WASHINGTON
The U.S. has decided to lift the hold on security assistance to Bahrain that was implemented following the kingdom's crackdown on demonstrations in 2011, a State Department spokesman announced Monday.
"While we do not think that the human rights situation in Bahrain is adequate," John Kirby said, "we believe it is important to recognize that the government of Bahrain has made some meaningful progress on human rights reforms and reconciliation."
He noted that the decision came after the release of some political prisoners and the implementation of some key recommendations from the Bahrain Independent Commission of Inquiry – a board established by the King of Bahrain in 2011 to examine incidents that occurred during the period of unrest in February and March 2011.
Washington's decision may have been influenced by Bahrain's contribution to an anti-Daesh coalition led by the U.S.
Bahrain has conducted airstrikes against Daesh targets inside Syria.
"Following the lift of these holds, we will continue to press Bahrain on our human rights concerns," Kirby added.
He did not specify which military items were released to the kingdom.
The Obama administration also lifted the hold on arms to the Egyptian government despite the lack of credible progress there on democratization as mass trials and imprisonment based on political motivations continue.
