Bahrain’s consummate politician: Sheikh Khalifa’s lesson in long-term survival


In depth
Issue 1010 - 19 Feb 2016 | 7 minute read

Sheikh Khalifa Bin Salman Al-Khalifa rarely makes headlines beyond the Bahraini media, but the prime minister since 1970 (taking office nearly two years before formal independence in December 1971) always warrants attention, having proved to be a master in the game of political survival. The PM (second son of Sheikh Salman II, who ruled from 1942 to 1961) was the real force behind his brother’s throne until 1999, when Emir Sheikh Isa died. New ruler Sheikh (later King) Hamad Bin Isa stripped away some of his uncle’s powers, but Khalifa could not be dislodged.

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