Link to this page: http://www.socialistparty.org.uk/issue/662/11423
From The Socialist newspaper, 16 March 2011
Saudi troops to suppress Bahrain protesters
TWO THOUSAND Saudi Arabian troops in armoured vehicles crossed over the border into Bahrain on 14 March in order to bolster the beleaguered Sunni ruling class. Bahrain's monarchy has seen its grip on the country severely weakened by large protests over the last two months mainly from its oppressed Shiite majority population but also involving poor Sunnis.
The United Arab Emirates has also sent 500 police to help save Bahrain's royal family.
On Sunday 13 March, thousands of Bahrainis, demanding democratic rights and social reforms, clashed with riot police in the capital Manama.
But while western governments have been quick and vocal in condemning the Gaddafi regime in Libya for using mercenary troops to suppress its country's opposition, in Bahrain's case the US administration could only muster a muffled, cautionary response. This is not surprising as the US has a major naval base in Bahrain which is situated across the Strait of Hormuz from Iran.
The Sunni dictatorship in Saudi Arabia had previously criticised the US's lack of support for the Egyptian dictator Hosni Mubarak, who was ousted by protests, strikes and an uprising by the Egyptian masses. Clearly the Saudi regime is deeply worried about its existence if the neighbouring Bahrain ruling class is overthrown by a similar popular uprising.
Indeed fear of such a popular movement has led the Saudi regime to spend some of its billions of oil wealth on a jobs programme, while also beefing up its police and other repressive agencies.
Why not click here to join the Socialist Party, or click here to donate to the Socialist Party.
In The Socialist 16 March 2011:
Anti-cuts campaign
Defend jobs and services: Protest 26 March
Building the battle against the cuts - now and beyond 26 March
Campaigning against all cuts and privatisation
Socialist Party news and analysis
Hutton's plans mean savage cuts - Fight to defend your pension!
Vote for a socialist alternative
Huge protests against job insecurity
The rich get richer - by another $1 trillion
Youth fight for jobs
March from Jarrow with Youth Fight for Jobs
For real jobs not exploitation
Socialist Party workplace news
Northern Ireland: Broad left gains in union elections
Privatisation threat to the blood service?
Defend jobs and education at Newcastle College
Action called off by Birmingham bin workers
Left victory in building workers' union
International socialist news and analysis
Japan: Tsunami results in misery for millions
Workers hit hard by earthquake and tsunami
Israel and the occupied Palestinian territories: "We'll struggle like in Egypt"
Tunisia: 'You come back - we come back'
Saudi troops to suppress Bahrain protesters
Socialist Party campaigns
Thousands protest against Lib Dems in Sheffield
Protester challenges Lib Dem MP to debate
Lively discussion at LGBT meeting
Leeds: Celebrating International Women's Day
Celebrate International Workers' Day in the Socialist with a May Day greeting
Home | The Socialist 16 March 2011 | Join the Socialist Party
Join us today!
Printable version
email to friend
