ExecutiveOrdersEO
DetDeterminationG.W. Bush · R

Presidential Determination

Designation of Bahrain as a Major Non-Nato Ally

President George W. Bush designated Bahrain as a major non-NATO ally under section 517 of the Foreign Assistance Act of 1961, making Bahrain eligible for certain defense and military assistance benefits. The Secretary of State was directed to publish this determination in the Federal Register.

Federal Register Open PDF 67 FR 13247

Impact dates

  1. Federal Register filing

Key directives

  • Designate Kingdom of Bahrain as major non-NATO ally
  • Publish determination in Federal Register

Who is ordered

Timeline

Immediate

  • Designation takes effect upon signing
  • Bahrain becomes eligible for major non-NATO ally benefits under Foreign Assistance Act and Arms Export Control Act

Near term (90d)

  • Federal Register publication (filed March 21, 2002)

Long term

  • Ongoing defense cooperation and arms export eligibility
  • Potential for enhanced military training, equipment access, and cooperative research and development

Risks & tensions

  • Geopolitical signaling in Persian Gulf region during post-9/11 period
  • Potential regional arms race dynamics with neighboring states
  • Balancing alliance with Bahrain against human rights concerns
Presidential Determination: Designation of Bahrain as a Major Non-Nato Ally · Executive Orders