Bahrain: What's at stake for America

Washington - Bahrain - a small group of islands, where the hot political rhetoric meets the cold reality of the military.Regarding Washington is concerned, this small kingdom in the Persian Gulf where support for democracy in the Middle East died. The loss of American military power, which could accompany the overthrow of King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa is incalculable.Located between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, Bahrain 1.2 million people live. More importantly, is the home of SU Navy 's Fifth Fleet - an important tool in the Pentagon and in Afghanistan and Iraq. Navy fighters from aircraft carriers to support American troops in and around Afghanistan.The Navy is also a bulwark against a possible future of Iran's nuclear weapons, analysts note."It 's the most important strategic resource in the Persian Gulf," said Michael Rubin, a former resident in Bahrain and Middle East expert at the American Enterprise Institute.The safety of U.S. naval presence in Bahrain has been questioned during protests erupted this week there. Three people died and dozens were injured Thursday when security forces stormed a group of demonstrators. Witnesses described a show of brute force, with rubber bullets and police firing pellets and tear gas.