i know you say you don’t care for them but it shows so clearly how you come to their defense on regular basis. Hezbollah is training Drug Cartels in Mexico and arming them. its no secret and I would not be surprised the wave of killings in Mexico was the idea of Hezbollah to intimidate everyone and keep everyone away from snifing on them. Intimidations is their tactics to get what they want. The king could have easily accused Iran directly but he didn’t. that shows there might some truth in what he is saying.

      1. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        nabil, I only read one sentence,and it is enough for me to reply; This document which was leaked by wikileaks has been published. Look it up before you talk. I urge you again, to do research before you comment.

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Prophet are you telling me a nation of 600,000 people have that much oppression like Egypt or Tunisia. We have heard these countries and Iraq before and Saudis always but never in Bahrain. So what’s the reasons behind all those riots there? ask yourself this question too? or do you have any proofs of the Shiites being oppressed there?

        2. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Prophet are you telling me a nation of 600,000 people have that much oppression like Egypt or Tunisia. We have heard these countries and Iraq before and Saudis always but never in Bahrain. So what’s the reasons behind all those riots there? ask yourself this question too? or do you have any proofs of the Shiites being oppressed there?

      2. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Nabil,
        My comment was about a claim by Ylibnan that , according to a wikileak document, Bahrain opposition was trained by HA, when that same document ( a fact ignored by Ylibnan story ) stated that there was no evidence ,except for a claim by the king to that effect.When the american general pressed for evidence, the king didn’t have any.
        Back to the Bahrain opposition;Although most of the opposition is Shiia, there are other Bahrain groups protesting against the regime.
        I’m not Bahrainian,but it is no secret that the Shiia of Bahrain constitute more than 70 present of a population of 1.2(not 600k as you claim) million people.They are under represented in a regime ruled by a royal family.
        Being a Lebanese who hates our sectarian system and our stupid differences, I don’t wish sectarian strife on any other country.
        That being said, I won’t give myself the right to speak for Bahranian opposition and to their grievances.All I can say is that all monarchs are family run countries.
        You have not seen me attack the royal family of Bahrain , nor have you seen me call for its overthrow,because of the sectarian sensitivities. I do understand the difference between Egypt and Bahrain.,and they are totally different two situations.
        All I wish for Bahranians( all Bahranians) is peace and prosperities. I Would love to see the King and his government act responsibly ,and allow for peaceful demonstrations to take place,and open up its political system so that everyone feels equal.I hope that They all act wisely and find ways of reforming their system,and let it be more democratic,instead of shooting people in the streets.
        Monarchies are not known for their love of democracy and freedom,and there is no need to come up for proof. Shooting at peaceful demonstrators is a criminal act , whether it is done by Egypt,Iran, Libya or Bahrain.There is no ands and buts.
        btw,I had saved a copy of that document on a pc that had just crashed. I will find it for you soon, I hope.

        1. Avatar
          Anonymous

          Prophet when wikileaks was spreading rumors the Defense Minister Murr you were copying links after links to show what he was saying about Hezbollah. So now they’re spreading rumors about Hezbollah and you don’t seem too excited about that lol. All I was saying it seems like a country with 600,000 people seem to be that oppressed especially we never heard about the oppression there. I do not care about the King or the rulers and neither defending their rules and they have no rights to rule the country for decades without free elections and given chances to somebody else. Yes the Hotties look good in pictures but my hunch Hezbollah is telling me what Lebenase did during the war and protest so my hunch its copycat of what we did lol. In the end I hope all these rulers go away and democracy prevails in Middle East. I do not frankly care about March 14th if they don’t serve their country. The only reasons I am so against hezbollah is because of their actions instead of being true resistance as they claim.

      3. PROPHET.T Avatar
        PROPHET.T

        Nabil,
        My comment was about a claim by Ylibnan that , according to a wikileak document, Bahrain opposition was trained by HA, when that same document ( a fact ignored by Ylibnan story ) stated that there was no evidence ,except for a claim by the king to that effect.When the american general pressed for evidence, the king didn’t have any.
        Back to the Bahrain opposition;Although most of the opposition is Shiia, there are other Bahrain groups protesting against the regime.
        I’m not Bahrainian,but it is no secret that the Shiia of Bahrain constitute more than 70 present of a population of 1.2(not 600k as you claim) million people.They are under represented in a regime ruled by a royal family.
        Being a Lebanese who hates our sectarian system and our stupid differences, I don’t wish sectarian strife on any other country.
        That being said, I won’t give myself the right to speak for Bahranian opposition and to their grievances.All I can say is that all monarchs are family run countries.
        You have not seen me attack the royal family of Bahrain , nor have you seen me call for its overthrow,because of the sectarian sensitivities. I do understand the difference between Egypt and Bahrain.,and they are totally different two situations.
        All I wish for Bahranians( all Bahranians) is peace and prosperities. I Would love to see the King and his government act responsibly ,and allow for peaceful demonstrations to take place,and open up its political system so that everyone feels equal.I hope that They all act wisely and find ways of reforming their system,and let it be more democratic,instead of shooting people in the streets.
        Monarchies are not known for their love of democracy and freedom,and there is no need to come up for proof. Shooting at peaceful demonstrators is a criminal act , whether it is done by Egypt,Iran, Libya or Bahrain.There is no ands and buts.
        btw,I had saved a copy of that document on a pc that had just crashed. I will find it for you soon, I hope.

