This Tiny Gulf Kingdom Holds The Key To America's Control Of The Mideast

Robert Johnson

The tiny monarchy of Bahrain is struggling to hold on during a time of unrest and constant regional tensions. Thankfully, they've got some help.

Bahrain is home to America's 5th Fleet, which extends a decisive presence through the region.

Last fall I was invited to take part in international mine clearing exercises in the Arabian Gulf.

It was an opportunity to step inside a place full of contradictions, from luxurious developments built with oil money — to the squalor of immigrant workers who built them — to cordoned-off military zones.