Bahrain’s US envoy lashes out at Iran

Washington : Shaikh Abdullah bin Rashid Al Khalifa, Bahrain’s Ambassador to the United States, lashed out yesterday against Iranian leaders saying the country leads attempts to mislead the youth by driving them into extremism.

Speaking to students at the University of Bentley, Shaikh Abdullah levelled harsh criticism at the Iranian regime for its efforts to train and equip youngsters to launch terrorist attacks in the Kingdom.

“The threat posed by the Iranian regime and its Revolutionary Guards not only affects Bahrain but it also represents a threat to the security and peace of the Arab countries and beyond,” he said.

“Such threats stem from the Iranian constitution which stipulates the export of the revolution and this stance will not change unless Iran abandons its revolution export ideology and acts as a normal state,” he added.

Shaikh Abdullah said that the democratic reforms of His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa stood in the way of Iranian interference and their incessant attempts to support radical groups and trick the youth into adopting its ideology. “For instance, the unified family law approved by the Kingdom’s parliament reflects the openness and coexistence of the local community and the ability and effectiveness of the political process in terms of consultation and democracy,” the ambassador said highlighting Bahrain’s long history in women empowerment.