Bahrain Expels U.S. Diplomat

Earlier this week, Bahrain, which has been criticized for its response to demonstrations during the Arab Spring, ordered the expulsion of U.S. diplomat Tom Malinowski after he dared to meet with an opposition political party. Ironically, Bahrain attempted to reaffirm its relationship with the U.S. at the same time, while the U.S. Department of State rebuked Bahrain's position and request.

This incident is an opportunity for the U.S. to reaffirm its commitments to human rights and the political process in all countries, even those that may be strategic or military allies. In agreement with the Washington Post editorial, failing to make policy positions clear could encourage other nations to challenge U.S. priorities. Otherwise, the U.S. should just as well and give up on the moral high ground that it sometimes claim to lead.