Bahrain preference

"Bahrain's problem, as in Syria, is that other countries have their fingers in the pie. The initial uprising in 2011 was suppressed with military support from Gulf Arab monarchies (most notably Saudi Arabia); the US has its Fifth Fleet based there and views Bahrain as a bulwark against Iran; Britain has old historical ties and loves to do business there. Britain also has an ambassador who seems extraordinarily supportive of the regime." (thanks Amir)