  3. youyes4u Avatar
    youyes4u

    Hezbollah the Terrorists expanding their Evil Empire to Bahrain,Arabs Sunnis have no other choice except eliminate the Axis of Evil before it’s too late,don’t let them do what they did to Lebanon ,They turn the land of Holy cedars and the land of the Phonecians to a Terrorist state for the whole world to cringe and disgust.Lebanon will never see a day peace as far as these terrorists have representation in the government period. Hello,,,Lebanon…do you remeber what the Palesteninans did to you,,and the Criminals Murderers the Syrians also.

  4. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Hezbollah the Terrorists expanding their Evil Empire to Bahrain,Arabs Sunnis have no other choice except eliminate the Axis of Evil before it’s too late,don’t let them do what they did to Lebanon ,They turn the land of Holy cedars and the land of the Phonecians to a Terrorist state for the whole world to cringe and disgust.Lebanon will never see a day peace as far as these terrorists have representation in the government period. Hello,,,Lebanon…do you remeber what the Palesteninans did to you,,and the Criminals Murderers the Syrians also.

  5. persepoliswarrior Avatar
    persepoliswarrior

    The Shias of Lebanon seem to love the Iranian government. But the Shias in Iran hate this regime. We all remember how your filthy Hezb-el-khara came into Iran and killed our innocent protesters who were demanding their rights!!! We recognized their barbaric screams as they enoyed beating us like dogs. And you call yourself devout Shias? Shame on you!!! The government of Iran has distorted religion for their own political purposes!! This is the disgusting reality!!! I hope the Shias of Bahrain are not fooled and feel it is necessary to get help from radical nutjobs.

  6. persepoliswarrior Avatar
    persepoliswarrior

    The Shias of Lebanon seem to love the Iranian government. But the Shias in Iran hate this regime. We all remember how your filthy Hezb-el-khara came into Iran and killed our innocent protesters who were demanding their rights!!! We recognized their barbaric screams as they enoyed beating us like dogs. And you call yourself devout Shias? Shame on you!!! The government of Iran has distorted religion for their own political purposes!! This is the disgusting reality!!! I hope the Shias of Bahrain are not fooled and feel it is necessary to get help from radical nutjobs.

  7. Avatar
    Anonymous

    The Shias of Lebanon seem to love the Iranian government. But the Shias in Iran hate this regime. We all remember how your filthy Hezb-el-khara came into Iran and killed our innocent protesters who were demanding their rights!!! We recognized their barbaric screams as they enoyed beating us like dogs. And you call yourself devout Shias? Shame on you!!! The government of Iran has distorted religion for their own political purposes!! This is the disgusting reality!!! I hope the Shias of Bahrain are not fooled and feel it is necessary to get help from radical nutjobs.

  8. FakeGeneral Avatar
    FakeGeneral

    Our salvation in Lebanon can be summarized in two words: Mousavi, Karroubi. The Iranian hypocrite regime starved its people in order to finance the likes of Hezbollah and Hamas. Hezbollah having being implicated in plans to create instability in Egypt adds credibility to the fact that Iran (through its pitbull Hezbollah) is trying to bring instability to countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. Lebanon used to export talent and culture and now we export revolutions! If Hezbollah had its way, Lebanon will be run like Iran today. But it won’t. The General will not let it happen. He has it all under control.

  9. FakeGeneral Avatar
    FakeGeneral

    Our salvation in Lebanon can be summarized in two words: Mousavi, Karroubi. The Iranian hypocrite regime starved its people in order to finance the likes of Hezbollah and Hamas. Hezbollah having being implicated in plans to create instability in Egypt adds credibility to the fact that Iran (through its pitbull Hezbollah) is trying to bring instability to countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. Lebanon used to export talent and culture and now we export revolutions! If Hezbollah had its way, Lebanon will be run like Iran today. But it won’t. The General will not let it happen. He has it all under control.

  10. Avatar
    Anonymous

    Our salvation in Lebanon can be summarized in two words: Mousavi, Karroubi. The Iranian hypocrite regime starved its people in order to finance the likes of Hezbollah and Hamas. Hezbollah having being implicated in plans to create instability in Egypt adds credibility to the fact that Iran (through its pitbull Hezbollah) is trying to bring instability to countries like Bahrain, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, etc. Lebanon used to export talent and culture and now we export revolutions! If Hezbollah had its way, Lebanon will be run like Iran today. But it won’t. The General will not let it happen. He has it all under control.

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