Bahrain crisis causes concern | Phsapgovernment's Blog

In the midst of protest sweeping across the Middle East, the tiny nation of Bahrain may be a cause for huge concern.  The U.S. Navy's 5th Fleet makes it home there, as well as an Air Force base.  The protesting group, made mostly of Shiite's, could help Iran if they were to overthrow the current rule by forcing out the U.S.  This could be very worrisome if this scenario were to come about because the U.S. presence in Bahrain is critical in regards to keeping tabs on Iran.  As if that isn't important enough, the position in Bahrain also allows us to keep tabs on the massive amounts of oil moving through the area.  With how much oil America needs to keep functioning at a high level, losing any information on the subject would be a huge blow.  Although it isn't as widely publicized, it seems as though the outcome of the protesting could be just as important as what is going on in Egypt.  While it wouldn't be wise to directly step in and get involved, it is important for the U.S. to keep their foothold for purposes such as keeping an eye on Iran and the oil movement in the area.

http://theweek.com/article/index/212170/will-the-bahrain-crisis-benefit-iran