US touts Bahrain defense agreement as model for Middle East strategy

September 13, 2023 WASHINGTON — The United States on Wednesday signed an agreement with Bahrain that entails Washington’s support for the Gulf kingdom should it come under foreign attack. Bahrain's Crown Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, who is also the country's prime minister, and US Secretary of State Antony Blinken inked the agreement to expand the two countries’ defense and economic ties during a ceremony in Washington. Biden administration officials hope the deal will be the first in a series with Middle Eastern nations as the US seeks to maintain its influence in the region following major military withdrawals…