November 11, 2008. Copyright 2008, Graphic News. All rights reserved

Bahrain's Sheikh Hamad: The model of a military man
By Joanna Griffin

LONDON, November 11, Graphic News:  The ancient Sumerians believed that Bahrain was an island paradise that offered eternal life to the wise and good. Well, not quite -- but most would agree that life has improved, if not always consistently, under its King Hamad bin Isa al Khalifa.

Sheikh Hamad, whose family has ruled the kingdom since 1783, has introduced far-reaching political reforms since taking over in 1999, including the introduction of parliamentary elections. It was he who spurred Bahrain to become a constitutional monarchy in 1992, and he has also introduced votes for women.

Nevertheless, critics point out that the regal grip on the island -- a haven for Western tourists due to its idyllic setting and liberal values -- has been maintained at the expense of ordinary people: the monarchy owns a third of the land in Bahrain, pushing up prices in a nation with high unemployment. The king has also battled to meet competing demands from reform-minded groups and traditionalists. 

At first glance Sheikh Hamad has the background and tastes of a quintessential Gulf royal. He was born in 1950 and educated at a public school in England before attending a military academy there and in the United States. After Bahrain gained independence from Britain, he became its first defence minister. He also presided over the development of the tiny National Guard into a professional force.

He has retained his passion for the military, but also enjoys traditional ruling class pastimes such as falconry and golf, as well as horse and camel riding. He and his wife have four children.

Critics claim that Sheikh Hamad, a Sunni Muslim, has kept Shi'ites out of key positions and a shadow still lingers over his presumed involvement in the brutal suppression of mainly Shi'ite anti-government protests in 1994. 
/ENDS