Bondy’s goals as U.S. ambassador to
Bahrain include, first and foremost, the safety and security of the
approximately 10,000 Americans who live and work there, including a
large U.S. military presence. Additionally, Bondy will work to continue
strengthening relations between Bahrain and Israel after the 2020
Abraham Accords agreement, which normalized relations between the two
countries, and relations between the United Arab Emirates and Israel.
He also will focus on advancing human rights and political
participation in Bahrain, particularly in light of the upcoming 2022
parliamentary elections. “We approach this work from a position of
humility,” Bondy said. “We aren’t preaching; we are looking to have open
and honest exchanges on these important matters.”
The couple plans to spend weekends and down time from work
interacting with embassy staff, members of the U.S. expatriate and
military community, and Bahrainis. (Meghan is a business development
manager with a financial technology company, focusing on European-based
partnerships.)
“What I have missed the most since my last tenure in Bahrain are the
people,” Bondy said. “They are so warm and welcoming. Every positive
interaction that a Bahraini has with an American — whether it’s me or
the American family who lives in their neighborhood — further
strengthens our countries’ friendship.”
For those UD students itching to follow Bondy’s path, stay tuned,
because Bondy said he would like to see current embassy internship
opportunities expanded. He said he also plans to learn more about a
program that sends Bahraini students to UD.
For those students who don’t have their career plans neatly lined up
yet, he offered this advice: “First, rely on your advisers, like I did
with Drs. Miller and Soles. If you don’t feel like the relationship is
working, go get another adviser. But, whatever you do, don’t go it
alone. Secondly, don’t ever forget that you are at a stellar
institution. Take advantage of everything that the University of
Delaware has to offer. My start at UD is what led me to this life of
adventure in the public service. It’s the thrill of a lifetime to be in
the position that I’m in now.”
Article by Margo McDonough; photos courtesy of Steven Bondy
Published Feb. 9, 2022