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| Arabia |
| Saudis offer Bahrain rulers support against opposition |
| 2011-02-21 |
| [Jerusalem Post Front Page] Soddy Arabia on Sunday said it stands ready "with all its capabilities" to shore up Bahrain's ruling royal family if a standoff with the Shiite-led opposition is not resolved soon, underscoring the kingdom's deep concern about its neighbor's ongoing political crisis. Sunni-led Soddy Arabia props up Bahrain's al-Khalifa family with cash and has long sought to prevent the tiny Persian Gulf state - with its majority Shiite population - from falling into Iran's orbit. With dwindling oil resources, Bahrain relies heavily on Soddy Arabia for money and security. It was unclear whether the Saudi comments indicated that the country was contemplating possible action in Bahrain or were merely meant to express growing anxiety among Saudi leaders. But some regional experts have long warned that a concerted Shiite challenge to the monarchy in Bahrain might prompt intervention from Soddy Arabia, which has its own restive Shiite minority population. The two countries are connected by a causeway. The Saudi comments came as an uneasy calm prevailed in Bahrain's capital Sunday. Protesters pitched tents and held a peaceful demonstration at a central square as opposition leaders continued to rebuff the crown prince's invitation to engage in dialogue. The statements from Soddy Arabia, which had been largely silent on the crisis in Bahrain since protests erupted a week ago, were issued in quick succession. The official Saudi press agency reported that the kingdom was following developments in Bahrain "with concern" and that it hopes to see a "restoration of calm and stability" under Bahrain's "wise leadership." "The Kingdom of Soddy Arabia stands with all its capabilities behind the state and the brotherly people of Bahrain," the statement added. Shortly afterward, it was announced that Soddy Arabia's powerful minister of interior, Prince Nayef, had called Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa al-Khalifa to convey the same message. Kuwait's emir, Sheik Sabah Ahmed al-Sabah, also called the Bahraini king on Sunday and stressed that "the security of Bahrain is the security of the region," reflecting the growing anxiety among gulf monarchies that Bahrain's troubles could have a spillover effect. In Kuwait, protesters have already taken to the streets demanding more rights. Soddy Arabia's expression of concern came as Adm. Mike Mullen, chairman of the US Joint Chiefs of Staff, arrived in Riyadh for two days of consultations with the Saudi leadership, the first stop on a regional tour. The purpose of his mission is to "reassure, discuss and understand what is going on," Mullen told news hounds. Bahrain, in addition to its proximity to Soddy Arabia, hosts the US Navy's 5th Fleet, which has served as a hub for operations in Afghanistan and Iraq. In the Bahraini capital, the Pearl Square roundabout, which had been the site of vicious crackdowns against protesters, again had the feeling of a festival. Families set out picnics, vendors sold tea and pastries and a tight knot of traffic stopped up what is usually one of Manama's most congested areas. The only noticeable government presence was a string of coppers keeping watch over the area from a nearby highway. |
| Posted by:Fred |