Bahrain’s anticipated appointment of a Jewish woman as ambassador to the United States (the first for an Arab country) is not a public relations stunt, a senior official tells the AFP – referring to the expected naming soon of Huda Nunu as the Gulf kingdom’s ambassador to Washington.

The official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said King Hamad informed US officials during a visit to Washington in March of Bahrain’s intention to name Nunu.

The Jewish population amounts to no more than 37 among a total of around 530,000 people.

“This move is not propaganda. It reflects a climate of tolerance towards minorities in Bahrain,” which is ruled by a Sunni dynasty and has a disgruntled Shiite majority.

Bahrain is the only Arab Gulf country to have a Jewish community. Their numbers are believed to have been higher at the turn of the 20th century, but dwindled following the creation of Israel in 1948.

Her forthcoming office assumes extra importance as Bahrain is a key US ally in the region, and is home to the US Navy’s Fifth Fleet. It also has a free trade agreement with Washington.

(Source: EJP / AFP)