wave of change in the Arab world
The Bahraini monarch seeks help from its neighbors in the Persian Gulf to quell the protest - Iran says it will not be indifferent to the crackdown against Shiites
Troops Saudi Arabia yesterday crossed the bridge linking the country with the island-state of Bahrain, where protests against the ruling monarchy are becoming a civil disobedience movement. The measure, which the opposition parties called it an "occupation" internationalize risk what so far has been an internal conflict. Iran warned that it will not stand idly by the Saudi intervention. Amid the noise, went unnoticed by the opposition he met with Crown Prince to lay the foundations of the national dialogue. police cars blocked all exits from the highway towards the financial center of Manama and the Place de la Perla, where there have been strong anti . Within this scope, there is no trace of the security forces. The rebels, many with their faces covered, they have erected barricades to control who crosses and take care of keeping order. Bahrain has been divided in two. One month after its launch it is clear that most Shiite demonstrators are a community that accounts for two thirds of the population that complains of discrimination by the Sunni rulers. That dangerous
factor has been strengthened with the arrival of the Saudi soldiers, the bulk of a force of between 1,000 and 2,000 men, under the umbrella of the Council Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC). The decision underlines the fear of the leaders of that club of oil monarchies to instability in Bahrain opening up the penetration of its archrival Iran (a Shiite theocracy creed). Besides Saudi Arabia, the heavier partner, form the GCC UAE and Kuwait (which also have sent troops), Qatar, Oman and Bahrain. Both Saudi Arabia and Kuwait have significant Shia minorities.
"Saudi Arabia can not afford to drop the king of Bahrain, on Saturday claimed to this correspondent a former Saudi minister. The source showed yet convinced that the decision to send forces would only "as a last resort", if there was evidence of Iranian interference.
Just 48 hours later, Saudi troops have come to the island and even more rebellious spirits. Protesters converge every afternoon in the plaza of the Pearl to support the campers, they wanted to go against them. Only retreated when they learned that the military convoy was heading straight for Riffa, the town south of the capital where the royal family lives.
"Any force or military equipment to cross the borders of Bahrain, by land, sea or air, is an occupation and a plot against its inhabitants," said the statement released by the opposition parties. In his view, this step brings the country to the brink of war. However, for Sheikh Mahmoud Abdel Latif, head of the Association of National Unity, avoid the imposition of martial law. They have asked several deputies, according to which "the extremists are pushing the country into a sectarian conflict."
Iran was quick to clarify that lurks. His foreign minister said he hoped the Bahraini government respected the protesters and that his country will not stand idly by the Saudi efforts to "exterminate" the Shiites in Bahrain, according to the Iranian network Al Alam Arabic.
Last night, the soldiers were still stationed. Activists, meanwhile, were busy reinforcing the barricades on the main road and raise new ones, convinced that the arrival of the Saudis could only mean a new attack on the camp, such as that on February 17 killed four people, bringing to seven the death toll from the day 14.
The increased tension parallels the increasing radicalization of the protests. Compared to the initial petition for democratic reforms and a constitutional monarchy, some groups call for the overthrow of the monarchy, something feared by Sunnis.
"What more if the king has already agreed to all their demands?" Asks a resident of the Plaza de la Perla who makes camping in and out of home. On Sunday, Crown Prince Salman Al Khalifa promised to address all the demands of the opposition, including the transfer of legislative power to Parliament and reform of electoral districts (which discriminate against Shiites). The gesture was used by the opposition finally agreed to meet yesterday with Salman to lay the groundwork for a national dialogue. Third
regional force deployment
Troops sent to Bahrain for its partners in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are part of the Peninsula Shield force. It is a joint unit of the six members of that regional organization established in 1984 with the aim of "deter and respond to a possible military aggression" against any of them. In addition to Bahrain, the GCC members are Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Kuwait, Qatar and Oman.
Up now its troops had been deployed only in Kuwait. The first time in 1991 following the Iraqi invasion of the emirate, as part of (symbolic) of the U.S. led campaign to oust Saddam Hussein's soldiers. And again, in 2003, before the Anglo-American invasion of Iraq.
The Peninsula Shield is based in Saudi Arabia, King Khalid Military City in Hafar the Batin, near the borders of Iraq and Kuwait. Has infantry, artillery, armor and combat support elements from each of the member countries. Has between 7,000 and 10,000 men under the command of a Saudi general.
According to the rules set its creation, the forces sent to a member country to be passed under its authority. It is therefore up to Bahrain to decide the task will require. According to reports, Riyadh has sent a thousand soldiers and 500 police UAE. In a statement, the Manama Government says it has requested their assistance to "help protect the citizens and residents and critical infrastructure."
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