US base attacks in Jordan and Bahrain expose regional power rivalries, proxy wars, and local grievances
Original framing: “US bases in Jordan, Bahrain reportedly targeted” — Middle East Eye
The establishment of U.S. bases in Jordan and Bahrain traces back to the 1950s Cold‑War strategy of containing Soviet influence, later repurposed to counter Iranian regional ambitions. This historical continuity has produced entrenched security architectures that perpetuate cycles of proxy violence, mirroring earlier patterns seen in Lebanon and Iraq where foreign bases became flashpoints for local resistance.
The attacks on U.S.
bases in Jordan and Bahrain are not isolated incidents but the visible tip of a deep‑rooted geopolitical knot involving historic Cold‑War legacies, contemporary proxy rivalries, and local grievances rooted in marginalisation and economic disparity. Indigenous knowledge, artistic expressions, and the trickster lens together reveal that the very structures meant to provide security also perpetuate insecurity, especially when community voices are excluded from decision‑making. A systemic response demands a regional security council that integrates local risk assessments, transparent accountability, and reparative economic policies, thereby transforming the base model from a symbol of external dominance into a platform for collaborative stability. By aligning the interests of host states, foreign powers, and marginalized communities, the proposed pathways can break the cycle of violence and foster a resilient, inclusive security architecture.