Activists Angry After Arab Students Visit Israel Embassy In Washington

August 8, 2008 7:39 p.m. EST

Manama, Bahrain (AHN) - Bahraini activists are upset with the United States after what they call unfair promoting of foreign interests as part of an international scholarship program for Arab students. The unrest comes after students from Gulf countries - Saudi Arabia, Bahrain, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar - paid a visit to the Israeli Embassy in Washington last week.

According to Israel-based Ynetnews, dozens of Arab students were part of the leadership program sponsored by the U.S. government. According to embassy spokesman Rafi Harpaz, the trip was "a unique opportunity to explain Israel's position first hand" to young Arabs.

Ibrahim Sharif, Secretary General of the National Democratic Action Society (NDAS), largest non-religious party in Bahrain, told AHN that "U.S. authorities are promoting policies of other states through these scholarships. They know that Bahrain has no diplomatic ties with Israel, yet they take advantage of young students with an aim to normalize ties with [Israel]."

Sharif called upon the Gulf governments to take a strong stance on the issue.

"We have good relations with U.S. and several students go to pursue higher studies. It is normal for them to learn and understand American culture, but taking them to the Israeli embassy is bad taste," he explained.

According to Bahrain's official Foreign Ministry policy on the Palestine situation and peace progress, Israel is responsible for the deteriorating and painful situation. Bahrain claims Israel's aggressive practices include assassination, the erection of a separation wall, attacking sites holy to Islam and imposing economic blockades on the Palestinian territories. Bahrain has been urging both sides to resume negotiations to finalize the restoration of all Palestinian rights through direct negotiations.