In 1997 I visited the tiny island state of Bahrain on a return trip from Bali to my then home in Iran. At the same time in neighboring Saudi-Arabia, morality police was still enforcing the very strict Sunni Wahhabi style of Islam. For many Saudis the escape route from their home-grown Middle Ages was 15-mile King Fahd Causeway that has connected the two countries since 1987, only a few minutes’ drive from the Persian Gulf port of Dammam and about five hours from Riyadh. During my weekend visit to Bahrain, all pleasure places felt packed with Arabs drinking and indulging in other pleasures probably forbidden in their home country. I asked my Filipino barkeeper about life in Bahrain. His answer was quick: “This is basically a big bar for Saudi Arabia.” Much has been written about religious strife between Sunnis and Shia – here in Bahrain – it was pure cooperation withw mutual benefits. But what will happen to Bahrain when one insh Allah day, Saudis will be able to drink at home?