Well, there ya go. We have a balanced opinion on living in Bahrain. :)

I still recommend caution and vigilance- just like here at home.

I've always noticed that all of these places in the Persian Gulf that don't have a free press seem really safe.


Actually, I think I'm allergic to Bahrain, because every time I spend the night there I wake up with a headache (and my clothes on).

The TV news there is a real hoot. "The weather will be fine today and through the week." That is if you consider the inside of a convection oven fine.

"His Majesty, The Emir, meet with dignitaries from XYZ country today and they discussed matters of mutual interest." Like the vig.

I used to get the Kuwait paper every morning, the headline invariably started with "Zionist Imperialsts...."

It is different and you can live there if you have to, but why? If you can find work somewhere else life is too short to put up with the kind of things you will have to deal with on a daily basis. If you have to do it, put it down to experience and move on when you can.

Yea, and everything I see on Fox News is the absolute truth. Hurray, we're winning the war on terror. The American economy is stronger than ever. What a load of bollocks.

Yes, I agree, the way the King (no longer an Amir remember) is constantly hailing and praising is ridiculous. It's a dictatorship. So don't read the local paper. You can get papers from all over the world, or pick up a copy of S&S at the hanger.

The US gov't made the new Iraqi gov't ban Al Jazeera just as soon as they could.

Alot of guy's think they are Middle East experts, but spent little time there, stayed away from the locals just like command wanted, ate at McDonalds every day and payed way too much attention to US propaganda. If Hunter was alive I think he'd see the irony.

Since you guy's are on the foreign airline sight, I'm curious as to just where in the world you'd live, other then beside the Mall of America of course.

Another thread bites the dust.....

Good point. . .well said.

Didn't mean to hit a nerve with you.

If you think that the press in the persian gulf enjoys the same freedom as the press in the US...well, I really don't even know where to start.

There's a lot of Emirates pilots who say the same thing about the press in the UAE, so you don't have to take my "clearly uninformed" word for it.

How about the freedom of the internet in that part of the world?

The local paper is the one that should report things like crime. USA today or London times won't be reporting on the vehicle accident rate or amount of rapes in Bahrain.

If you'd like to know where we'd all like to live, start another thread, this one's already pretty far off course.

You have made quite a few incorrect assumptions here and have an obvious disdain for America and her servicemen. Rather than go through it point by point I will just wish you well and say I am happy you have embraced muslim culture and remain loyal to the cause. Best of luck to you.

I just like the place, and the people. I lived in the townships and flew with the locals on a daily basis. Your comments on the Khalifa Times and personal safety; I'm sorry you were unable to see the people for what they were, and past the dictatorship that none of them want.

The Kalifas and Al Saud's are there because they have the backing of a big brother. The locals wish it was another way.

And I haven't made any incorrect assumptions, I'm simply going on the point of view which you yourself expressed. You don't like the place. You don't like the culture. I met many American servicemen while I was there and they were very nice, but, for the greater part, they kept to themselves and didn't seam to make any attempt to stray out of their comfort zone. Which is fine, just not the best place to make an informed opinion as to what the real people and country is like.

Your right, this thread shouldn't have gone this way in the first place, but I felt your opinion, which I admit I alone thought was pretty scewed, was a bit harsh towards a country and people who do not control the press themselves.

But hey, this site is here for everybodies opinion and open comment, so good on ya. And best of luck to you.

The OP asked about living in Bahrain and got some opinions, you seem to have decided my opinion is a general bash against the people and culture. That isn't my intent. My intent was to point out some of the cultural and climate differences that may impact the OPs outlook on a potential move.

I think a comparison with other ME domiciles was in order and Bahrain was ranked fairly. I don't know the OPs background or that of his wife, who he will be working for or the length of his contract. I made no adverse comment on personal safety, there really aren't any issues there.

The US has maintained a military base there since 1948, and this is at the invitation of the Government of Bahrain. Their mission is not one of cultural exchange, although they have been welcomed for the most part.

I don't know who Big Brother is, but I have heard a lot about him.

Just one final note. I wish to thank the people of Bahrain for remaining faithful allies to the US for almost sixty years, for this they have my undieing gratitude. They also have done the US, and I think I can safely say the World, a great favor by taking a certain M. Jackson off our hands.